Converse's Chuck Taylor basketball shoe dominated the sport from 1921 to the 1960s, when leather emerged on the basketball shoe market. Nike entered the market in 1972, with a leather shoe called the Blazer. The 1980s represented a period of technological innovation in the basketball shoe market, led by Nike and its shoes inspired by Michael Jordan.
Early 1980s Nike Releases
In 1981 and 1982, Nike released the Gamebreaker Low, the Legend Low, the Dynasty, the Legend, the Dynasty Hi, the 3-Pointer Hi and the 3-Pointer Low. All of these shoes were made of leather, leather and mesh, or leather and canvas except the 3-Pointer Hi and Low, which were canvas.
Air Force 1
In 1983, Nike introduced the Air Force 1, named after the airplane of the United States President. This shoe's air sole technology, designed by Bruce Kilgore, helped Nike become a leader in the basketball shoe industry. The company also introduced the nylon mesh Nike Challenge Court shoe in 1983, but the Air Force 1 shoe got much more attention.
Air Jordan I And II
Nike Air Jordans, first worn by Michael Jordan in 1984, began to dominate the basketball market in the mid-1980s. Nike released the Air Jordan I, designed by Peter Moore, in 1985. The National Basketball Association banned the shoe, objecting to its bold black and red color scheme. Nike introduced the Air Jordan II, designed by Eric Huber, in 1986, along with the Nike Air Jordan AJKO and the Nike Air Force II Hi. The Nike Air Jordan I and II had a wings logo.
Air Jordan III
In 1988, Nike introduced the Air Jordan III, designed by Tinker Hatfield. The shoe had an air unit on the heel, and became the first Nike shoe to feature the Jumpman logo. The shoe's ad campaign featured director Spike Lee.
Adidas And Reebok
Adidas and Reebok each attempted to compete with Nike during the 1980s. In 1986, Adidas, inspired by Nike's Michael Jordan shoes, created a signature shoe for star player Patrick Ewing, called the Adidas Attitude. Ewing eventually left the company to produce his own shoes. In 1989, Reebok released a shoe called The Pump, which players could pump air into by pressing on a small basketball on the shoe.
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