The rookie who preferred Adidas
Chapter 1

The rebellious rookie year

Chapter 2

The architect who saved the brand

Chapter 3

Pop culture and the Mars Blackmon effect

Chapter 4

The global sneakerhead phenomenon

YOUR GOAL

Master of How Air Jordans stepped off the court and rewrote global culture

Ch 1 · The rebellious rookie year
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nike The marketing myth of Michael Jordan's banned Nike shoes

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nike The Banned Air Jordan 1

They banned the boldest colors from the hardwood floor, But it only made the world want those sneakers more!

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Nike expected $3M in sales over four years. His shoes made $100M in year one.

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nike Michael Jordan preferred Adidas before signing his rookie contract with Nike

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Designing the wings logo

nike This red, black, and white high-top leather shoe shows a perforated toe box.

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The myth of the banned shoe

nike Red and black high-top sneakers rest on a polished hardwood basketball court

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* Banned Kicks Play (No)
    *   *Draft 13
BETA

nike Dodge the NBA fines to discover how the banned Air Jordan changed sneaker culture forever.

3h ago

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Fun Fact

Banned fine: Nike paid a $5,000 fine every time Michael Jordan wore his black-and-red sneakers on court, using the controversy to generate millions in free publicity.

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Glossary
banned (adjective)
Officially or legally prohibited from being used, done, or distributed. Nike marketed Michael Jordan's signature shoes in 1985 by highlighting that the NBA had banned them.

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Gossip

Which classic Air Jordan 1 colorway is the absolute best?

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Quiz

What was the annual value of Nike's historic 1984 contract with rookie Michael Jordan?

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nike Rookie Michael Jordan immediately dominated the NBA and the sneaker market.

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Quiz

Which Nike shoe model was actually banned by the NBA in 1984 for violating the uniform color rule?

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Quiz

Which colors made up the infamous 'banned' colorway of the first Jordan shoe?

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Quiz

In what year were the original Air Jordan 1 sneakers officially released to the public?

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Quiz

What was the original retail price of the Air Jordan 1 when it debuted in 1985?

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Quiz

Which brand did Michael Jordan originally hope to sign with before joining Nike in 1984?

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Quiz

How much revenue did the Air Jordan line generate in its first year, smashing Nike's expectations?

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Quiz

Where did Nike designer Peter Moore sketch the original Air Jordan Wings logo in 1984?

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