When urban exploring, the proper footwear is essential.
Before Jordan’s, shoes were something you wore to play sports. After they were launched and banned by the NBA, they became a part of urban culture.
When Nike introduced the Air Jordan in 1984, they projected sales of $3 million by the fourth year. In the first year, they sold $126 million. Michael Jordan’s signature shoe, the Air Jordan, changed how we looked at clothing and influenced a social and cultural revolution.
Featured in commercials from Spike Lee’s – “It’s Gotta Be The Shoes” in 1989 to a Gatorade ad in 1992 with the lyrics:
Sometimes I dream, that he is me, you’ve got to see that’s how I dream to be. I dream I move, I dream I groove. Like Mike. If I could Be Like Mike.
Gatorade advertisement 1992
It was the first time that an item of clothing became a status symbol for the masses. You wanted/needed the shoe to be like Mike. Today, Jordan Brand is a multi-billion-dollar business. In 2022, it hit $5 billion in revenue for the first time.
It is an iconic design of style, a classic that still has a cult following three decades after its launch. Shortly after the Air Jordan 1, hip-hop came into prominence and its influence grew well into the 90s.
As hip-hop culture expanded, it went from being a counterculture to the prevailing culture. This confluence of hip-hop and social media has led to the overall casualization of fashion.
WHICH JORDAN IS THE GREATEST
While the debate rages amongst sneakerheads regarding which Jordan is the greatest. None have had more longevity and impact than the first. For me, the White Shadow is the best colorway of the AJ1, with the AJ14 being the greatest style.
Initially released in 1999. Inspired by Ferrari, it was the last shoe Jordan wore in Chicago, completing their second 3-peat.
The Winterized Archaeo Brown was released in October 2022. It features a vacuum-moulded upper made of water-resistant, winterized suede. This makes it a good fit for the Canadian climate.
THE BOUNCE
If you’re looking for a place to show off your kicks and your game. Check out The Bounce in the East Village. It is located at the intersection of 4th St & 8th Ave SE. It is one of the best outdoor basketball courts in the city.
The court surface and backboards are in mint condition. You can hoop in a unique urban setting. Surrounded by murals and the award-winning architecture of Studio Bell and the Central Library.
The spaces in and around the Central Public Library offer plenty of opportunities to experience everything from art and architecture to hoop culture.
If you’re looking to ball in a space covered from the elements. Head south of the library to 407 9th Ave SE at Platform Innovation Centre & Parkade.
Check out the other Best Outdoor Basketball Courts in Calgary.
If you want to learn more about the history of the AJ1, you need to watch the documentary Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1. Initially released on February 14, 2019. “Explore the dynamic journey of the Air Jordan 1 from its unlikely beginnings to its role in disrupting long-established rules of the NBA, changing the game of basketball, birthing sneaker culture and influencing a social and cultural revolution. Highlighting icons from across the cultural spectrum – including Spike Lee, Anthony Anderson, Michael B. Jordan, DJ Khaled, Lena Waithe, Kenya Barris, Jason Sudeikis, NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook, hip-hop legend Chuck D, as well as rising stars Gizzle, Christian Combs, and Kid Ink, and many more – the film takes a raw and riveting look at a movement that so heavily shaped the culture in which we live.” (Credit – Amazon)
The Urban Explorer 