The mid-80s was the most remarkable time for the sports shoe. Far from being used just for sport, it became the perfect shoe to achieve a look urban casual where comfort prevailed over everything. During those years – and although it may be hard to believe -, Nike was just a sneaker firm specializing in the runningbut in 1984 Michael Jordan changed that perspective by signing an exclusive contract. The player rookie of the Chicago Bulls threatened to become one of the best in history (and so it was), and the American firm did not hesitate to pay more than $250,000-something excessive for someone with so little travel in his career. From their union the Air Jordan model was bornThe first of its kind, a red, white and black boot – the official colours of his team – soon revolutionised street style, marking a before and after in that generation. After the success and reception of Netflix’s new documentary about the player’s life, “The Last Dance”, Air Jordan is once again the order of the day -if it ever stopped being so-.
With an annual turnover of more than 125 million dollars, Nike decided to introduce a new model every season: at that time the sports shoe was already part of the urban culture. The Air Jordan went from being a sneakers The new album has been designed by Virgil Abloh with his signature Off-White, by Travis Scott with his record label Cactus Jack or the recently released version with the maison French Dior.
Michael Jordan at a Chicago Bulls game with the Air Jordan 11 Retro ‘Concord’ (Photo: Gtres)
Some sneakers that fit everything (and not just Michael Jordan’s foot)
The street has spoken, and over the years it has shown that this design that was born to succeed on the court is the best ally for a casual and groundbreaking style. With thousands of versions in different colours, characters such as Kendall Jenner or Billie Eilish have shown us -with such a waste of personal style- that this sport fits everything.
Kylie Jenner’s favorite model
Of course (duh) Kylie Jenner’s Air Jordan sneaker collection is worth admiring. Over the years she has collected the most exclusive models in the range, with the Dior edition, the recent collaboration with Off-White and the one designed by her former partner Travis Scott being the most highly valued in the second-hand market.
The new generation of “celeb-fluencers” is coming up strong
With style is born it is not doneand the baby Famous RRSS celebrities show that they have style in their DNA by wearing this type of footwear in a “mini” version. Chiara Ferragni’s son Leo or Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi have proved to be fans of Air Jordans with these styles.
Designs that could create need
We don’t know if it’s necessity or pure greed, but the truth is that this Spring-Summer 2020 Nike has launched versions that are so striking and cool that they become a must. Whether it’s to combine with a minidress, or to mark a Kendall Jenner with a overall look black, these choices could become your next obsession.
– Air Jordan 1 Mid SE, 120 euros.
A new and colorful version of an icon. The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE offers the unmistakable style and attitude of the original AJ1’s with a revamped fit for greater versatility.
– Air Jordan 4 Retro, 190 euros.
The Women’s Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoe offers reactive cushioning with Air-Sole units in the heel and forefoot for ideal street comfort. Leather upper provides a premium look that’s full of classic style.
– Air Jordan 1 Mid SE, 130 euros.
The AJ1 shoes take flight again with a renewed medium profile design. The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE features premium grain and suede leather, plus unmatched Nike Air cushioning and traditional details inspired by the originals.
– Air Jordan 2 Retro, 190 euros.
With a bold design inspired by MJ’s best rivals, the Women’s Air Jordan 2 Retro reinvents the original 86 model. Its elegant top uses a combination of fabrics and leathers that contrast to offer an exclusive look.
Photos | Gtres, Nike, Instagram @chiaraferragni, @kyliejenner, @madisonbeer, @devonleecarlson, @mvb, @chloemonchamp, @alexisren, @billieeilish
