For almost four decades, Air Jordan has been a staple of popular culture. Michael Jordan, in addition to being one of the finest basketball athletes of all time, revolutionized the shoe game.
In April 1985, Air Jordan made its illustrious debut to the public. Since then, it has become a mainstay not only among basketball shoe enthusiasts but also among casual fans and non-fans.
During a recent episode of his podcast “The etc.,” Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns discussed the continued prevalence of Jordans. For him, everything begins with the person behind the shoe.
“You can walk around any environment anywhere on Earth, at least somebody is going to have a pair of Jordans on,” Durant said.
“This is the shoe the greatest player in the league wears. He won championships in these. The stories behind his shoes, they’re always going to hit deeper than anybody elses.”
Kevin Durant’s probable decision to sign a contract with Nike was influenced by his admiration for Michael Jordan and the brand he established. The former NBA MVP has released 14 distinct signature shoes throughout his career.
Air Jordan maintains its market dominance.
Michael Jordan has not played an NBA game in twenty years, but his brand continues to dominate the basketball industry. Other superstars, such as LeBron James, have achieved success, but nothing compares to how the Chicago Bulls star revolutionized the sport.
When considering basketball shoes, the first brand that springs to mind is Air Jordan. As Kevin Durant mentioned, they are a worldwide phenomenon that is well-known today. It would be difficult to locate someone unfamiliar with the iconic jumpman logo.
People not only recognize the brand, but they also continue to purchase it. According to reports, Jordan Brand earned more than $5 billion in 2022. Although footwear is not the only source of this revenue, it likely accounts for the preponderance of it.
Jordans are currently so popular that they are appearing in movies. This month, the film “Air” will be released in theaters. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon star in the film, which recounts the story of when Nike first recruited Michael Jordan and created the shoe that launched an empire.
Given its success over the past four decades, it is reasonable to presume that Jordan and his brand will endure forever.
