Nike

The Nike “Air Jordan” is one of the most iconic designs in the history of both streetwear and basketball, and is a key part of the origin of the Air Jordan brand for Nike. Designed by Peter Moore, Michael Jordan wore Air Jordan 1s in 1984 and 1985, as well as modified versions in 1986 (after a broken foot Michael endured). These specific shoes are the iconic ‘Bred’ colorway, and were famously featured in the Air Jordan 1 “banned” commercial. 

In 1984, Nike gave Michael Jordan his own signature line of shoes and clothes, which was pivotal in Michael agreeing to sign with Nike. It was the first time the brand did anything like this, and it paved the way for many of the player collaborations we now see. The term “Air Jordan” was coined by Michael Jordan’s agent David Falk. David apparently came up with the name because Nike shoes had air in the soles and because, of course, Michael Jordan played basketball in the air.

This pair in many ways represents the genesis of the retail success of the Air Jordan I. Incredibly rare, this salesman sample from 1984 would have been used by a Nike representative to sell retailers on the sneakers and the Jordan Brand. Retail Air Jordan Is are notably dated to 1985. This pair states on the interior coding, “841201-TYSS.” “84” represents the year of manufacture, and “TYSS” stands for “Tong Yang” (the factory in which it was produced) and “SS” for Salesman Sample. 

By the time Michael Jordan retired he was a 2 time Olympic Gold Medal winner, 6 time NBA champion, a 6 time NBA Finals MVP, a 5 time NBA Most Valuable Player, a 14 time All-Star, a 3 time NBA All-Star Game MVP, a 10 time scoring champion, and a 2 time Slam Dunk Contest Champion. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, among the highest civilian awards in the United States.

This item is final sale and not eligible for return.