The

Air Jordan I

1984–1985

Air Jordan I, designed by Peter Moore, was introduced in late 1984 and worn by Michael Jordan during the 1984–85 NBA season. Internal coding on early pairs indicates production dating to mid-October 1984, preceding the November promotional photography. These early images document prototype and sample pairs prior to retail standardization, including mismatched configurations and incomplete sets.

Among early examples are two known pre-Wings pairs featuring “Air Jordan” text branding. One corresponds to the pair documented within this archive, while a second Black Toe variation was used in the November 1984 photoshoot that produced the Jumpman image and is known to survive in private hands.

Jordan first wore the Air Jordan I in game action on December 17, 1984, with rotation increasing beginning December 22. Early game-worn examples from December through early 1985 exhibit variation in color blocking and construction, consistent with sample pairs rather than finalized retail models. Standardized Chicago colorway usage appears to stabilize later in the season as production became more uniform.

Model Summary

Air Jordan I

Audit in Progress

Total Documented Examples

Publicly Sold Examples

Privately Held Examples

Archive Updated April 04, 2026

Verification Summary

Method	Count	Public	Private	Status
Photo Matched	12	8	3	⏳
Apparent Match	1	1	0	⏳
Coding Verified	3	2	1	⏳

Unlike jerseys, footwear is documented by model, use, and method of verification rather than population accounting.

Methodology & Identification

Footwear identification within the archive extends beyond direct visual comparison. Analysis incorporates model chronology, production coding, material behavior, and player-specific wear patterns observed across game imagery and surviving examples.

Particular attention is given to structural deformation during use, including creasing patterns, lace tension habits, and outsole or midsole stress responses resulting from Jordan’s movement and play style.

Final identification is determined through the convergence of these characteristics rather than any single matching detail.

Documented Examples

Known Air Jordan I Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan I examples associated with Michael Jordan across the early development, promotional, charitable, and competitive use phases of the model. Each record combines construction details, sale history, and archive research.

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The first known Air Jordan prototype, photo-matched to multiple early promotional campaigns.

Archive ReferencePair A

Production CodeBH-101684-A-TY

Size13 L / 13.5 R

The first documented Nike Air Jordan used on multiple Nike promotional images in October 1984.

Public Sale

Auction House: Grey Flannel Auctions
Sale Date: June 10, 2024
Lot #: 2
Sale Price: $325,000

View Sale Listing →

Holding

Instagram: collector10012

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: SIA & MJA

Match Research: themichaeljordanarchive →

Research & Provenance

First known pair ever produced as a prototype for testing and visual development.
A sample version featuring “Air Jordan” text branding prior to the official Wings logo and retail launch.
Internally photo-matched within the archive to multiple promotional photographs.

Air Jordan 1 Black Toe sample detail — 1984

A sample pair produced in November 1984 and later associated with Nike internal use.

Archive ReferencePair B

Production CodeBH-841106-TY

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

This pair reflects an early Black Toe sample configuration believed to precede Jordan’s preference for the revised red toe and lace-stay arrangement.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin
Sale Date: June 14, 2025
Lot #: 80
Sale Price: $142,000

View Sale Listing →

Research & Provenance

One of the first sample Air Jordan 1s to carry the new logo system during the model’s early development phase.
Associated with a former Nike executive source chain.

Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard detail — 1985

Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard outsole detail — 1985

A rare general-release pair worn by Michael Jordan during the famed Italian exhibition game.

Archive ReferencePair C

Production Code850305 TY1

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Worn during the famous “Shattered Backboard” game, with remnants of glass reportedly still affixed to the outsole.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin
Sale Date: June 1, 2024
Lot #: 4
Sale Price: $444,080

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: SIA

Research & Provenance

General-release Air Jordan I worn by Michael Jordan during the August 1985 Italian exhibition appearance.
Associated with the famous backboard-shattering dunk sequence that gave rise to the nickname.

A modified pair worn by Michael Jordan following his return from injury in 1986.

