CHICAGO — As a child, Jasmine Jordan wasn’t initially into the family shoe. She opted for what was popular for kids her age — Skechers. She never could keep a pair long, though, because once her father saw them, he would toss them. Eventually she would come to love — even favor — the sneakers made in her father’s image.
When Michael Jordan signed a deal with Nike in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, the brand was nowhere near as known as it is today. Adidas and Converse were at the top of the basketball shoe game, and Nike was making track shoes. Jordan’s initial contract with the company was for $500,000 per year for five years.
Today, Air Jordans are one of the most coveted sneakers in the world, and their Chicago-inspired colorways are some of the most popular. Before online sales became commonplace, people stood in lines regardless of the weather to snag a pair. Now Air Jordan collaborations sell out within minutes and are resold for more than twice the retail price.
