The year of 1989, the birth year of the Air Jordan 4 came to exist in the midst of a career season by Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Though he didn’t come out with the ring that year, he did develop a shoe that took the world by surprise.
The Jordan 11 was once again Tinker Hatfield’s baby. He launched many new design concepts for instance the straps on each side for improved ankle support. It was virtually impossible for MJ to roll his ankle in these sneakers. The trainers again showcased the air sole heel for added cushioning and a full length midsole.
Coming off the national success of the first three Air Jordans, the Jordan 8 became the first globally unveiled Jordan brand shoe. The fantastic shock reducing sole and attractive pattern made it to an international best seller.
Michael Jordan reached completely new heights in his career while wearing the Air Jordan 4. Taking home another scoring title, averaging 32.5 points per game, MJ also appeared in the All-Star Game, First Team NBA and All-Defense. But it was in these footwear that MJ made “The Shot” - the legendary game and series winning shot at the buzzer against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Considered one of Jordan’s perfect clutch moments, it kick started the first of many awesome game-winning shots he would make in his playoff career.
Nike continued the Jordan ad campaigns with Spike Lee, who played a character named Mars Blackmon. He created the famed Can/Can’t TV ad which featured the Air Jordan 4, and gave them some extra promotion in his movie Do The Right Thing.
The very first sequence of Jordans was the Jordan 1. When these kicks were retro’d in white/black and black/cement grey (nicknamed “Cookies & Cream”), people went mad over it. Stores sold out in a matter of hours and everybody seemed to want a set.
You can’t deny, the Air Jordan 4 is simply one of the greats.