- Release Date: 1986
- Original Price: £100 (approximate in today’s currency)
- Designer: Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore
Following the success of the Air Jordan 1, Nike was eager to continue the momentum by designing a shoe that would stand out even more and cement Michael Jordan’s place not only in basketball but also in style and fashion. Enter the Air Jordan 2, a shoe that brought luxury to the court, combining high-quality materials with a sleek design. Though often overshadowed by the legendary AJ1 and AJ3, the Air Jordan 2 has its own unique place in sneaker history and deserves a look as the model that started pushing the boundaries of sports footwear.
The Goal: Creating a Premium Basketball Shoe
With the Air Jordan 2, Nike’s vision was simple but ambitious: to create a basketball shoe that looked and felt luxurious. For this reason, designers Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore took inspiration from Italian craftsmanship, bringing a high-end feel to the sneaker world. The Air Jordan 2 aimed to blend sport and style in a way that was unheard of at the time, setting it apart from its predecessor and every other basketball shoe on the market.
The AJ2 featured sleek lines, faux lizard skin on the upper, and was made in Italy – an extraordinary choice back in the 1980s, especially for a sports shoe. By producing the shoe in Italy and using premium materials, Nike positioned the AJ2 as a luxury item, not just an athletic shoe. This approach would later become a common trend in the sneaker industry, but the AJ2 was the first to try it on such a large scale.
A Radical Design Choice
In terms of design, the Air Jordan 2 took a massive step away from the look of the AJ1. For one, there was no Nike Swoosh on the side of the shoe – a daring move that made the AJ2 distinctive. By removing the swoosh, Nike emphasised the Air Jordan logo on the tongue, creating a new brand identity around the “Wings” logo that we now associate so closely with Jordan’s line.
The AJ2’s overall aesthetic was more streamlined, and the shoe’s profile was lower than the AJ1. Designed with a faux lizard skin overlay and equipped with a full-length Air sole for added comfort, it was meant to be both functional and stylish. According to Kilgore, the design focused on making a shoe that could be worn as much off the court as on it. This was a bold and risky choice, but it helped Nike cater to both athletes and style-conscious fans.
Performance on the Court
Despite the AJ2’s focus on style, it still performed well on the court. Nike equipped the AJ2 with several features to support Jordan’s explosive playing style, including a full-length Air sole for cushioning, a padded collar for ankle support, and high-quality leather for durability. Compared to other basketball shoes of the time, the AJ2 was a game-changer in terms of comfort and support.
Jordan’s own performance while wearing the AJ2 only added to its allure. In the 1986-1987 season, while rocking the AJ2, Jordan put on a show, averaging an impressive 37.1 points per game. He also made NBA history by scoring 3,000 points in a season – a feat not achieved since Wilt Chamberlain. The AJ2 was a part of these incredible moments, making it iconic in its own right.
A Sneaker Ahead of Its Time
Although the Air Jordan 2 is considered one of the less popular models in the Air Jordan lineup, it was groundbreaking for its time. The use of Italian craftsmanship, faux lizard skin, and luxury design set a precedent for future models. These design choices were a leap forward, but they may have been too ahead of their time for some sneaker fans, especially those who were more accustomed to traditional basketball shoes.
The AJ2’s high price tag – around £100 back in 1986 – also played a role in its mixed reception. At the time, this was considered a hefty price for a basketball shoe, and not everyone was willing to spend that much. However, in hindsight, the Air Jordan 2 paved the way for the high-end sneaker market we see today, where luxury materials and limited releases are the norm.
Air Jordan 2 legacy and Future Air Jordans series
Though the Air Jordan 2 didn’t gain the same legendary status as other models, its influence on the Air Jordan line can’t be overstated. By bringing a luxury approach to sportswear, the AJ2 set the stage for future collaborations and limited editions that blended high fashion and athletic performance.
