The Air Jordan 2: the “black sheep” of the Jordan lineage

 

In 1984, Nike, one of the pioneers in basketball shoe design, signed a $2.5 million contract with Michael Jordan. Following the commercial success of the Air Jordan 1 in 1985, the American brand launched the second model in the line, the Air Jordan 2, the following year. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the creator of the legendary Air Force 1, and Peter Moore, the model aimed to provide the NBA player with greater comfort and security after he suffered a foot injury during his second season. 

 

Made in Italy with high-quality materials, the pair combines luxury and performance. The goal? To make the Air Jordan 2 the first luxury basketball shoe. Its streamlined design, free of the brand’s iconic “Swoosh” logo, and its cutting-edge technology were intended to appeal to a more upscale market. 

 

Despite a remarkable season wearing the Air Jordan 2, during which he also won the first of his 7 scoring titles with an average of 37.1 points per game, “His Airness” said he was “not a fan of its style,” which he considered too heavy. Despite its high price, the pair’s sleek, sophisticated lines appeal to basketball fans. After a strong start, however, the public also eventually turned away from the second model in the range. Was it due to its overly bold positioning? To be continued… 

 

 2022: A new lease of life for the Air Jordan 2?

 

Despite fruitful collaborations over the years with designer Don C, rapper Eminem and the Carhartt brand, as well as singer J Balvin, the Air Jordan 2 has failed to captivate sneakerheads in the same way as the other models in the range. Following the release of the first Air Jordan 1 Off-White™ in 2017, whose success marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Virgil Abloh, the label’s founder and designer, Nike entrusted the renowned creative designer with reviving the Air Jordan 2 in 2021. With its yellowed, “worn” sole, textured white leather and exposed foam, the American designer pays tribute to the original 1986 model with a vintage version. 

 

Nike knows it well: collaborations with resolutely modern fashion houses can bring overlooked models back into style. After reimagining the Air Jordan 1 in 2019, Parisian brand Maison Château Rouge is taking on the Air Jordan 2. Original and trendy, the collaboration between Nike and Youssouf Fofana looks promising. With “chunky” sneakers now widely popular, the Air Jordan 2 could (re)claim a place among the best sellers. Although it didn’t achieve the success it was expected to in 1986, wasn’t the “Italian Stallion” simply too ahead of its time? The design choices of 1986 feel like an obvious fit today. Luxury, performance, technology… the recipe for a winning trio? 

 

3 Air Jordan 2 models to watch in 2022 

 

In recent years, vintage has made a comeback on the runways (and in closets). Driven by the growth of the secondhand market, the past is now in fashion. Although they failed to win over sneaker enthusiasts at the time, could the Air Jordan 2 ride the ’90s revival to make a comeback in the sneaker game? Here’s a look at the models to keep a (very) close eye on in 2022: 

 

• Air Jordan 2 x Maison Château Rouge: With this resolutely modern vintage model, accented in yellow and orange, Youssouf Fofana pays tribute to his Senegalese roots. Will the sole featuring Michael Jordan’s likeness inspire his fans to follow in his footsteps? We’ll find out in a few weeks.

 

• Air Jordan 2 x Union SP Grey Fog and Air Jordan 2 x Union SP Rattan : Chris Gibbs and the famous American store founded in Los Angeles unveiled a reimagined version of the 1986 model. Set to release in spring, the two pastel sneakers feature a nylon base and perforated suede overlays.

 

• Air Jordan 2 Low x Off-White™ Black and White : Before his passing in November 2021, the celebrated founder and designer of the Off-White™ label, Virgil Abloh, used his timeless talent and meticulous attention to detail to (re)give the Air Jordan 2 Low all its splendor.

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