Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is right around the corner, and you are sure to find a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on many college athletes.  Before we start with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a few years, talk about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but one which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make great shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all started with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were good enough or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson designed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he almost signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the first 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most incredible shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a few of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The first pair of Jordan’s made their debut in March of 1985.  The first and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I remember the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I needed these shoes.  Somehow after much persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Although they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them today.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I remember first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  While Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” were dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike think of everything.   Some people waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes were released.  Us?  Well, we just waited long enough for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most successful shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most beautiful shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Remember, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the shoes?

Just like the web, everything deserves a 2.0.  Looking for something that will help you feel lighter after the heavy holiday feast-ivities?  Your search has ended here.  Check out the shoes of the day; the new Adidas Originals – Jeremy Scott  JS Wings 2.0 Leather shoes.   A few months ago, these kicks were released from the coop.   Now, why didn’t Nike think of this for the Air Jordan?  Perhaps the drawing is stuck in a sketchbook entitled “shoes that Michael will never approve.”

image courtesy of hypebeast.com

Nike sells Air, and Red Bull may give you wings, but these shoes might give you both.  You can find out more here.

Wow.  Wings.  White. Word…2.0!

Below are our top 10 best shoe pictures!

Best Trail Running Shoes: This is a picture from one of shoes of the day’s good friends Matt G, runner and outdoor extraordinaire!

Best On-The-Court Shoes: The New Air Jordan 1 Alpha shoes that will release in early 2010. Worn by Dwyane Wade.

Best Business Shoes:  In the Business category, it’s hard to beat Google’s Co-Founder Sergey Brin sporting the Vibram Five Fingers.

Dancing Shoes: John Fluevog best picture of a shoe integrated with a dancing cartoon.  John’s site has some hot shoes, you should probably check it out. (disclaimer: shoes of the day has no affiliation with Mr. Fluevog.  We think he’s got some unique kicks are fun to look at.)

*Image Courtesy Fluevog Shoes

Tribute Shoes: Michael Jackson’s Moonwalking shoes Selling for $33,343 Here

Graduation Shoes: Chuck Taylor’s all lined up. Here

Best Shoe Lighting Display: Lights on the Chucks!  See them Here.

Greenest Background shoes: Feeling Green?  Me too! Here

Best Wedding Shoes: Time to tie the knot?  Here

Enjoy Every Minute Shoes: They “Grow Up Too Fast.” Here

Submit your shoes or shoe photos by contacting us at: reviews |at| shoesoftheday |dot| com

Is it the really the shoes?  According to Mickael Pietrus, the point guard for the Orlando Magic, he thinks so.  Until the 2009 NBA playoffs, Pietrus has been lacing-up the new Kobe Bryant endorsed “Nike Hyperdunk” sneakers.  Now he is leaving the hyperdunks at home.  So, what shoes did he choose for the playoffs?  He has been wearing a pair of Air Jordan‘s.  Perhaps the Magic will need the all the Air Jordan karma they can muster to win the next 3 games in a row.  Otherwise, it looks like Kobe will get his title.  Now in the off-season,  the only place we may see Kobe’s shoes   will be collecting dust in Mickael’s closet or jumping over expensive automobiles.

*Image courtesy sports.yahoo.com

For the next game, we recommend that Pietrus wear the “Nike – Air Believe“shoes – we think these are his only chance.  Do you believe the Magic can pull it off?

Kobe’s: 3 Jordan’s: 1

LeBron stepped out on the hardwood in his new shoes yesterday, the new Nike Zoom LeBron 5. Get this; the shoes feature a map of the city of Akron, Ohio on the sole and the inside of the tongue — just in case you need a second reference point. The legend? Well, you will find the legend in the next pair of Air Jordans. You will now need both pairs to effectively navigate the city of Akron. It’s brilliant Nike!

I remember getting “mixed-up-3rd-trailer-on-the-left-far-see-done-gone-too-far” directions in the south, man if only I had a pair of shoes with a map! For the asking retail price I could have a fabulous Rand Mcnally atlas, with more cities than Akron, and roughly 9 pairs of Starburys. They must really be pressing for additional features to move these expensive shoes, which were just conveniently lowered in price. Oh, don’t cry for me Akron-tina, he will be okay – he still has his 7 year, 90 million dollar endorsement.

What’s next the LeBron 6: a laces-view camera with social networking capabilities and a High School diploma? Now you can see his fancy footwork at each game and conveniently share your homework with all your friends.

The shoes hit store shelves November 15 at a cost of $140 a pair. A black and red pair goes on sale December 13. Personally, I would rather have 10 pairs of Starburys than one pair of these. What about a white pair? Sorry, I couldn’t resist. The shoes of the day: Nike Zoom LeBron 5

So in case you are lost in Akron, OH just take off your shoes, they will help you find your way home. Nike, please sell them with a compass too — a moral compass.

Trick: I cant really do any. Here is some candy kid, now off you go. Go and get the mystery grab bag at the neighbors house. By the way, nice costume and nice shoes.

Treat: Spend $15 on basketball shoes that normally retail between $100 to 200. Okay, do a trick because I dont believe you.

Right, I too remember when Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing all tried to sell cheap shoes to the masses – yeah, that went over like a pregnant pole-vaulter. I bet you, like me are just dying to get you hands on a pair of vintage Olajuwons! Then there is the behemoth Shaquille O’Neal, who sells his shoes at Payless for $25 — and well, they haven’t sold like Hanna Montana tickets either. But for Mr. Stephon Marbury, the two-time All-Star, and fifth-highest-paid player in the league, is successfully selling his “starbury” for a measly $14.98. Yes that is in US dollars, not in Pounds, Pesos, Yen or Canadian. That is because he actually wears his shoes at every game. People are lining up by the thousands to purchase these shoes. Finally, basketball shoes that you wont need a second mortgage for: The shoes of the day the Starbury II.

Check this diagram out:

Think of how many lives will now be saved — nobody’s going to shoot anybody for basketball shoes that cost $15! You can buy them here.

Thanks Stephon, and well done effectively marketing to the masses.
I may just pass out these shoes next Halloween.