History

• Following a decline in the sales of its running shoes in the early 1980s, Nike approached Michael Jordan to endorse a line of basketball shoes in 1984. The Air Jordan 1 was produced and marketed in 1985.
  
  

Rules

• The first red and black design of the Jordan shoe was banned by the ruling American basketball authority, the NBA, as it contravened color rules.
  
  

Logo

• The first two versions of Jordan shoes did not carry the Jumpman logo commonly associated with the brand. The logo was introduced following Jordan's victory at the 1986-7 slam dunk contest.
  
  

Design

• Following a lack of interest in the first two designs of the Jordan shoe, Nike allowed Michael Jordan the opportunity of helping design the third version of the shoe.
  
  

Ownership

• Jordan shoes are now a separate brand from its parent Nike. In 1997 Jordan shoes stopped bearing the Nike logo or name.