JORDAN 2: THE RETURN TO THE SCENE OF SNEAKERS
Introduced in 1986 as Michael Jordan's second signature shoe, the Air Jordan 2 followed the iconic Air Jordan 1. The AJ2 was designed to be a luxurious basketball shoe, combining performance and elegance. Manufactured in Italy, the premium construction made it suitable for both on the court and off, even when wearing a suit. Michael Jordan notably achieved his highest average points per season, 37.1 units, while wearing the Air Jordan 2.
In 2022, the Air Jordan 2 returned to the spotlight, becoming the focus of several collaborations. Off-White, Maison Château Rouge, Nina Chanel Abney, UNION LA, and À ma manière all partnered with Jordan Brand to create unique Air Jordan 2 designs. Initially released in a sleek colorway, the shoe featured a white leather base with red and black accents, paying homage to the Chicago Bulls NBA franchise where Michael Jordan played.
HOW TO STYLE THE AIR JORDAN 2
Designed for elegance, the Air Jordan 2 is versatile and can be worn in various settings. Crafted in Italy with premium leather, the shoe can perform on the court and look stylish at off-court events.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES WITH THE OTHER AIR JORDANS?
The Air Jordan 2 was revolutionary, featuring Italian craftsmanship and premium leather, and it was the first to surpass the symbolic $100 price point. However, unlike its iconic predecessor, the Air Jordan 1, or the later Air Jordan 1 Mid, the Jordan 2 was a commercial failure. This led to Nike hiring a new designer to rebuild the relationship between Michael Jordan and the brand: the legendary Tinker Hatfield.
For his first design, Hatfield created the Air Jordan 3, which eliminated the Swoosh and introduced the Jumpman logo. The design offered a shorter upper, as well as increased lightness and comfort. With this shoe, Michael Jordan achieved his second-highest scoring season, and he also became the best defender and MVP while winning his second dunk contest. The legend was underway. A year later, Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 4 and solidified the relationship with Michael Jordan. Continuing his work, Hatfield introduced a unique model each year, culminating in the creation of MJ's grail, the Air Jordan 11, in 1995.
