Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG (1984) ‘Chicago’ & ‘Bred’ Salesman Samples | Size 9

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). 

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.

In terms of the shoe itself, the original Air Jordan 1s were so popular and successful that Nike continued to make new signature Air Jordans each season. This tradition continued beyond Michael’s retirement, and Nike is currently on the Air Jordan 36. From the day it launched, Air Jordans have always represented the pinnacle of sneaker design. The shoes are unmatched when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, materials, innovation, performance, and of course style. 

These sneakers in many ways represent the genesis of the retail success of the Air Jordan 1. Incredibly rare, these salesman samples from 1984 would have been used by a Nike representative to sell retailers on the sneakers and the Jordan Brand. Retail Air Jordan 1s are notably dated to 1985.

The coding on the inside of both shoes states “841201-TYSS.” “84” represents the year of manufacture, “TYSS” stands for “Tong Yang” (the factory in which it was produced) and “SS” for Salesman Sample.