Definitive Guide to the History of Air Jordan Shoes by Year

Air Jordan 1 (1985)

The Birth of a Legend:

• Creator: Legendary NBA icon Michael Jordan
• Designer: Peter Moore
• Inspiration: "Banned" by the NBA for violating their uniform policy
• Key Features: High-top silhouette, Nike Air technology, signature colorway (Chicago Bulls' red, white, and black)
• Sales: Over 3 million pairs sold in the first year

Air Jordan 2 (1986)

Evolution with Italian Flair:

• Designer: Bruce Kilgore, with input from Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Designed with Italian craftsmanship and luxury in mind
• Key Features: Lizard-like textured leather, adjustable heel strap, foam cushioning
• Sales: Sold out quickly despite a higher price point

Air Jordan 3 (1988)

The Jumpman Era:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's dunk from the free-throw line in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
• Key Features: Iconic "Jumpman" logo, visible Air unit in the heel, tumbled leather construction
• Sales: Record-breaking sales, establishing the Jordan brand as a global powerhouse

Air Jordan 4 (1989)

Flight and Comfort:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Flight and military aircraft
• Key Features: Mesh panels for breathability, nubuck leather for durability, lace loops inspired by fighter jet wings
• Sales: One of the most popular Jordan models, with numerous retro releases

Air Jordan 5 (1990)

Inspired by Fighter Jets:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: The lines and angles of fighter jets
• Key Features: Reflective tongue, translucent outsole, shark tooth design on the midsole
• Sales: Sold out within minutes of its release, becoming one of the most sought-after sneakers

Air Jordan 6 (1991)

A Championship Shoe:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls
• Key Features: Solid rubber outsole with traction pods, molded ankle collar, lace locks
• Sales: Helped solidify the Jordan brand's dominance in the sneaker market

Air Jordan 7 (1992)

Second Championship Success:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's second consecutive NBA championship with the Bulls
• Key Features: Hexagonal pattern on the midsole, perforated leather upper, ankle strap
• Sales: Another best-seller, helping to fuel the Jordan craze

Air Jordan 8 (1993)

High Fashion and Innovation:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Cross-training and high fashion
• Key Features: Mid-top silhouette, neoprene bootie, asymmetrical lacing system
• Sales: Mixed reviews due to its unconventional design

Air Jordan 9 (1994)

Retrospective Elegance:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Past Jordan models and vintage basketball uniforms
• Key Features: Soft leather upper, gum rubber outsole, lace toggles
• Sales: Praised for its classic design and comfort

Air Jordan 10 (1995)

Tribute to a Champion:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's third NBA championship with the Bulls
• Key Features: Full-length Air unit, rubber outsole with herringbone pattern, leather upper with stitched accents
• Sales: Released shortly after Jordan's retirement, it became a highly sought-after collectible

Air Jordan 11 (1996)

Iconic Performance:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's return to the NBA and the Bulls' fourth championship
• Key Features: Patent leather upper, carbon fiber shank plate, Air cushioning in the forefoot and heel
• Sales: One of the most iconic and popular Jordan models, with countless retro releases and collaborations

Air Jordan 12 (1997)

International Appeal:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Rising global popularity of the Jordan brand
• Key Features: Foam cushioning, rubber outsole with a circular pattern, leather upper with stitched accents
• Sales: Gained popularity in Europe and Asia, helping to cement the Jordan brand's international status

Air Jordan 13 (1998)

Advanced Technology:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Technological advancements in footwear
• Key Features: Full-length Zoom Air unit, carbon fiber plate, unique holographic eyestay
• Sales: Praised for its performance and innovation, becoming a favorite among professional basketball players

Air Jordan 14 (1999)

Luxury and Style:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's retirement and pursuit of golf
• Key Features: Italian leather upper, spikeless sole, Zoom Air cushioning
• Sales: Targeted at a more luxury-oriented audience, it was less popular than previous models

Air Jordan 15 (2000)

Return to Roots:

• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's comeback to the NBA and the Bulls' sixth championship
• Key Features: Hybrid design combining elements from previous Jordan models, full-length Zoom Air unit
• Sales: Sold out upon its release, marking the return of the Jordan brand to its former glory

Air Jordan 16 (2001)

Innovation and Experimentation:

• Designer: Wilson Smith
• Inspiration: Advanced materials and construction techniques
• Key Features: Shrouded lacing system, translucent upper, Phylon midsole
• Sales: Mixed reactions due to its unconventional design and lack of Air cushioning

Air Jordan 17 (2002)

Low and Sleek:

• Designer: Wilson Smith
• Inspiration: Low-top basketball sneakers
• Key Features: Suede and mesh upper, lightweight midsole, visible Air unit in the heel
• Sales: Sold well due to its comfortable design and affordable price

Air Jordan 18 (2003)

Tribute to a Star:

• Designer: Jason Mayden
• Inspiration: Michael Jordan's legacy and impact on basketball
• Key Features: Premium leather upper, patent leather accents, Air cushioning in the heel
• Sales: Praised for its luxurious materials and attention to detail

Air Jordan 19 (2004)

High Performance and Style:

• Designer: Josh Heard
• Inspiration: The latest advancements in footwear technology
• Key Features: Climacool ventilation system, foam cushioning, carbon fiber shank plate
• Sales: Gained popularity among both professional athletes and sneaker enthusiasts

Air Jordan 20 (2005)

Anniversary Celebration:

• Designer: Tate Kuerbis
• Inspiration: The 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan brand
• Key Features: Retro design elements, full-length Air unit, laser-etched upper
• Sales: Highly anticipated and collectible due to its historical significance

Air Jordan 21 (2006)

Futuristic and Bold:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: Innovation and the future of footwear
• Key Features: Wave-like design, translucent materials, Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot
• Sales: Mixed reactions due to its unconventional appearance

Air Jordan 22 (2007)

Return to Classic Roots:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: Vintage Jordan models and modern materials
• Key Features: Traditional high-top silhouette, leather upper, Jumpman branding
• Sales: Praised for its blend of nostalgia and contemporary style

Air Jordan 23 (2008)

Legacy and Innovation:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: The legacy of Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand
• Key Features: Hybrid design, full-length Air unit, laser-etched graphics
• Sales: High demand due to its combination of history and modern technology

Air Jordan 2009 (2009)

New Era and Technology:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: The beginning of a new decade and advancements in footwear
• Key Features: Flywire technology, Air cushioning, lightweight materials
• Sales: Gained popularity among performance-oriented athletes and sneaker collectors

Air Jordan 2010 (2010)

Year of the Rabbit:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: The Chinese Zodiac's Year of the Rabbit
• Key Features: Unique graphic design, breathable mesh upper, Zoom Air cushioning
• Sales: High demand due to its limited availability and cultural significance

Air Jordan 2011 (2011)

Innovation and Performance:

• Designer: Mark Smith
• Inspiration: Advanced footwear technology and performance
• Key Features: Flyweave technology, Lunarlon cushioning, carbon fiber shank plate
• Sales: Praised for its comfort and innovative design

Air Jordan 2012 (2012)

**Homage to