One key legacy of the AJ2 is that it proved Nike could think outside the box with design, an idea that Michael Jordan himself encouraged. Jordan didn’t just want a typical basketball shoe; he wanted something that represented his unique style and ambition. Nike’s commitment to creativity continued in future Air Jordan models, with each one bringing something fresh to the table.
It’s also worth noting that the Air Jordan 2’s design choices inspired many later iterations in the line. The idea of premium materials and unique aesthetics carried forward in models like the Air Jordan 3, which introduced elephant print and visible Air units, and the Air Jordan 11, which featured patent leather.
The Challenges Behind the Scenes: The Departure of Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore
One reason why the Air Jordan 2’s legacy isn’t as prominent as other models is due to the internal challenges Nike faced during its creation. After the success of the Air Jordan 1, designers Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore both left Nike due to creative differences and other conflicts. This meant that the Air Jordan 2 didn’t have the same level of promotional push as the AJ1, and the sudden departure of the designers led to delays in future Jordan models.
The departure of Moore and Kilgore also brought in a new face to the Air Jordan line: Tinker Hatfield, who would go on to design the iconic Air Jordan 3 and several other famous Jordans. Hatfield’s entry into the Jordan line marked a shift in design direction, and though the AJ2 didn’t achieve widespread popularity, it paved the way for the brand’s future success.
Notable Air Jordan 2 Releases and Collaborations
Despite its mixed reception, the Air Jordan 2 has seen several notable releases over the years, with Nike periodically revisiting the model for retros and collaborations. These re-releases have brought a new level of appreciation for the AJ2, especially among sneaker collectors and Jordan fans.
Some of the standout releases include the Don C x Air Jordan 2 collaboration, which added a quilted leather upper and brought a fresh, luxurious twist to the AJ2. Air Jordan 2 “University Blue” is considered another popular release, which paid homage to Jordan’s college days at the University of North Carolina. These special editions have helped introduce the AJ2 to new audiences, reminding people of its unique design and premium feel.
Why the Air Jordan 2 Deserves Recognition Today
In today’s sneaker landscape, where luxury materials and high-end collaborations are standard, it’s clear that the Air Jordan 2 was ahead of its time. The AJ2’s emphasis on quality and style paved the way for many modern sneakers that blend sport with fashion. While it might not have the cult following of the AJ1 or AJ3, the AJ2 has a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique place in sneaker history.
Moreover, the Air Jordan 2 is a reminder of Nike’s willingness to take risks, even when it wasn’t guaranteed to pay off. This model helped establish the Air Jordan line as more than just a series of basketball shoes – it became a lifestyle brand, influencing fashion, culture, and sneaker culture around the world.
The Cultural Impact of the Air Jordan 2
For British sneaker fans, the Air Jordan 2 has become a bit of a hidden gem. In a market where the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 3 often steal the spotlight, the AJ2’s subtle design and high-quality materials make it a rare find. UK sneakerheads who own a pair of AJ2s know they’re wearing something special, something that stands out from the typical rotation.
The AJ2 also speaks to a broader trend in the UK, where vintage and retro sneakers are celebrated. British sneaker culture values originality and heritage, and the AJ2’s story resonates with those who appreciate a shoe with history. While it may not have the instant recognisability of the AJ1, the AJ2 is a symbol of Nike’s willingness to innovate and take creative risks.
Closing Thoughts
The Air Jordan 2 may not be the flashiest or most celebrated model in the Jordan lineup, but it’s one of the most significant. By blending luxury design with sports performance, the AJ2 set the stage for future models that would push the boundaries of sneaker design. For collectors and fans alike, the AJ2 remains a piece of Jordan history, representing the early days of a brand that would go on to dominate both the courts and the streets.
In today’s world of sneaker collecting, the Air Jordan 2 is like a fine vintage – not always appreciated in its time, but cherished by those who know its true value. Whether you’re a die-hard Jordan fan or just discovering the line, the AJ2 is a reminder that sometimes, the boldest moves are the ones that make the biggest impact.
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