Discover the Jordan 1 phenomenon

History, popularity, top 10 models in N-Hype

Welcome to the N-Hype blog, a place where passion for sneakers meets history and style. Today we focus on the streetwear icon - Jordan 1. These legendary shoes not only revolutionized the world of basketball, but became an inseparable element of urban culture. Let's trace their history, find out why they are so popular, who wears them, discover interesting facts and get to know the 10 best models available in our N-Hype store, including two new gems.

Jordan 1 History

The Jordan 1 isn’t just a shoe; it’s an icon that defined sneaker and streetwear culture. Its history begins in 1984, when Nike, then a young sportswear company, decided to take a chance and sign NBA debutant Michael Jordan. It was a bold move considering that Adidas and Converse were the dominant brands on the market at the time.

Designer Peter Moore was hired to create the first Air Jordan. The design was inspired by earlier Nike models, including the Air Force 1 and the Dunk. However, Moore wanted the Jordan 1 to stand out from other shoes. He decided on a bold color scheme of red, black, and white, which was to reflect the colors of Jordan's Chicago Bulls team. This colorway, later known as the "Bred" (short for black-red), became one of the most recognizable in sneaker history.

The Jordan 1's introduction in 1985 was not without controversy. The NBA had strict rules regarding athletic footwear, requiring that shoes worn by players matched their uniforms and matched those worn by the rest of the team. The "Bred" Jordan 1s broke those rules, resulting in a $5,000 fine for each game Jordan wore them. Nike, however, decided to use the situation to its advantage, covering the fines and launching an advertising campaign with the slogan "Banned," which only increased the shoe's popularity.

The success of the Jordan 1 was immediate. Despite its initial retail price of $65, the shoe quickly became a coveted item on the court and the streets. The introduction of various colorways and limited editions only served to further its iconic status. The Jordan 1 was not only revolutionary in terms of design, but it also introduced the concept of signature shoes, which later became an industry standard.

The Jordan 1 has seen numerous reissues in the years since, with each new colorway and limited edition met with enthusiastic reception. The shoe transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming an important part of hip-hop, skateboarding, and streetwear culture. Its influence is still felt today, with each new Jordan 1 release eagerly anticipated by fans around the world.

The story of the Jordan 1 is one of risk, innovation and determination that has inspired generations and helped shape the sneaker culture we know today.

Why are they so popular?

The Jordan 1’s popularity is due to several key factors that come together to create a unique blend of history, culture, and design. Here are the main reasons why this shoe has become so iconic:

• - Michael Jordan Connection: Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His name brings not only prestige but also authenticity. The shoes he wore at the beginning of his career naturally became an object of desire for basketball fans and sneakerheads.
• - "Banned" Story: The NBA's history of banning the original "Bred" Jordan 1s because of their colorway contributed to the shoe's legend. Nike used the ban as a marketing tool, which only increased their appeal and desirability among consumers.
• - Design and Innovation: The Jordan 1 was innovative in terms of design and functionality when it was introduced. Its aesthetic, which combined elements from various Nike models, created a new standard in athletic footwear design that was both practical and stylish.
• - Sneaker Culture: The rise of sneaker culture in the '80s and '90s helped establish the Jordan 1 as an icon. The shoe became a symbol of social status, unique style, and affiliation with subcultures such as hip-hop, skateboarding, and streetwear.
• - Limited Editions and Collaborations: The introduction of limited editions and collaborations with artists, designers and brands has increased the perceived value of the Jordan 1. The rarity and uniqueness of certain versions make them perceived as collectibles and investment pieces.
• - Celebrity and Influencer Influence: The Jordan 1’s popularity has been further increased by the presence of celebrities such as artists, athletes and influencers. Seeing the shoe on the feet of influencers on and off social media contributes to its desirability.
• - Emotional and cultural significance: For many, Jordan 1s are more than just shoes; they are part of history, memories and culture. Owning them is not just a matter of fashion, but also a statement of belonging to a certain tradition and history.
• Versatile and Durable: Jordan 1s are known for their durability and versatility. They can be worn in a variety of ways, matching a variety of styles and occasions, making them an attractive choice for a wide range of consumers.

All of these factors come together to create a powerful mix that has kept the Jordan 1 at the top of the sneaker coveted list for years, making it one of the most recognizable and coveted shoes in the world.

Famous People Wearing Jodan 1

They are worn by a wide range of people, from professional athletes to music and film stars, to influencers and fashion icons. Their universal appeal transcends cultural and social boundaries, making them a popular choice in a variety of circles. Here are a few examples of people from the world of sports, show business and beyond who are often seen wearing the Jordan 1:

Athletes:

• Michael Jordan: While it goes without saying, it’s worth remembering that it all started with him. As the face of the Jordan 1, Jordan has often been seen in various iterations of his signature shoe both on and off the court.
• Russell Westbrook: Known for his unconventional style, the NBA star often combines fashion with comfort, choosing Jordans as part of his everyday and sporty looks.
• Neymar Jr.: The Brazilian footballer also expresses his love of sneakers by frequently wearing the Jordan 1, underlining the shoe’s global reach and influence.

Music stars:

• Travis Scott: The rapper and music producer not only frequently wears the Jordan 1, but has also collaborated with Nike on several highly coveted Jordan 1 versions of his own.
• Rihanna: The music and fashion icon has often been spotted wearing Jordans, showing their versatility and appeal to women.
• Kanye West: Even though Kanye has his own Yeezy line, he has also been spotted wearing Jordans in the past, a testament to their timeless influence.

