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Michael Jordan Archive
The

Air Jordan II

1986–1987
Air Jordan IV

Air Jordan II, designed by Bruce Kilgore and fabricated in Italy, was introduced in fall of 1986 and worn by Michael Jordan during the start of the 1986-87 NBA season. Internal coding on early pairs indicates production dating to spring 1986.

Jordan first wore the Air Jordan II in a high top and mixing in a low top variation by March and April of 1987. Jordan would switch to the low top variation the following season of 1987-88 and continue to wear it sparingly in the first few months.

Model Summary

Air Jordan II

Audit in Progress
Total Documented Examples
2
Publicly Sold Examples
2
Privately Held Examples
0
Archive Updated March 28, 2026
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 mid-sole 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 II Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan II 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.

1987 Air Jordan II - White | Black

Game DateApril 13, 1987
OpponentMilwaukee Bucks
UsageRegular Season
VerificationVerified Code
Public ExampleYes
Air Jordan 2 — 1987
Air Jordan 2— 1987
Air Jordan 2 — 1987

Air Jordan II attributed to the Milwaukee Bucks match in April.

Archive ReferencePair A
Production CodeAA86IT12
Size13 L / 13 R
Attributed to the first time Jordan wore the low top variation on court in the 1986-87 season.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Goldin Auctions
  • Sale Date: December 13, 2020
  • Lot #: 248
  • Sale Price: $15,600

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: No
  • Games Photo-Matched: 0
  • Photo-Matched By:
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from a long time family friend of Doug Collins (Jeff), a letter is provided stating the shoes were given to doug by Michael Jordan and signed to Jeff, after a Milwaukee game.
  • Internal images and video confirm during the April 13 game, Jordan appears to test a low top model for the 3rd quarter only, before switching back to a high top for the 4th quarter.
  • Supporting research is provided by and held in our archive.

1987 Air Jordan II - White | Red

Game DateUnknown
OpponentUnknown
UsageUnknown
VerificationVerified Code
Public ExampleYes
Air Jordan 2 — 1987
Air Jordan 2— 1987
Air Jordan 2 — 1987

An original Air Jordan II with consistent game wear.

Archive ReferencePair B
Production CodeAA86IT12
Size13 L / 13 R

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Hunt Auctions
  • Sale Date: May 16, 2023
  • Lot #: 97
  • Sale Price: $25,500

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: No
  • Games Photo-Matched: 0
  • Photo-Matched By:
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from a long time business partner Howard Kaplan, who received the shoes directly from Michael Jordan
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