Air Jordans — the Industry's Gamechanger
In 1984, Nike unveiled its partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan: a red and black shoe called the “Air Jordan.” Compared to the standard all white basketball shoes of the time, Air Jordans made an instant impact. The shoes were banned by the NBA due to their color, but Nike paid the $5,000 fine each game so that Jordan would continue to wear them. This only boosted the profile of the Air Jordans, making them all the more desirable to sneakerheads and sports enthusiasts alike.