The Evolution of Air Jordans: A Timeline of Iconic Footwear

Since their debut in 1985, Air Jordan sneakers have become an iconic symbol of basketball culture and fashion. Over the years, the brand has released a wide range of models, each with its own unique design and features. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the history of Air Jordans, exploring the evolution of the shoe by year.

1985: The Birth of a Legend

The first Air Jordan shoe, the Air Jordan 1, was released in 1985. Designed by Peter Moore, the shoe featured a unique high-top silhouette and a distinctive color scheme that included varsity red and black. The shoe was an instant hit, and it quickly became one of the most popular basketball sneakers on the market.

1986: The Air Jordan 2 Arrives

The Air Jordan 2 was released in 1986, and it featured a more streamlined design than its predecessor. The shoe was made with premium leather, and it had a more luxurious feel. The Air Jordan 2 was also the first Air Jordan shoe to feature the iconic "Jumpman" logo on the tongue.

1987: The Air Jordan 3 Introduces Iconic Elements

The Air Jordan 3, released in 1987, is widely considered to be one of the most iconic Air Jordan models ever released. The shoe featured a number of innovative design elements, including the visible Air unit in the heel, the elephant print on the toe, and the "Cement" pattern on the side panels. The Air Jordan 3 was also the first Air Jordan shoe to be designed by Tinker Hatfield.

1988: The Air Jordan 4 Introduces Flight Technology

The Air Jordan 4, released in 1988, was another groundbreaking model. The shoe featured a new Flight technology system that provided improved cushioning and support. The Air Jordan 4 also had a unique design that included a lace lock on the tongue and a rubberized toe cap.

1989: The Air Jordan 5 Debuts with Unique Design

The Air Jordan 5, released in 1989, featured a unique design that included a lace lock on the tongue and a rubberized toe cap. The shoe also featured a reflective material on the heel, which gave it a distinctive look.

1990: The Air Jordan 6 Introduces Infrared Technology

The Air Jordan 6, released in 1990, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Infrared technology. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 6 was also the last Air Jordan shoe to be designed by Tinker Hatfield before he left Nike to join Adidas.

1991: The Air Jordan 7 Debuts with Adjustable Fit

The Air Jordan 7, released in 1991, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature an adjustable fit. The shoe had a new lacing system that allowed wearers to customize the fit of the shoe. The Air Jordan 7 also featured a new design that included a neoprene upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1992: The Air Jordan 8 Introduces Lace Locks

The Air Jordan 8, released in 1992, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature lace locks. These locks helped to keep the laces in place, and they also gave the shoe a unique look. The Air Jordan 8 also featured a new design that included a cross strap on the upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1993: The Air Jordan 9 Debuts with HUARACHE Technology

The Air Jordan 9, released in 1993, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature HUARACHE technology. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 9 also featured a new design that included a neoprene upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1994: The Air Jordan 10 Introduces Zoom Air Technology

The Air Jordan 10, released in 1994, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Zoom Air technology. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 10 also featured a new design that included a neoprene upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1995: The Air Jordan 11 Debuts with Carbon Fiber Technology

The Air Jordan 11, released in 1995, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature carbon fiber technology. This technology provided improved support and stability, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 11 also featured a new design that included a patent leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1996: The Air Jordan 12 Introduces Zoom Air Cushioning

The Air Jordan 12, released in 1996, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Zoom Air cushioning. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 12 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1997: The Air Jordan 13 Debuts with Hyperposite Technology

The Air Jordan 13, released in 1997, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Hyperposite technology. This technology provided improved support and durability, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 13 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1998: The Air Jordan 14 Introduces Injected Phylon Foam

The Air Jordan 14, released in 1998, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature injected Phylon foam. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 14 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

1999: The Air Jordan 15 Debuts with Comfort Technology

The Air Jordan 15, released in 1999, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature comfort technology. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 15 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2000: The Air Jordan 16 Introduces Elastic Straps

The Air Jordan 16, released in 2000, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature elastic straps. These straps provided improved support and stability, and they also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 16 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2001: The Air Jordan 17 Debuts with Cup Sole Technology

The Air Jordan 17, released in 2001, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature cup sole technology. This technology provided improved support and durability, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 17 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2002: The Air Jordan 18 Introduces Air Unlocked Technology

The Air Jordan 18, released in 2002, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Air Unlocked technology. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 18 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2003: The Air Jordan 19 Debuts with Visible Nike Air Unit

The Air Jordan 19, released in 2003, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature a visible Nike Air unit. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 19 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2004: The Air Jordan 20 Introduces Innovative Lacing System

The Air Jordan 20, released in 2004, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature an innovative lacing system. This system provided improved support and stability, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 20 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2005: The Air Jordan 21 Debuts with Fusion Plate Technology

The Air Jordan 21, released in 2005, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Fusion Plate technology. This technology provided improved support and durability, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 21 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

2006: The Air Jordan 22 Introduces Compression Phylon

The Air Jordan 22, released in 2006, was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Compression Phylon. This technology provided improved cushioning and support, and it also gave the shoe a distinctive look. The Air Jordan 22 also featured a new design that included a leather upper and a molded rubber midsole.

**2007: The Air Jordan 2