Celebrating 30 Years of Air Jordans

I couldn’t tell you exactly which iteration of Air Jordans was my first pair, other than I was in elementary school and the shoes cost north of $100. This was some 20-plus years ago, and it was pretty much the only thing I got for Christmas that year. Which was fine, because those Jordans were the only thing I wanted for Christmas that year. So, thanks, mom and dad.

Flash forward to today, which marks the 30-year anniversary to the day when His Airness first released his signature shoe. In the three decades since, not only have sales amassed nearly $3 billion, but a pair of shoes has forever cemented its status as a cultural icon.

ESPN’s Scoop Jackson has a great piece on the cultural impact of the Jordan brand beyond basketball, and it’s worth a read.

I’ve had a few experiences,” newest Jordan Brand member LaMarcus Aldridge said. “Growing up in my neighborhood, [Jordans] were kind of like the Holy Grail. I couldn’t afford them. So just being able to work and save up the money to actually buy them was huge.”

Indeed, kids today still await each new release, and pro ballers never officially “arrive” until they get their own shoe deal. Hell, even the Jordan crying meme has become the Holy Grail of memes.

So, here’s to another 30 years of the one and only Jumpman logo. And here is a pretty cool montage of the evolution of Air Jordans:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBssEf9A0Bo/