Figuratively speaking, Michael Jordan left his footprints all over the court. Literally speaking, it’s pretty much impossible to leave an actual footprint on the hardwood. Never one to cut corners, Michael, Tinker and the rest of the Nike/JB family put a lot of work into each aspect of every Air Jordan, including the outsole. Looking back at the line, however, some soles stand out more than others in regard to style, innovation and accolades.
Whether stamped on your skin or see solely the street, Air Jordan outsole iconography stands as a timeless reminder of the G.O.A.T.’s on-court achievements. Take a look at some of the most memorable Jordan soles, and then to celebrate the New Season of Ink Master, back on Tuesdays at 10/9c on Spike, vote on your favorite tattoos in the “Tattoo Bracket 2014” for your chance to win a trip for 2 to SXSW. Vote here.
Air Jordan 3
More iconic than the other formative Air Jordans, the AJ3 outsole is instantly recognizable. Since stepping on the free throw line back in ’88, the Jordan 3 has been one of the most worn and most retroed models. If you see a trail of AJ3 footprints you know what it is and you know that a classic isn’t far away.