Archive ReferencePair D

Production Code850102 TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Worn during Michael Jordan’s return from injury, with Nike modifications intended to provide added support during recovery.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin
Sale Date: September 20, 2025
Lot #: 3
Sale Price: $579,500

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Apparent Photo-Match By: SIA
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

A unique pair reportedly supplied to Jordan following ankle injury, modified by Nike to accommodate recovery and added support.
This pair was previously described as an apparent photo-match before later conclusive archive confirmation.
Additional supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material derived from original Boston-area photography sources.

Air Jordan 1 Sample Red Liner with rookie autographs — 1984

Air Jordan 1 Sample Red Liner pair 1 — 1984

Air Jordan 1 Sample Red Liner pair 2 — 1984

An early Air Jordan I - red liner sample.

Archive ReferencePair E

Production Code110884 - TY

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Early sample made during the first few days/weeks of testing for Jordan.

Public Sale

Auction House: SCP Auctions
Sale Date: November, 2013
Lot #: 619
Sale Price: $11,595

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: Private
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

A sample pair made within the first few pairs after the new wings logo implementations, noticeable red collars are still present and were later dropped for production.
This pair appears to be worn or tested and has not been game worn.
Provenance comes from Bill Ficke, one time assistant coach, basketball scout and sneaker store owner and collector.
Additional supporting photo-match evidence is held within the archive.

Air Jordan 1 Double Lace - Pair — 1985-86

Air Jordan 1 Double Lace / Dual Autographs — 1985-86

A rare pair of Air Jordan 1's from the start of 1985-86 season.

Archive ReferencePair F

Production Code850204 TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Worn during the start of the 1985-86 season pre injury, double laced with red and black laces.

Public Sale

Auction House: Grey Flannel Auctions
Sale Date: November 16, 2025
Lot #: 123
Sale Price: $205,118

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA, SIA

Research & Provenance

This pair was originally presented to us and a visual confirmation was verified to the 1985 Star Card with multiple match consistencies.
Provenance is derived from John Ligmanowski, former Bulls equipment manager in the 80's and 90's.

A modified Air Jordan with double logos and Nike Dunk soles.

Archive ReferencePair G

Production Code860304 STPS

Size13 L / 13 R

SignatureRookie Era - Autograph

A modified pair worn post injury in 1986, during Jordan's come back.

Public Sale

Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Sale Date: February 26, 2022
Lot #: 80099
Sale Price: $675,000

View Sale Listing 2→

View Sale Listing 1→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: SIA, Photo-Match.com

Research & Provenance

A modified pair of Air Jordan's with double wings logos, and modified Nike Dunk soles for extra support and protection.
This pair was originally sold without a photo-match on Sotheby’s.
It is now photo-matched to Jordan's 1985-86 season, post injury due to a broken ankle.
An additional game photo-match has been added and is held in our archive database.

Air Jordan 1 Dunk Sole- 63 Points — 1985-86

Air Jordan, double logos and Nike Dunk soles - worn in game 2 of the playoffs.

Archive ReferencePair H

Production Code860304 STPS

Size13 L / 13 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Worn during Jordan's massive show of 63 points at the Boston Garden in a double overtime thriller.

Privately Held

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

A modified pair of Air Jordan's with double wings logos, and modified Nike Dunk soles for extra support and protection.
This pair was originally sold in the early 2000's, prior to the rise of photo-matching.
The pair is dual signed and inscribed personally by Jordan - 63 points!.
Additional supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material derived from original Boston-area photography sources.

Private-source image of the Air Jordan I pair worn in the Jumpman photograph

Alternate private-source image of the Air Jordan I pair worn in the Jumpman photograph

Private-source detail image of the Air Jordan I pair worn in the Jumpman photograph

Additional private-source image of the Air Jordan I pair worn in the Jumpman photograph

The earliest known pair of Air Jordan I known to exist.

Archive ReferencePair I

Production CodeBH 101484-A-TY

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Worn during the most famous image ever, the JUMPMAN logo image known around the world.

