Michael Jordan's success on the basketball court helped to cement the Air Jordan brand's place in pop culture. His on-court performance, combined with the iconic design of the sneakers, made Jordans the must-have shoe for basketball fans and sneakerheads alike.
In fact, the Jordan 1's secret sauce was very simple: they were made for consumers who may or may not love basketball (who may or may not even play sports) and from any walk of life. And it's this accessibility—which became the 35-model-strong shoe brand Air Jordan—has made the shoe even more legendary today.
Jordan's athletic prowess is clearly a major factor in the shoe's enduring reputation. "Jordan's cultural cachet continues to increase even beyond his playing years," says Drew Haines, merchandising director of sneakers and collectibles at StockX, the online marketplace and resale site for streetwear and sneakers.
In the four decades since its debut, the Air Jordan has continued to thrive: Jordan Brand, now a subsidiary of Nike, earned more than $5 billion in sales in 2022.
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How Long Do Jordans Last? Similar to Air Max sneakers, Air Jordans can last around 7-10 years in storage. Occasionally wearing them can increase this time period. Conversely, wearing them daily can accelerate their deterioration.
As high-quality shoes, they provide great comfort and support, unlike other products in the market. As such, people can wear them for a long time without having any discomfort.
That's because when you wear them, you move in them. The natural movement of your foot bends your shoe, causing it to crease over time. If your shoe didn't move with your foot, you'd be pretty uncomfortable. The movement causes the material in the shoe to compress, which can cause an unsightly crease or wrinkle.
So why are they popular again now? Their flat-soled, high-top shape lend a retro appeal that feels especially cool right now, but more importantly, the brand has been releasing updated Air Jordan 1's in fresh new color options—and fashion girls have been all over them.
Nike had intended the market to be African American teens but in the hype, the Jordans became desired by people of all ages, race and class.
Many things can get in the way of obtaining a pair of Air Jordans, with high demand, scalping, bots, and supply-chain shortages being just a few. Though it can be frustrating, and at times nearly impossible, to get a pair of Jordans when they're first introduced or restocked, there are tools that can help.
Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s from “The Last Dance” season were expected to sell for $2 million to $4 million. A pair of Michael Jordan's shoes have become the most valuable sneakers ever to be sold at auction.
Released in 1985, the original Air Jordan was priced at $65, according to Foot Locker. This sneaker was originally banned by the NBA for not meeting its policy on uniforms and colors. However, Nike opted to capitalize on the marketing opportunity and paid Jordan's fine, which was $5,000 per game.
Vintage Original Air Jordan 1 Colorways and Collectibility
The resale value for an original pair of Air Jordan 1s from 1985 can range anywhere from $3,500 to over $25,000, depending on size, condition and colorway.
To prevent your shoes from creasing, you have to walk properly. Avoid walking on toes because this causes creasing. Toe walking is where you walk on the balls of your feet rather than your heels touching the floor or the ground. You may walk on heels to avoid your shoes creasing.
Air Jordans are unique for their immense popularity and staying power even after all these years—which is why they're a long-term investment as worthy as Hermes Birkins and Rolex watches. A pair of Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan in 1985 went up for sale at Sotheby's last week and fetched half a million dollars.
From their bold looks to their flawless leather, they are worth the price. The various styles they come in are like no other sneakers you've seen, and the collaborations they do with famous brands are unbeatable. Not only are they stylish, but they are also great quality.
This is down to the material used to make the soles and uppers of the sneaker. That's why you're more likely to see a pair of original Air Max 1s or Nike Air Jordan 3s or 4s crumbling at the slightest touch, while a well-kept Air Jordan 1 could still be worn (sparingly) today.
The Air Jordan 1 isn't the most comfortable sneaker in my collection… but it's fine to wear as a day-to-day shoe. You can wear them all-day without any issues but you can definitely buy more comfortable trainers.
To keep them in top shape, aim to clean your shoes every two weeks or whenever they start to look dirty.
Michael Jordan set a number of records throughout his career. Now his sneakers have, too. A pair of the basketball legend's Air Jordan 13s hammered down for $2.2 million at Sotheby's on Tuesday to become the most expensive sneakers to ever have sold.