Film and TV stars:

• Mark Wahlberg: The actor and producer is a noted sneakerhead who often shows off his extensive shoe collection, including multiple pairs of Jordan 1s.
• DJ Khaled: The music producer and media personality, known for his love of sneakers, often shows off his Jordan 1s on social media.

Influencers and fashion icons:

• Virgil Abloh: Founder of Off-White and creative director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s line, Abloh has not only frequently worn the Jordan 1, but has also collaborated with Nike on several standout versions.
• Chiara Ferragni: The Italian influencer and fashion entrepreneur often pairs luxury fashion with casual pieces like the Jordan 1, showing off their versatility.

These examples show how the Jordan 1 has become not only a symbol in the world of sports, but also a major element in the worlds of fashion, music and entertainment. Its presence on the feet of so many influential figures only confirms its status as a cultural icon.

Trivia

The Jordan 1 is a shoe that has many fascinating stories and facts hidden inside. Here are some interesting facts that might interest you:

• - Banned by the NBA: As mentioned earlier, the original "Bred" Jordan 1 was banned by the NBA because it did not comply with their shoe rules. Nike used this ban as part of their marketing campaign, which only increased the shoe's popularity.
• - First Commercial: The first Jordan 1 television commercial featured Michael Jordan performing an "incredible" move that ended with him holding up the shoe and saying, "Did you know?". The commercial became iconic and helped boost the shoe's popularity.
• - Collaborations: The Jordan 1 is known for its numerous collaborations with celebrities such as Travis Scott, Off-White (Virgil Abloh), and even comic book brands like Marvel. These limited editions often become highly coveted and command high prices on the secondary market.
• - Influence on Skateboarding: Although the Jordan 1 was designed as a basketball shoe, it quickly gained popularity among skaters due to its durability and comfort. Nike noticed this trend and began producing versions of the Jordan 1 dedicated to skaters.
• - "Space Jam" Movie: Although Michael Jordan wore the Jordan 11 in the movie "Space Jam", it was the movie that really sparked interest in all Jordan models, including the Jordan 1.
• - First Signature Shoe: The Jordan 1 was the first signature shoe by an athlete, paving the way for the entire signature sports footwear industry.
• - Colorways and Naming: Some of the most coveted Jordan 1 colorways, like the “Bred,” “Royal,” and “Shadow,” have been named to reflect their unique character and history.
• - Secondary market price: Some limited edition Jordan 1s can fetch prices in the tens of thousands of dollars on the secondary market, which attests to their collectible status.
• - Logo Change: The original Jordan 1 featured a "Nike Air" logo on the side, which was replaced with a "Jumpman" logo on later versions.
• - Cultural Influence: The Jordan 1 is frequently referenced in popular culture, including hip-hop music, films and television series, further cementing its iconic status.

These interesting facts show how the Jordan 1 transcended the boundaries of sport to become an important part of popular culture and fashion.

Top 10 Models on N-Hype

•  1. Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Bred"

•  2. Jordan 1 Retro High "Royal Blue"

• 3. Jordan 1 "Chicago"

•  4. Jordan 1 Retro High "Shadow"

•   5. Jordan 1 Retro High "UNC"

•   6. Jordan 1 "Pine Green"

•   7. Jordan 1 "Court Purple"

•  8. Jordan 1 "Obsidian"

• 9. Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Patina" - new

• 10. Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Hyper Royal" - the latest model

Names of colors in the store

• 1. "Bred" - Black and Red
• 2. "Royal Blue"
• 3. "Chicago" - Red-White-Black
• 4. "Shadow" - Gray-Black
• 5. "UNC" - Carolina Blue

Conclusions:

The Jordan 1 is more than just a sneaker; it has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of sport, fashion, and art. Here are some specifics on its incredible popularity and influence:

• - Timeless icon: Jordan 1 has proven that it can stand the test of time. Its design, although created over three decades ago, remains fresh and attractive to new generations. This is a testament to its timeless character and ability to adapt to changing trends.

• - Cultural symbol: The Jordan 1 has evolved from a sports shoe into a symbol of broader urban culture. It has found its way into music, art, fashion and film, demonstrating its wide-ranging influence and acceptance across a range of environments.

• - Collectible Value: Some Jordan 1s have become collector's items, commanding high prices on the secondary market. This speaks to their status as an investment and a coveted item among sneakerheads.

• - Influence on other products: The success of the Jordan 1 paved the way for the entire Jordan product line and other signature athletic footwear lines. It showed that combining athletic talent with strong branding can lead to the creation of a powerful brand.

• - Versatility: Jordan 1s are worn by people from all walks of life, from athletes to artists to influencers. Their ability to connect with different styles and cultures makes them incredibly versatile.

• - Inspiration for future generations: The Jordan 1 continues to inspire designers, creators and consumers alike. Its history, design and cultural influence are studied and admired, contributing to continued growth and innovation in the footwear industry.

• - Education through fashion: For many young people, the Jordan 1 is a gateway to the history of basketball, footwear design and marketing. The shoe teaches about the importance of branding and marketing strategies that go beyond traditional approaches.

• - Community and belonging: Jordan 1s help build communities around shared interests, such as fashion, sports and collecting. For many, owning a Jordan is not just about style, but also a way to belong to a global community of sneaker lovers.

In short, the Jordan 1 is no longer just a shoe; it has become a cultural icon, a symbol of success and the pursuit of excellence. Its history and evolution testify to its extraordinary ability to adapt and influence various aspects of social and cultural life.

 

Ready to join the legend? Discover our Jordan 1 collection at N-Hype and find your perfect model. Don't miss out on the latest editions and limited versions - be a part of history today!