Privately Held

Owner: Michael Jordan's childhood friend, David Bridgers

Article Link →

Video Link →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Photo-Matched To: Nike Photo Shoot "JumpMan logo"
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

Privately owned by Michael Jordan’s childhood friend.
Supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material through photographic negatives and original behind the scenes photography.

A modified pair of Air Jordans worn in 1986.

Archive ReferencePair J

Production Code850102-TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Faded

A customized Air Jordan 1 made specifically for Jordan upon his return from ankle injury.

Public Sale

Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Sale Date: November 19, 2017
Lot #: 50014
Sale Price: $55,000

View Sale Listing→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

Supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material through original photography and original negatives.

A modified pair of Air Jordans worn in 1986.

Archive ReferencePair K

Production Code850102-TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

A customized Air Jordan 1 made specifically for Jordan upon his return from ankle injury.

Public Sale

Auction House: Gotta Have Rock
Sale Date: August 01, 2020
Lot #: 2
Sale Price: $379,757

View Sale Listing→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: No
Games Photo-Matched: 0
Photo-Matched By: None

Research & Provenance

Supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material through original photography and original negatives.

Air Jordan I - TYPS, artifact shown with game wear.

Archive ReferencePair L

Production Code850102-TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Attributed to a New York Knicks game from Madison Square Garden.

Public Sale

Auction House: SCP Auctions
Sale Date: May 18, 2014
Lot #: 907
Sale Price: $14,700

View Sale Listing→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: No
Games Photo-Matched: 0
Photo-Matched By: None

Research & Provenance

Provenance derived from David Ortiz, security guard at Madison Square Garden who was lucky enough to befriend Jordan during his games at MSG.
Both shoes are personally signed "To Dave" and display rookie era signatures.

Game used Air Jordan 1.5 featuring an early Air Jordan II mid-sole.

Archive ReferencePair M

Production Code

Size13 L / 13 R

SignatureNone

Worn on his second game back from ankle injury and modified for more support.

Public Sale

Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Sale Date: February 27, 2021
Lot #: 907
Sale Price: $105,000

View Sale Listing→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

Accompanied by a letter from Mark Pheil (Bulls trainer), who hired Glenn Cumberland to make custom foot orthotics for Jordan.
Jordan presented this pair to Mr. Cumberland to design and mold the new foot orthotics and he has held them since..

Air Jordan, double logo and Nike Dunk sole

Archive ReferencePair N

Production Code860304 STPS

Size13 L / 13 R

SignatureRookie Era Autograph

Worn during Jordan's return, post injury in April 1986.

Privately Held

View Owner→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: Resolution Photomatching

Research & Provenance

A modified pair of Air Jordan's with double wings logos, and modified Nike Dunk soles for extra support and protection.
Additional supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material derived from original Boston-area photography sources.

Air Jordan I with modified ankle strap.

Archive ReferencePair O

Production Code850102 TYPS

Size13 L / 13.5 R

SignatureRookie Era Autograph

Worn during Jordan's return, post injury in March 1986.

Privately Held

View Owner→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

A modified pair of Air Jordan's with ankle strap support, modified early on his return to play, used as stop gap while development continued of a better option.
Additional supporting evidence is held within the archive, including material derived from original video and photography sources.

Air Jordan I (high), worn during the All- Star game in 1985.

Archive ReferencePair P

Production Code850102-TY

Size13 L / 13 R

SignatureRookie Era - Dual Autographs

Air Jordan I worn during Jordan's first All- Star game in 1985.

Public Sale

Auction House: Grey Flannel Auctions
Sale Date: November 07, 2011
Lot #: 765
Sale Price: $21,780

View Sale Listing→

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Apparent
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

A letter from from Robert Crawford, who received the shoes personally from Jordan, while attending all-star game. As per Robert Crawford, he witnessed Jordan sign the shoes after the game.
Independent archive research documents consistency between the pair and game imagery.