Posted July 24, 2023
Sneakerheads unite as we take on a trip down memory lane at some of the greatest times that MJ wore some of his signature Jordan shoes on the court. When we often think ofMichael Jordan, we think about his biting on-court play that has stood the test of time. From being coined as one of the best rookies to have ever graced our hardwoods to winning 6 NBA championships at theChicago Bulls, there is something in common with every heritage-defining moment... what MJ wears on his feet.
Now, atCrep, we know there have been countless head-turning moments throughout his 13-season reign at the Bulls, but we have handpicked our favourite on-court sneaker moments - just for that extra slice of nostalgia!
1. Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ High OG (1985 )
It would be a crime not to start our Jordan line-up with the shoe that started it all. TheJordan 1was first sighted on courts as early as 1984, as young rookieMichael Jordanprepared to faceJulius Ervingand thePhiladelphia 76ers. Upon his arrival was the first time we had witnessed the‘Chicago’colourway, one that landed in a crisp leather upper, dipped in titular shades of white, red, and black - as the ultimate homage to the Chicago Bulls.Peter Moorewas the mastermind behind this extroverted basketball shoe, which happened to land on our shelves in 1985, and retailed at a hefty price tag (at the time) of $65.
Find out everything you need to know about the Jordan 1 High ‘OG Chicago’ here
2. Air Jordan 3 ‘White Cement’ (1988 Slam Dunk Contest)
One of the most memorable moments etched in the Jordan history books was the1988 Slam Dunk ContestwhereMichael Jordanwas seen wearing the AirJordan 3 ‘White Cement’. Surpassing his rivalDominique Wilkinswith 4 out of 6 perfect scores of 50, the fit boasted a new look and welcomed young designer at the time,Tinker Hatfield, to create an all-new feel to the lauded basketball line.
This basketball shoe also prevented Michael Jordan’s near departure fromNike. TheAir Jordan 3was an evident stray from its early predecessors, full-grain tumbled leather, elephant-printed laterals, and Nike-stamped heels all featured for a court-defining finish. The silhouette was also the first to feature the iconic ‘Jumpman’ logo.
You can keep those full-grain leather Jordan 3’s pristine with our Crep Protect Cure kit.
3. Jordan 6 ‘ Black Infrared’ (1991 NBA Champion Win Against The LA Lakers)
Arguably a time inMichael Jordan’scareer when he became the greatest of all time. Securing his first NBA Eastern Conference Championship against theLA Lakersand his second MVP award, while on his feet, a pair ofJordan 6 ‘Infrared Black’aided his seminal court play.
For this one,Tinker Hatfieldtook an unconventional route of design; angular panelling made up the leather upper, 23 branded accents nodded toMJ’srenowned team number and this silhouette was also the last model to feature the Nike Air branding.
4. Jordan 2, 1986 (Short-lived But Sharp)
Taking on a more sophisticated route of design, theJordan 2was first seen onMJ’sfeet during the 1986 game hosted inMadison Square Garden, where Jordan secured 50 points against theNew York Knicks, leading the Chicago Bulls to game victory. However, due to a foot injury during his second season with theBulls,Jordanonly played in 2’s for a short-lived 18 games.
Peter MooreandBruce Kilgore’sultimate vision for this design was to create a basketball shoe that was equally stylish as it was functional on the courts. With uppers comprising of Italian leather, complimented with faux leather skin and a Swooshless sidewall, which retailed at a stealthy price of $100, $25 greater than itsJordan 1predecessor.
Give those Italian leathers a touch-up with our Crep Protect wipes
5. Jordan 4, ‘Fire Red’, 1989 (The Inglewood Defeat)
Following the success of theJordan 3’s, the4’sjoined MJ in another perennial moment in his career - theNBA All-Star gamewhich took place in February 1989 in Houston. However, theJordan 4 ‘Fire Red’colourway first dominated our courts a month later (March 21st, 1989) in Inglewood, with theBullstaking the mere victory by 1 point. In terms of design, Hatfield traded in the elephant printed overlays for a lightweight and synthetic leather makeup. Plastic-coated mesh offered breathability to the sidewalls and triangular winged accents acted as lace eyelets. The newly crafted midsole now boasted a visible Air cushioning for seamless transitions on the court. TheJordan 4was featured in many lucrative endorsem*nts, one being featured in Spike Lee’s seminal 1989 film‘Do The Right Thing’.
6.Jordan 11 ‘Concords’, 1995 (A MJ favourite)
It has been no secret that theJordan 11is one of Michael Jordan’s favourite silhouettes to date. Providing us with an on-foot preview as early as the 1995 Conference Finals against theOrlando Magic, before the 1995-1996 season started. Alike many renowned Jordan 11 iterations (Space Jam 11s,True RedsandCool Grey), theJordan 11 ‘Concords’stood out for its glossy patent design,ballistic mesh and carbon fibre torsional plate underfoot. The fits translucent midsole with a purple tint, also made it one of the most definitive features from its lineage.
What is your favourite Jordan on-court moment of all time?Let us know in the comments
Also don’t forget to check out our top drops of 2023 so far.
