Michael Jordan’s name is synonymous with basketball greatness, and for good reason.
But did you know that he also had a huge influence on the sneaker industry? His rookie year in the NBA saw him wearing the Nike Air Ship, a sneaker that has become a classic of style and design.
In this article, we’ll explore the story of the Air Ship and the impact it had on the sneaker industry.
We’ll also look at the Nike Air Ship’s continued legacy and its retro appeal.
Read on to discover the story of the Air Ship and the legendary athlete that helped make it famous.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Michael Jordan wore the Nike Air Ship in his rookie year.
The Nike Air Ship was the first shoe that Jordan wore in the NBA.
It was released in 1984, the same year that Jordan was drafted into the league.
It was well known for its red and black colorway, which was later referred to as the “Banned” colorway.
Michael Jordans Early Career
Michael Jordan began his NBA career in 1984 when he was selected third overall in the draft.
During his rookie year, he wore the Nike Air Ship a white and red shoe with a black Nike Swoosh which was the predecessor to the iconic Air Jordan shoe.
The Air Ship was an instant hit with fans and helped to launch Jordan’s long career with Nike.
Jordan’s rookie season was a success, as he averaged 28.2 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
He earned the NBA Rookie of the Year award and was selected to the All-Star team.
His play helped the Bulls make the playoffs, where they faced the mighty Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Jordan scored 63 points in the fifth and deciding game, a record for a rookie in the playoffs.
The Air Ship was a fitting shoe for his first season in the NBA.
Not only did it feature the signature Nike Swoosh, but it was also lightweight and comfortable, allowing Jordan to move quickly and with ease on the court.
The shoe was an instant hit with fans, and the Air Jordan brand was born.
Today, the Air Ship is still a sought-after, retro sneaker, and it has become a symbol of Jordan’s rookie season.
The shoe is a reminder of the start of Jordan’s amazing career, and it serves as a reminder of his incomparable skill and determination.
The Nike Air Ship Sneaker
The Nike Air Ship was Michael Jordans first signature sneaker and the predecessor to the iconic Air Jordan I.
It was a white and red shoe with a black Nike Swoosh, released in 1984 when Jordan was drafted third overall in the NBA draft.
This sneaker was an instant hit with fans and it helped to launch Jordans long career with Nike.
The Air Ship was designed with the same silhouette as the Air Jordan I, but it featured a few key differences.
The Air Ship was made with a canvas upper and included a velcro strap across the midfoot.
The rubber outsole featured a herringbone traction pattern, providing superior grip on the court.
The Air Ship also featured a padded ankle collar for added comfort and a pull tab on the heel for easy on and off.
The Air Ship was the perfect introduction to the Jordan Brand.
Its simple and classic design made it a timeless addition to Michael Jordans legendary career.
While the Air Ship may not be as popular as the Air Jordan I, it still holds a special place in sneaker history and is a sought-after retro sneaker.
Iconic Design Features of the Air Ship
The Nike Air Ship was designed to be the predecessor to the iconic Air Jordan shoe.
It featured a white and red colorway with a black Nike Swoosh, similar to the Air Jordan I.
It was designed with a mid-top silhouette, with a high-top ankle cut providing extra support for Jordans feet on the court.
It also featured a unique lacing system with a series of eyelets and loops to provide a secure fit, as well as a padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
The shoe was made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials, making it lightweight and breathable.
The sole of the shoe was made with a durable rubber, providing traction and stability on the court.
All these features made the Air Ship an instant hit with fans and helped to launch Jordan’s long career with Nike.
Jordans Impact on the Air Ships Popularity
The Nike Air Ship was a popular shoe before Michael Jordan even stepped onto the court, but his influence on the shoe and its subsequent success cannot be understated.
The Air Ship was already a popular sneaker when Jordan was drafted, but it wasn’t until he began wearing them during his rookie year that the shoe really took off.
Fans were drawn to the shoe’s unique red and white color scheme, and the black Nike Swoosh only added to its appeal.
Jordan’s on-court success only served to further increase the shoe’s popularity, as fans wanted to emulate their favorite player.
Jordan’s impact on the Air Ship was so great that the shoe eventually became known as the Air Jordan I, a tribute to the basketball legend.
