Evolution of Nike’s Air Jordan Shoe Series: 1984-2013
Shoes were just shoes for the first 80 some odd years of the 20th century. Then in the mid-80's, Nike released a pair of shoes featuring a certain ex-Tarheel...
As legend has it, the legendary sneaker series almost never lifted off. Soon after Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan I, the NBA stepped in and banned the shoe because they featured "non-regulation" colors. Suffice it to say, Jordan didn't listen and thusly, the great basketball shoe boom began.
Below is a look at each and every pair of Air Jordan shoes released by Nike, a total of 26 in all (not counting variations). Next to each pair is Nike's motto for the shoe and the year in which they debuted.
Air Jordan I
- "Notorious" - 1984-85
Air Jordan II
- "Italian Stalion" - 1987
Air Jordan III
- "Gotta Be the Shoes" - 1988
Air Jordan IV
- "Taking Flight" - 1989
Air Jordan V
- "The Fighter" - 1990
Air Jordan VI
- "Promised Land" - 1991
Air Jordan VII
- "Pure Gold" - 1992
Air Jordan VIII
- "Strap In" - 1993
Air Jordan IX
- "Perfect Harmony" - 1994
Air Jordan X
- "The Legacy Continues" - 1995
Air Jordan XI
- "Class Act" - 1996
Air Jordan XII
- "The Dynasty Continues" - 1997
Air Jordan XIII
- "Black Cat Pounces" - 1998
Air Jordan XIV
- "Race Ready" - 1999
Air Jordan XV
- "Speed of Sound" - 2000
Air Jordan XVI
- "Marching On" - 2001
Air Jordan XVII
- "Jazzed Up" - 2002
Air Jordan XVIII
- "Last Dance" - 2003
Air Jordan XIX
- "Full Flex" - 2004
Air Jordan XX
- "Living Greatness" - 2005
Air Jordan XX1
- "Performance Luxury DNA" - 2006
Air Jordan XX2
- "Hit the Afterburners" - 2007
Air Jordan XX3
- "The Number of Greatness" - 2008
Air Jordan 2009
- "Beyond" - 2009
Air Jordan 2010
- "Full Speed Ahead" - 2010
Air Jordan 2011
- 2011
Air Jordan 2012 - "Choose Your Flight"
Air Jordan XX8 - "Dare to Fly"
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jbmm161 | Apr 12, 2011 | Reply
Man those shoes got ugly over the years.
Melissa | Dec 6, 2012 | Reply
I am loving the Nike Jordans, my husband says if he and his kids can’t wear Jordans then it don’t make sense :) he has always worn them and now he even has me crazy about them and I’m a more flipflop/ sandal type girl. Also would love 2 know and see more of the jordan sneaker boots, especially love a cute pink and white pair my sis in law has a picture of. Keep bring the hot styles.
Fabfive24 | Apr 8, 2013 | Reply
I love the Jordans Phat low the most. Got 6 of them. The hightops is not my thing.
kolluctemall | Apr 27, 2013 | Reply
Extremely helpful page… trying to figure this out in a store is impossible. thank you!