Assignment 4B for CS403-04 Christian Boucher
Air Jordran Retro's 1-23
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Air Jordan(s), also known simply as Jordans, are a brand of shoes and
athletic apparel produced by Nike originally designed for and endorsed by
NBA Hall of Famer and Six Time NBA Champion Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan
line is now sold by the Jordan Brand subsidiary of Nike. Air Jordans were
first released in 1985, with new designs released annually. The many
styles and color schemes offered for the Air Jordan brand over the years
have spurred a large secondary collectors market. Shoe collectors are
known to buy, sell, and trade Air Jordans.
Todays Air Jordans continue to build on the franchises rich history of
innovative design and uncompromising performance. Inspired by the greatest
to ever play the game, the franchise continues to lead and shape the
athletic footwear industry into the future. As Michaels legend continues
to grow, his legacy in the Air Jordan franchise lives on.
In this webpage I am going to bring you on a timeline to the past from
when the first Air Jordan shoe came out to when the last did. I will also
give you some information about every Air Jordan that has come out. Enjoy!
The Air Jordan I 
pair of sneakers was considered a breakthrough in
basketball shoe design and colorways. First came out in the '84-85 season.
The Air Jordan I is similar to the Nike Dunk and the Air Force 1 shoe in appearance. On October 18th, the NBA
banned the Air Jordan I from being worn in the league. However, Jordan
still wore the shoe and was fined $5,000 a game because the sneakers color
was too vibrant for shoe regulations. In the Air Jordan II, Jordan made
his first All-Star game appearance and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
As of 2011, the Air Jordan I has been the most reproduced Air Jordan with
over 96 colorways.
The Air Jordan II was released during the 86-87 season. The shoe was
completely leather and made by a master of shoemakers over in Italy. In
Jordans year with Air Jordan II he began to breakthrough. He returned to
the All-Star game, along with winning his first Slam Dunk Contest. He also
earned himself his first scoring title, averaging 37.1 points per game.
The Air Jordan III was designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1988 and was a big
time innovation to the previous Air Jordans. It featured visible air unit
on the heel, the new Jumpman logo, an elephant print trim, and tumble
leather for a luxury look. MJ stole the show this season by snagging his
first NBA MVP award, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and another Slam
Dunk trophy. The Air Jordan III is said to be MJs favorite shoes and in
many polls the Air Jordan III finishes as the greatest sneaker of all
time. Right now a pair of AJ3s can be found selling for over $300 on
various sites.
The Air Jordan IV was first released in 1989 and designed once again by
Tinker Hatfield. The AJ4 was custom made for fluidity, rhythm, and grace,
by adding breathable mesh inserts, super-steady stabilization straps and
ultra-cushioned soles. These Jordans were the first Jordan shoe released
on the global market, soon making it an international bestseller. The AJ4s
were on Jordans feet when he made The Shot in game 5 of the 1989 NBA First
Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Air Jordan V was released in the 89-90 season again being designed by
Tinker Hatfield. These Jordans were prepared with fit-enhancing lace
locks, a reflective tongue, and clear rubber outsoles. Hatfields design
inspiration came from the World War II Mustang Fighter planes, with the
shark teeth design on the midsole. In the Air Jordan Vs MJ scored a career
high 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers and also won his fourth
scoring title with an average of 33.6 points per game. The AJ5s are
considered to have the best structure and design to wear during basketball
games and has sold the most pairs of shoes from the Air Jordan line.
The Air Jordan VI came out in the 90-91 season, again being designed by
Tinker Hatfield. With the AJ6s, Hatfield designed the back heel tab after
Michael Jordans slant-nosed Porsche. In these shoes Jordan finally break
through and won his first NBA championship, beating Magic Johnsons LA
Lakers. Along with the NBA Championship, MJ also won his fifth scoring
title, his second league MVP award, another NBA All-Star placing, and was
awarded the Finals MVP.
Assignment 4A
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Christian Boucher