Today, the Air Ship is still a sought-after, retro sneaker.
It remains a popular choice for those looking to add a piece of basketball history to their collection.
Its timeless style and iconic colorway have stood the test of time, and its connection to Michael Jordan only makes it more desirable.
There is no doubt that the Air Ship played an important role in launching Jordan’s career with Nike, and it will continue to be remembered as one of the most iconic sneakers of all time.
Nike Air Ships Continued Legacy
The Nike Air Ship continues to be a sought-after sneaker, even decades after its introduction.
It is remembered for its classic styling, and for being the predecessor to the iconic Air Jordan line of shoes.
The Air Ship featured a white and red color scheme, with a bold black Nike Swoosh.
It was instantly popular with fans, and helped to launch Michael Jordan’s long career with Nike.
The Air Ship was released in 1984, the same year that Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls.
It was the first shoe to feature the now-iconic Jumpman logo, and it was the first sneaker to use the combination of air and foam cushioning, which is still used in Nike shoes today.
The Air Ship was also the first shoe to feature the now-ubiquitous winged basketball logo.
Today, the Air Ship is still a popular retro sneaker.
It has been re-released in various colorways over the years, and is still beloved by sneakerheads and basketball fans alike.
It is a reminder of the greatness of Michael Jordan, and the legacy that he left behind.
With its classic style and iconic design, the Nike Air Ship will continue to be a classic for years to come.
Retro Appeal of the Air Ship
The Nike Air Ship, worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie year, is a sought-after retro sneaker that has maintained its iconic status after more than three decades.
The classic white and red shoe with a black Nike Swoosh is a timeless classic that is still a popular choice for sneakerheads and basketball fans alike.
The Air Ship was an instant hit when it was released in 1984, with its bold design and classic colorway capturing the attention of fans and players alike.
The shoes were a perfect fit for Jordan’s game, as they featured a high ankle support, a lightweight design, and a stable platform that provided him with the agility and control he needed on the court.
The Air Ship was also a major part of Jordan’s marketing success, as it helped to launch his long career with Nike.
The shoes became an iconic symbol of Jordan’s success and helped to create an entire new market for sports shoes.
Today, the Air Ship is still a highly sought-after item, with those who are lucky enough to find a pair often paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for them.
The Air Ship has also become a symbol of nostalgia, with many people looking back fondly on the classic silhouette and its place in the history of basketball.
While the shoes may not be as popular as the iconic Air Jordan I, they still hold a special place in the hearts of basketball fans who remember them from Jordan’s rookie year.
Michael Jordans Continuing Legacy
Michael Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time continues to this day.
He is a cultural icon and has become an inspiration to millions of people around the world.
His influence has transcended the basketball court and his name is now synonymous with success and hard work.
But before he was the face of the NBA, he was just a rookie with a dream.
Jordan’s rookie year not only marked the start of an illustrious career, but it also marked the debut of the iconic Nike Air Jordan shoes.
The Air Jordan I was first released in 1984 and was an instant hit with fans.
The shoes were a white and red design with a black Nike Swoosh and instantly became a favorite among basketball fans.
The success of the Air Jordan I was unprecedented and helped to launch Jordan’s long relationship with Nike.
The shoes were so popular that they spawned an entire line of Air Jordan’s that are still popular today.
The Air Ship, which was the predecessor to the Air Jordan I, is now a sought-after retro sneaker and is still popular among fans of the game.
Jordan’s success and popularity have helped to create a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people to this day.
His influence on the game of basketball and culture cannot be understated.
He has become the gold standard of basketball and will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
Final Thoughts
Michael Jordan’s rookie year in the NBA was the start of a legendary career that would forever change the landscape of basketball.
His signature shoe, the Nike Air Ship, was the predecessor of the iconic Air Jordan I and quickly gained popularity with fans.
Its iconic design features, retro appeal, and ongoing legacy continue to make it one of the most sought-after sneakers today.
With the Air Ship, Michael Jordan’s impact is still seen in the sneaker world today, making it a fascinating part of his continuing legacy.
Now that you know the answer to the question, why not grab a pair of Air Ships to celebrate the greatness of Michael Jordan for yourself?