“Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work”. Michael Jordan said these words back when he was playing for the Bulls. But he didn’t just say this, he proved to the world how true it is. Happy Birthday GOAT. As we celebrate MJ’s birthday, it’s only fitting to reflect on his incredible legacy. Jordan’s 15-year NBA career is packed with so many accolades that reading through his Wikipedia page alone could take at least five minutes. 

But today, instead of listing every award and record, let’s pay tribute in a different way. By looking back at the Air Jordan models he wore throughout his legendary career. From Air Jordan 1 to the iconic Air Jordan 14, we aim to give you a glimpse of the signature kicks that helped define MJ’s time in the NBA.

Jordan joined the Bulls in 1984 as the third overall draft pick. Before that, he was just another young talent chasing a dream. The moment he entered the league, he made sure the world knew his name and his brand. That’s when fans saw the first Air Jordan.

Nike designed the Air Jordan 1 exclusively for him on November 17, 1984. The shoe hit the public market on April 1, 1985. And the the logo, famously known as the “Jumpman” came from a Jacobus Rentmeester photograph, taken before Jordan played for Team USA in the 1984 Olympics.

Now let’s talk about every Air Jordan shoe that he wore during his career till 1998. So buckle up.

Air Jordan 1

Michael Jordan made the Air Jordan 1 iconic, especially in its Black/Red colorway. He famously wore it during the 1985 NBA Dunk Contest. At the time, NBA rules required sneakers to be 51% white. but funnily enough, Nike designed the Air Jordan 1 in Bulls’ red and black with only 23% white. The league fined Jordan $5,000(at that time) per game, but Nike gladly paid. They turned the controversy into gold with the legendary “Banned” advertisement.

Air Jordan 2

Despite the Air Jordan 1 Royal’s massive success, Jordan never wore it in an NBA game except during the 1985 Dunk Contest. After that, Nike introduced the Air Jordan 2 in 1986 for the new season. It became the first Jordan sneaker without a Nike swoosh on the upper. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 2 for just 18 games in the 1986–87 season before a broken foot sidelined him. Over the years, the Jordan 2 Retro saw multiple re-releases, keeping its legacy alive.

Air Jordan 3

The first two Air Jordan models made an impact, but something was missing, a signature logo that truly defined the man behind the brand. The Air Jordan 3, released in 1988, introduced the iconic Jumpman logo, replacing the previous Air Jordan Wings design. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 3 while winning his first NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1988. He also sported the White/Cement Air Jordan 3 during his legendary performance in the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Since then, the Air Jordan 3 has become a must-have for sneakerheads worldwide.

Air Jordan 4

Nike released the Air Jordan 4 in December 1988, and it was the first global launch of an Air Jordan sneaker. The shoe debuted in four colorways. Jordan made history wearing the Air Jordan 4 when he hit “The Shot”. His legendary series-winning jumper against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 1989 NBA First Round. And since then this sneaker cemented its place in basketball history and remains a fan favorite.

Air Jordan 5

Nike released the Air Jordan 5 in February 1990, drawing inspiration from the WWII P-51 Mustang fighter jet. Michael Jordan wore this model during the end of the 1989-90 NBA season, including the 1990 NBA All-Star Game. The Air Jordan 5 introduced several iconic design elements such as a reflective tongue with a protruding shape. And translucent rubber soles for a sleek look and lace locks for extra stability.

Air Jordan 6

In 1991, Nike and Michael Jordan introduced the Air Jordan 6. It was inspired by the sleek design of the Porsche 911. Jordan wore the “Infrared” colorway during the NBA Finals against the LA Lakers and led the Bulls to their first-ever championship. This sneaker marked another milestone in his legendary career, becoming a symbol of MJ’s first NBA title.

Air Jordan 7

Nike released the Air Jordan 7 in 1992, the same year Michael Jordan dominated both the NBA and the Olympics. This was the first Air Jordan without visible Nike Air branding, except on the in-soles. Jordan wore the AJ 7 during the 1992 NBA Playoffs, leading the Bulls to their second consecutive championship. He also sported them on the international stage, representing Team USA’s “Dream Team” at the 1992 Summer Olympics. And secured Olympic gold further solidifying his global legacy.

Air Jordan 8

Nike released the Air Jordan 8 for the 1992–93 NBA season, and Michael Jordan made history wearing them. He laced up the AJ 8 during the 1993 NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Finals, leading the Bulls to their third consecutive championship. Just like the previous two years, Jordan claimed Finals MVP honors. The Air Jordan 8 stood out with its full-length air sole, polyurethane midsole, and polycarbonate shank plate. And it’s signature crossover straps made it one of the most unique designs in the series.

Air Jordan 9

The Air Jordan 9 Came on the market in 1993, marking the first model launched after Michael Jordan’s first retirement. Although he never wore them on an NBA court, their design took inspiration from the baseball cleats he sported while playing minor-league baseball. Years later, Jordan laced them up during his comeback with the Washington Wizards. The Air Jordan 9 became iconic as the shoe featured on Michael Jordan’s statue in Chicago.

Air Jordan 10

Nike designed the Air Jordan 10 during Michael Jordan’s baseball stint, never expecting him to return to the NBA. But MJ had other plans. When he made his legendary comeback in 1995, he stepped onto the court wearing the “Shadow” Air Jordan 10. It featured gray suede, black leather, and a checker-patterned liner. The outsole was all about all of his accomplishments before his first retirement. It was like a tribute snicker to his greatness.

Air Jordan 11

The Air Jordan 11, released in 1995, became one of the most iconic sneakers in MJ’s legacy. Fresh off his NBA return, Jordan laced up the patent leather-designed Air Jordan XI and led the Bulls to a 72-10 season. It was a record at the time. He wore the ‘Columbia XI” in the 1996 NBA All-Star Game, and won MVP honors. Jordan closed the season in style, securing his fourth championship while rocking the legendary “Concord” and “Bred” colorways.

Air Jordan 12

Released in November 1996, the Air Jordan 12 debuted during MJ’s relentless pursuit of another title. Jordan wore the White/Varsity and Red-Black colorway throughout the 1996-97 season, including the playoffs and NBA Finals. But its most famous moment was the “Flu Game”. In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan, battling illness, made 38 points while wearing the Black/Red Air Jordon 12.

Air Jordan 13

The Air Jordan 13 debuted in November 1997, as MJ set his sights on his sixth NBA title.

Inspired by a black panther, the shoe featured a holographic eye, sleek curves, and unmatched traction. Jordan wore the Black/True Red colorway during the 1998 NBA Finals. You will be shocked to know that in 2023, his game-worn Air Jordan 13s from the 1997-98 season sold for $2.2 million. It made them the most valuable sneakers ever sold.

Air Jordan 14

Inspired by MJ’s Ferrari 550 M, the Air Jordan 14 debuted in October 1998 with a sleek, aerodynamic design. The black and red colorway is also known as “The Last Shot,”. This shoe gained huge status when Jordan sank the game-winning shot over Bryon Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. That moment sealed his sixth championship and marked his final game with the Chicago Bulls.

This was the last shoe from the Jordan series that he wore on the NBA court, making it a symbol of the perfect ending to a legendary career- at least, until his return.