1984 Michael Jordan Player Sample Prototype Banned Nike ‘Air Jordan’ Black & Red 1 Shoes

The Genesis of a Legend: Michael Jordan’s Prototype Air Jordan Sneakers

A Revolutionary Partnership

In the annals of sports history, few partnerships have been as transformative as that between Michael Jordan and Nike. In 1984, Nike took a bold gamble on a young rookie from North Carolina, a decision that would forever alter the landscape of sports marketing. As Michael Jordan embarked on his rookie year, he was courted by major brands like Adidas and Converse. However, it was Nike’s visionary approach that captivated Jordan, offering him not just a shoe line but a platform to become a standalone star.

The result was the creation of the iconic Air Jordan line, a brand that transcended basketball to become a cultural phenomenon. The Air Jordan I, designed in the Chicago Bulls’ colorway, defied NBA regulations, which required shoes to be 51% white. Nike embraced this defiance, paying the fines imposed by the NBA and using it as a marketing strategy with the “Banned” advertisement campaign.

The Birth of a Brand

The sneakers offered here are not just shoes; they are the very foundation of the Jordan brand. Predating the famous ‘Jumpman’ and ‘wings’ logos, these prototypes are simply marked ‘Air Jordan’. The left shoe is a size 13, and the right is a size 13.5, custom-made to fit Jordan’s unique requirements. The promo-code inside the heel of the left shoe reads ‘13 BH-101684-A-TY’, while the right reads ‘131/2 BH-101684-A-TY’. The outside of each heel is stamped ‘AIR JORDAN’ in black, with ‘NIKE’ and the Swoosh logo adorning the tongues.

• Historical Significance: These sneakers represent the inception of the Air Jordan brand, a pivotal moment in sports and fashion history.
• Unique Design: Custom-made to Michael Jordan’s specifications, showcasing his influence on the design process.
• Cultural Impact: The Air Jordan line revolutionized the sneaker industry and remains a symbol of style and athletic excellence.

A Rare Opportunity

Accompanied by a letter from the consignor, these sneakers have a unique provenance. The letter states, “This pair of Air Jordan prototype samples were gifted to me from my college basketball coach in Portland, OR, late in 1984. They were given to him directly from NIKE, for allowing NIKE’s Jordan shoe creator team to test out different styles of Jordan shoes on some of his athletes. They have been properly kept and stored for 40 years, and have never been displayed.”

This extraordinary pair of sneakers is now available for auction, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of history. As the global sneaker market is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2026, the significance of these shoes cannot be overstated. They are a testament to Michael Jordan’s enduring legacy and the revolutionary impact of the Air Jordan brand.

For those interested in exploring more basketball memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of sports memorabilia that captures the essence of athletic excellence. Whether you wish to consign sports memorabilia or sell game-worn items, our platform provides unparalleled opportunities to engage with the world of sports history.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.