It all began in 1985 when Nike introduced Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore for Chicago Bulls and NBA legend Michael Jordan, at the start of his professional basketball career. Interestingly, the sneakers’ original black-red colorway violated the NBA’s uniform policy, resulting in a $5,000 fine every time MJ played in them.

It is fair to say that Nike took the gamble by supporting the Jumpman. Nobody knew back then that the 84/85 NBA campaign was the beginning of his legacy. As soon as the season finished and Jordan was crowned the Rookie of the Year, the Air Jordan 1 shoes became a huge hit. Suddenly, everyone in the United States wanted to feel like Michael Jordan.