Innumerable factors have contributed to Air Jordan 1’s status as a legendary sneaker model. The retro Bulls-inspired hue of the first pair to drop in what would become the most sought-after shoe series ever also generated a lot of buzz. The sneaker’s mix of athletic endorsement, legacy, and wearability have made it a classic among basketball fans and sneakerheads. After making a comeback in 2013, the Air Jordan Mid OG “Chicago” is again in the spotlight in the summer of 2015. In honour of Jordan Brand’s 30th anniversary, the company has reissued the shoe in its original, superior form this year. Since the Air Jordan 1 just came out this past weekend, we thought it would be a good time to tell you things you should know about them.
Despite its popularity, the Air Jordan 1 Retro Mid “Chicago” has only been released four times.
The Air Jordan Mid “Chicago” is returning to stores this year for the fourth time. The shoes debuted in 1985 and were retroed for the first time in 1994. This pair was built a bit differently, featuring a Jumpman logo on the tongue and the back of the heel. Jordan Brand is turning 30 this year, so their annual design takes a throwback to their classic look to celebrate. The 2013 edition is the only one without the Jumpman logo, which debuted in 1988.
For 2015, the “Chicago” colourway of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High was unavailable from the manufacturer.
In the initial 1985 release, they were sold without laces. The 2015 edition, like the original, will be sold without laces and come in a throwback box. Although this may seem minor to others, those passionate about sneakers will enjoy the special touch. The shoes include three sets of laces (red, black, and white) so the user can mix and match them to suit their taste.
The creator of Adidas’s “Three Bars” logo was also responsible for the iconic Air Jordan 1 logo.
As much acclaim as Tinker Hatfield has earned for his collaboration with Michael Jordan on the Air Jordan 3 and beyond, the original Jordan’s designer, Peter Moore, should be given due recognition. Moore, who has worked in the sportswear sector for more than 30 years, has held positions as Creative Director at Nike Inc. and Adidas America, Inc. During the mid-1980s, Moore was in charge of the Air Jordan idea at Nike before he departed to found Sports Inc., a marketing firm, in Portland.
On a flight from Portland to Chicago, a napkin was used to sketch the iconic ball-and-wings logo.
After seeing a little boy wearing a set of imitation pilot wings given to him by the airline, Nike Creative Director Peter Moore sketched the ball-and-wings graphic for the Air Jordan 1 on a napkin. This hit home and gave rise to the concept of linking Mike’s superhuman basketball prowess with the ability to fly.
Upon its first release, the Air Jordan 1 became an instant classic among skateboarders.
After the NBA outlawed the “Breds,” the Air Jordan 1 became synonymous with defiance and rebellion. Because of the shoe’s low price and counterculture vibe, it immediately became popular among skateboarders. Skaters adopted the shoes’ protective vamp, sole cushioning, and ankle support from their hardwood counterparts and applied them to the board. The canvas construction of most skate shoes at the time was not as sturdy as these leather skate shoes because of the reinforced leather sections.
Initially, Michael Jordan was not a fan of the Air Jordan 1.
Michael Jordan famously refused to wear prototypes of his distinctive Nike sneaker because of his first reaction. Those are the hues of the devil. The ex-UNC athlete wasn’t referring to the devil when he made his remark; he was only referencing the uniform of his archrivals from NC State.
