Unless you were born after 1997 (and or are not really into sneakers) then you really have no excuse not knowing the importance of Jordan’s 1-6 sporting Nike and Nike Air branding and just how important this news is. If you were however, born after that time period (and or aren’t really into sneakers or sneakers culture) let me explain. Michael Jordan signed to Nike in 1984 and of course his sneakers were NIKE AIR JORDAN’S. As years passed the Nike Air branding became an important part of the overall design
but as Jordan model designs evolved pass the 6 the Nike branding became non existent beginning with the Jordan 7 (which not only ditched the Nike branding but also visible air (which wouldn’t return until the Jordan 16)). Jordan Brand would go on to become a subsidiary under Nike and tried to distance itself in the consumers mind by opting for a Jumpman Air logo. Initially, when retro’s were issued by the brand there were select color way’s that received Nike Branding while other’s saw the Jumpman Air branding. This would eventually result in Jordan Brand ditching the Nike Air branding all together (after 2001) not to be seen again until the 2013 retro of the Jordan III 88. Between that time DeFY. New York started a YouTube petition and a BringBackNikeAirToJordanFacebookPage a petition that was supported by fellow news outlet and sneaker blog SNEAKERNEWS. While many in the community had become accustomed to the lack of Nike Air branding the overwhelming consensus was it was a big issue (in addition to quality and shape issues). When the Jordan III 88 returned with Nike Air branding it was a small victory in a decade + whining fest from purists to return Jordan retro’s to the masterpieces we all remembered them as. For 2015 into 2016 it appears that the whining and complaining has finally broken through beginning with the Maroon 6 complete with Nike Air branding which releases this weekend Dec 5 and with the white cement IV and Jordan V black/silver confirmed for 2016 (complete with Nike Air branding). But it doesn’t end there, there are talks that black cement IV’s and military blue IV’s will follow suit. If this is a sign of things to come then you have to finally tip your hat to Jordan Brand as they are finally embracing their roots; an important step in moving forward into the future. Check out fliks of these upcoming gems below and stay tuned for more info as it unfolds. Via NIKE.
