Air Jordan is Nike's basketball sneaker line created for Michael Jordan, a U.S. player for the Chicago Bulls, with the first model, the Air Jordan 1, released in April 1985 after Jordan first wore it in an NBA game in November 1984. The line became a cornerstone of sneaker culture and expanded into a long-running series of signature models, retro reissues, and collaborations. Nike's deal with Jordan was unusually ambitious for the era and became one of the most influential athlete endorsements in sports history, helping define modern sneaker collecting and retro culture.
The Air Jordan 1 is especially iconic because it was the debut model, featured the Nike Swoosh, and introduced the Wings logo before the Jumpman became the brand's main symbol. Designed by Peter Moore, the original Air Jordan 1 was the only model in the line to feature the Nike Swoosh prominently. Nike's early marketing leaned into the league controversy around the shoe's black-and-red colorway, helping build its legend. The most recognizable eras for collectors and fans include the Air Jordan 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, and later retro and special-edition releases tied to Jordan's playing career and the brand's anniversary cycles.