Jordan Brand

Whether your kiddo is a budding hoops star or the classroom fashion icon, Kids Foot Locker has Jordan kicks and apparel for boys and girls of all ages.

Your young sneakerhead already knows that Jordan Brand and Nike are titans of the shoe industry, so it might be surprising for them to learn that Nike was struggling back in 1984. America’s obsession with running was slowing down, and the Beaverton, Oregon company was searching for a way to stay current.

Enter NBA rookie Michael Jordan.

Though he already was endorsing several products, Nike felt MJ could help them turn things around. Michael was hoping to sign with adidas or Converse, but his agent saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the Swoosh: They were offering to design a line of shoes called Air Jordan.

Air Jordan 1

The debut of the Air Jordan 1 rocked the athletic shoe industry as well as the fashion world. Until then, basketball shoes were utilitarian white, but the bold black and red styling of the AJ1 changed that ideal. Rumor states the NBA banned the shoe for breaking league dress code, and that Jordan continued to wear them, racking up serious fines that Nike was more than happy to pay. Although this has never been proven, Nike still created a storied ad campaign around the legend … keeping the shoes on Jordan’s feet and in the public eye. The controversy, the ad campaign, and Jordan’s amazing numbers that year put the Air Jordan line on the road to becoming a household name.

Air Jordan Takes Flight

In 1997, with kicks such as the iconic AJ1, the coveted AJ4, and the sought-after AJ11, Nike decided the brand was strong enough to stand on its own. Initially a footwear line, Jordan Brand now includes a variety of kids’ tees, hoodies, shorts, and more.

Like Mike

It has been 16 years since Michael Jordan played on the professional hardwood, but his name is still on the tongues of today’s youngest sneakerheads. And as sneakerheads and basketball fans alike eagerly await the latest drop, their hero still plays an integral part in the design and production process. From crib through grade school sizes, Kids foot Locker is proud to carry such an iconic line. Be sure to sign up for emails and download the KFL app for up-to-the-minute info about new releases.