This edition of WISHFLIX is dedicated to Michael Jordan, the G.O.A.T. We broke down some classic game film to see if we can catch Mike wearing some of his legendary silhouettes from his championship seasons. Check out these classics, shop our Jordan selection & stay tuned for more info as we celebrate the “His Airness” this weekend with a special sale.
Air Jordan 5 (1990)
The first Jordan release of the 90’s did not disappoint! The AJ 5, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was a reference to WW2 fighter jets. This sneaker featured a ton of basketball firsts such as “icy” clear soles, lace locks, and 3M material to increase on court visibility as fans’ cameras flash. He actually didn’t win a championship this season. The Bulls were ousted by the “Bad Boy” Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jordan VI (1991)
The Jordan VI is the sneaker that “His Airness” claimed his first NBA Championship & NBA Finals MVP award in. The design here was based on functionality primarily, many changes on this shoe came from suggestions he had that related to wearability on the court. The tongue has two holes in it to he was able to get the shoe on easier, the first molded heel tab appeared on this sneaker to improve comfort around the achilles. The number 23 is actually designed into the side of the sneaker.
Jordan VII (1992)
The Jordan VII was inspired by an African Art piece that was promoting AfroPop music. Tinker saw a poster, it was an image of someone playing a guitar shaped like Africa. The colorways of the sneaker were based all on patterns from the poster. Unlike previous models, the AJ VII did away with the visible Air unit in the heel and “Nike Air” logo on the heel. Jordan also wore this sneaker during the ’92 Olympics as part of the “Dream Team”
Jordan VIII (1993)
This release was Jordan Brands first stab at independence, feeling as if Jordan Brand has become strong enough on its own they opted for this shoe to not feature a Nike sign. The sneakers most prominent features are the cross straps and huarache lining for more flexible security.
Jordan 11 (1995)
The AJ 11 was the second release upon Jordans return to the game after taking a break to try his hand at baseball after dominating the league and winning 3 consecutive NBA titles. This sneaker became Mike’s favorite silhouette, so much that he wore the “Concords” for the entire regular season in which the Bulls put together a remarkable 72-10 season. This was the first sneaker to feature patent leather on the court. He battled his way back to the top in the Bred 11’s to claim his 4th title, first since “retiring”
Jordan 12 (1996)
The Air Jordan XII was released when the Chicago Bulls were trying to win their second NBA title in a row for 2nd time during Jordan’s tenure.of another possible championship for the second time in a row. They were the first Air Jordan to feature Zoom Air technology. Competing with new looks like Foamposites & Shox technology, the idea for sneaker was to go “high fashion.” Tinker took inspiration from women’s high heels and the pattern of the upper is reminiscent of the Japanese Rising Sun Flag.
Jordan XIII (1997)
The Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker with the idea of a panther in mind. Mike’s nickname amongst others was “black cat” for how we anticipated and attacked like a panther. The sole resembled as panthers paw and the bubble is hologram that gives it a “cat eyed” expression.
Jordan XIV (1998)
This is the final sneaker Jordan wore in a Bulls jersey. The XIV was designed after the Ferrari that Jordan left the arena in after beating the Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. They were premiered in the NBA finals in 1998, where they battled the Jazz for a second consecutive year. The “Last Shot” became iconic because not only did it seal them the championship, but it was his last shot in a Bulls jersey culminating a legendary run.
