What Shoes Did Jordan Wear Before Nike?

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Jordan is a name that is synonymous with basketball and sneakers. His partnership with Nike has produced some of the most iconic shoes in the world. But have you ever wondered what shoes he wore before he signed with Nike?

Before Nike, Jordan was wearing shoes from brands like Adidas and Converse. These shoes may not have the same level of fame as the Air Jordans, but they were a crucial part of Jordan’s journey to becoming the legend we know today. Join us as we explore the shoes that Jordan wore before he became the face of Nike.

What Shoes Did Jordan Wear Before Nike?

Before Michael Jordan’s iconic partnership with Nike, he sported several different brands of sneakers. This article delves into the shoes that Jordan wore before he became the face of the Air Jordan line.

Converse

In 1982, before he was drafted to the NBA, Michael Jordan signed an endorsement deal with Converse. The brand released the Converse Pro Leather, which was the first shoe that Jordan wore in the league. He also wore the Converse Weapon, which was popularized by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

Although the Converse shoes were popular at the time, they did not have the iconic design that the Air Jordans became famous for. However, the Converse Pro Leather and Weapon remain a part of Jordan’s sneaker history.

Adidas

Before he signed with Nike, Michael Jordan had discussions with Adidas. He even wore Adidas during his college years at the University of North Carolina. The brand released the Adidas Concord, which was a popular shoe at the time.

Jordan’s discussions with Adidas did not lead to a deal, and he ultimately signed with Nike in 1984. However, the Adidas Concord remains a part of Jordan’s sneaker history.

Puma

Michael Jordan also had discussions with Puma before signing with Nike. The brand released the Puma Clyde, which was named after basketball player Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

Jordan ultimately did not sign with Puma, but the Puma Clyde remains a classic sneaker and a part of Jordan’s history.

New Balance

Although not as well-known as some of the other brands, New Balance also had a brief association with Michael Jordan. The brand released the New Balance 990, which was a popular running shoe at the time.

Jordan’s association with New Balance was brief, and he ultimately signed with Nike. However, the New Balance 990 is still a part of Jordan’s sneaker history.

Reebok

Michael Jordan also briefly wore Reebok sneakers. The brand released the Reebok Classic, which was a popular shoe at the time.

Jordan’s association with Reebok was brief, and he ultimately signed with Nike. However, the Reebok Classic is still a part of Jordan’s sneaker history.

Benefits of Knowing Jordan’s Sneaker History

Knowing the shoes that Michael Jordan wore before he signed with Nike adds to the history and lore of the Air Jordan line. It also provides insight into the sneaker industry and the marketing strategies of different brands.

Additionally, understanding Jordan’s sneaker history can help collectors and enthusiasts appreciate the significance of the Air Jordan line and its impact on sneaker culture.

Jordan’s Sneaker Choices vs. Air Jordans

Although the shoes that Jordan wore before Nike may not be as iconic as the Air Jordans, they still hold value and significance in sneaker culture. Collectors and enthusiasts may also be interested in adding these shoes to their collections.

However, the Air Jordans remain the most popular and iconic sneaker line associated with Michael Jordan. They are known for their unique designs, high-quality materials, and cultural significance. The Air Jordans have become a global brand and continue to be a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Michael Jordan’s sneaker history is rich and varied, and he wore several different brands before signing with Nike. Converse, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Reebok are all a part of Jordan’s sneaker history, and each brand has its own significance in sneaker culture.

Although these shoes may not be as iconic as the Air Jordans, they hold value and significance in sneaker culture. Understanding Jordan’s sneaker history provides insight into the sneaker industry and the marketing strategies of different brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic athletes of all time, and his shoe line with Nike is one of the most successful in history. But what shoes did Jordan wear before Nike? Here are some frequently asked questions about MJ’s footwear before his Nike days.

What shoes did Michael Jordan wear in college?

Before he signed with Nike in 1984, Michael Jordan played college basketball at the University of North Carolina. During his time there, he wore Converse All-Stars, which were one of the most popular basketball shoes of the time. Jordan continued to wear Converse after he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, but eventually signed with Nike later that year.

Did Michael Jordan wear Adidas?

Although Michael Jordan is largely associated with Nike, he actually wore Adidas during his high school basketball days. Jordan attended Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, and wore Adidas Top Ten sneakers on the court. However, he switched to Converse when he got to college, and then signed with Nike after being drafted by the Bulls.

What other sneaker brands did Jordan wear before Nike?

In addition to Converse and Adidas, Michael Jordan also wore Puma and Pony sneakers during his early basketball days. He even wore a pair of Puma sneakers during the 1984 Olympics, where he won a gold medal as a member of the US Men’s Basketball team. However, it was his partnership with Nike that really launched Jordan’s shoe line into the stratosphere.

Why did Michael Jordan leave Converse?

Michael Jordan left Converse in 1984 because the company was struggling to keep up with Nike in the basketball shoe market. Nike was willing to offer Jordan a much more lucrative deal than Converse, which was still relying on its classic Chuck Taylor sneaker to drive sales. Jordan also reportedly wanted to sign with Adidas, but the company was unable to match Nike’s offer.

What was the first shoe in the Jordan line with Nike?

The first shoe in the Jordan line with Nike was the Air Jordan 1, which was released in 1985. The sneaker was designed by Peter Moore, who also created the Nike Dunk, and was inspired by a combination of Jordan’s style and the Air Force 1. The Air Jordan 1 was a massive success, and set the stage for the dozens of sneakers that would follow in the Jordan line.

What Michael Jordan Wore BEFORE Air Jordans | Clutch #Shorts

In conclusion, Michael Jordan wore several different brands of shoes before Nike. During his college years, he wore Converse shoes, which were popular among basketball players at the time. After that, he briefly wore Adidas shoes before signing with Nike in 1984.

It’s interesting to note that Jordan’s decision to sign with Nike was not an immediate success. The first Air Jordan shoes were initially banned by the NBA for violating uniform policy, but the controversy surrounding the shoes only made them more popular among fans.

Despite the initial setbacks, the Air Jordan brand has become one of the most iconic in the world, with countless fans and collectors around the globe. It’s fascinating to think that Jordan’s journey to becoming a global brand ambassador started with humble beginnings on the courts of college basketball.