Know Your Sneakers: Why Jordans Are The OGs

Sneakerheads with a penchant for history, this one’s for you. Well, it’s for us too, because we love us some Jordan trivia. Not to mention that we’re into every model that The Jumpman puts out there. And if you were one of the lucky ones who got a glimpse of our recent line-up of Jordan 4s, 3s and 1 while the stock lasted, you will totally believe that we live and breathe the Air Jordan.

But what makes these kicks so massive and why is the resale market fire? It’s because this is about more than kicks, it’s about the history of sports and fashion.

The origin story that changed sneaker history

Before LeBron James shoes and collabs with rappers were even a thing, there was Michael Jordan. In 1984, Nike took a massive gamble and signed him when he was just a rookie. MJ wasn’t even sold on the idea and he originally wanted to sign with Adidas. But Nike threw $2.5 million on the table and agreed to give him something no athlete had ever seen before: a piece of the profits. That deal created the Air Jordan 1, which dropped in 1985 and instantly stirred up drama.

The red and black colorway broke NBA uniform rules and got banned. But instead of pulling back, Nike leaned into the controversy. Their “Banned” marketing campaign turned MJ’s shoe into a rebellion symbol. Suddenly, everyone wanted to wear clothes that got people talking.

From there, Jordan Brand took off. The brand evolved beyond just athletic wear. It became a clothing lifestyle. In 1997, Jordan Brand separated from Nike to run as its own thing (though still under Nike's umbrella), expanding into everything from outdoor clothing to streetwear and boutique clothing shop exclusives.

Michael Jordan was built different and changed everything for ever

Unlike other athletes back then, MJ wasn’t just cashing checks. He was hands-on with his shoes, choosing materials, adjusting the fit, weighing in on style. The man didn’t just wear whatever clothes and sneakers were given to him, he co-created them. That was huge. It laid the groundwork for athletes and celebs who came after him. 

Now, everybody wants that kind of deal. Kanye built Yeezy off this model. Travis Scott’s Jordan collabs are proof this formula still works. Even with all the hype around other drops, no one has MJ’s consistency. That’s what makes Jordans hit harder than most other men’s sneakers.

The Jumpman

In 2024, Jordan made its debut on Interbrand’s Best Global Brands top 100 with a valuation of $6.4 billion. But The Jumpman logo didn’t exist from the very beginning. The first Air Jordan models featured the Nike Swoosh until 1988 when Tinker Hatfield, a Jordans designer, introduced the Jumpman. He took inspiration from a picture of MJ flying for a dunk. Today, The Jumpman stands on its own, recognized as a premium brand for basketball shoes, streetwear and lifestyle clothing.

The Jordan all time grails

The internet is alive with proof that rare Jordans resell at over 20,000 dollars. It’s not wrong. Actually, some sell even higher.  

Air Jordan 1

As the first ever Jordan model, this is the OG of all sneaker grails. It was released in 1985. The red and white pair that MJ wore in his first game with the Chicago Bull sold many years later for $1.47 million at an auction.  

Air Jordan 11

When people say “Space Jam” in the context of sneakers, this is the one they mean. MJ wore them in the movie “Space Jam” in 1996 (he played himself).

What are the hottest Jordan releases in Spring 2025?

​Jordans are still going strong and spring 2025 will be a strong season for new sneaker releases. The Air Jordan 1 High OG Rare Air drops dropped on 5 April, in two colorways: the women's exclusive "Cinnabar," featuring a Sail, Cinnabar, and Light Bone palette, and the "Deep Royal Blue," in White, Black, Neutral Grey, and Deep Royal Blue. Both pairs are priced at $180. In May, expect the new Air Jordan 4 "Forget Me Not", in White, Aluminum, Blue Tint, and Oil Green, retailing at $215. Then look out for the Air Jordan 1 High OG "UNC Reimagined", also landing in May. It pays homage to Michael Jordan's alma mater with Dark Powder Blue and Sail tones, priced at $180.

Jordan prices and resale value

New Jordans usually drop at a price between 180 USD and 350 USD. But limited editions will go up in price. Collabs also get pricey. If you thought The Dior x Air Jordan 1 was expensive when it was launched at 2,000 USD, try getting it now. If you find one, you’re likely to pay over 6,000 USD for it. 

But if you want to get into the resale game, don’t rush it. Some models, even if they were marketed as rare or limited edition, are too available and don’t hold much value. If you’re looking for really rare and highly valuable stuff, speak to us in-store at the Town Center at Aurora Mall or find us on social. We never say no to sharing some Jordan wisdom. And if you’re looking for a particular model, we’ll help you find it.