In 1985 Nike introduced what would become one of the most iconic Pop Culture artifacts with the Air Jordan I. Nike’s collaboration with Michael Jordan is what laid the foundation for “Sneakerhead” culture today. You might wonder how a simple pair of basketball sneakers can be so important, but I bet you won’t forget the story knowing some pairs can be easily worth $3,000 or more. Outside of being revolutionary in aesthetic and color, the shoes were highly controversial within the NBA with league sensationalization creating mass demand. Throughout his rookie year, Jordan wore a pair of Air Jordan I’s every game incurring a $5,000 fine per game Nike happily paid for him. When Jordan signed the endorsement deal for 2.5 million with Nike he hadn’t even seen professional court time, but the fact is that what already seemed like a one in a million fairy tale ending was just the beginning of Air Jordan History.
Since there initial introduction, there have been thirty-two canonized styles of Jordan’s, one design for every year with XXXIII for 2018 yet to be announced. And remember that’s just the canon, which does not include the various other differently designed models. For each model of shoe there are endless colorways, collaborative designs, “retros” (reissues), and various limited releases that keep the shoe market hype always on high alert. It wouldn’t be a new Air Jordan release if people weren’t camping outside the store a day before, and don’t forget online limited releases which sell out in minutes.
In today’s antique and auction world, Air Jordan’s are one of the top categories that we seek out in this ever-growing Pop Culture market. Like anything else, condition is crucial. The best shoes will always be Deadstock, collector slang for brand new, never used. And like any other antique the rarer the item the more lenient collectors will be on condition. A pair of 1984 Jordan I breds (black & red) with faded and cracked leather, stained white, and worn soles will still bring $300-$500 at auction, find a perfect pair and you’ll easily see $1,500 to $2,500 or more. Air Jordan’s in today’s market is a large, but at the same time small slice of the collectible sneaker game. All Nike’s including Lebron, Air Force, Air Max, Fly Knit, KD, Foamposite, to name a small few all see upswing in the market in perfect condition. Outside of Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and New Balance among countless brands all have a collectible sneaker out there. Sneaker collecting can be an eight-volume book set, let alone a column. And don’t even get me started on luxury brands. The point is you’d be surprised what your old college kicks could be worth, if you see the Jumpman on the box take a second thought before dunking them in the donation bin.
