How Michael Jordan’s iconic sneaker brand wins sneaker of the year title

Michael Jordan’s quintessential shoe brand is not just a representation of athletic success and societal dominance; it is also an attestation of how a business can be transformed through partnerships and effective brand building. The Jordan brand has transformed the sneaker industry. By earning billions of dollars in revenue, the Jordan brand has completely changed the landscape of the sneaker market and made Jordan one of the wealthiest sportsmen on earth.

The iconic tale of the Jordan brand started in 1984, when Nike, a rising footwear brand, made a partnership deal with Jordan, who was a rookie in the NBA. This partnership began a journey that would transform the sneaker terrain and revolutionize the connection between athletes and brands.

Nike launched the first Air Jordan shoe in 1985, the Air Jordan 1. The unconventional design of the Air Jordan 1, was all thanks to the designer Peter Moore, who got inspiration from Air Force 1. He wanted to create a sneaker that would be appealing to basketball players and sneaker lovers all over the world. The launch became instantly successful because of its alliance with rising star, Jordan and also because of its bold and innovative design.

Over the years, the Jordan brand has not ceased to design and launch exemplary sneakers, each design defying the odds of design and technology. From the Air Jordan 3, with its ground-breaking air unit, which has remained pivotal to the brand since its release, to the Air Jordan 11, which was made popular by Space Jam, a Jordan movie, the Jordan brand has continuously produced revolutionary sneakers that have sparked curiosity and interest in sneakers devotees and basketball fans across the world.

Harnessing the power of partnerships

In recent years, the Jordan Brand has begun to strategically collaborate with young artists, musicians, and designers. The collaboration strategy has inarguably proven to be a successful formula, giving the brand access to the wealth of creativity and influence of these global stars, who are loved and accepted by the younger generation.

Some of the most notable collaborations include:

1. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Olive: This partnership resulted in the design of the globally accepted Air Jordan 1 Low Olive, which won the “Sneaker of the Year” title by Complex Sneakers. Generating over $1 billion in resale value, the collaboration with Travis Scott was more than a marketing success; it solidified Jordan Brand’s dominance in the sneaker industry.
2. J Balvin x Air Jordan 3: In 2022, Jordan Brand took a dive into the vibrant Latin music scene by partnering with J Balvin. The Air Jordan 3 Retro “UNC” was created to pay homage to Balvin’s affection for basketball and his beautiful Colombian legacy. The Air Jordan 3 Retro sold out as soon as it was launched. This partnership was a massive success, increasing the global footprint of the brand by connecting deeply with Latin American fans and beyond.
3. Drake x Air Jordan 1 Retro High “OVO”: Another important milestone in the history of the Air Jordan brand was attained in 2018 when Canadian rapper, Drake, became its partner. The shoe had an OVO owl logo on it, and its inspiration came from Toronto, where the artist was born. This sneaker earned the Jordan brand $1 million. This partnership also revitalized the brand’s popularity among the younger generation and established it as a symbol of modern culture.
4. Kanye West x Air Yeezy: Beginning in 2009, a partnership with Kanye West led to the wildly popular Air Yeezy line. The shoe company was daring in its designs and innovative in its features, which made these sneakers very popular among fans and caused its sales to exceed $1 billion.

Winning the 2023 sneaker of the year title

The Air Jordan 1 Low Olive, a collaboration with Travis Scott in 2023, was named the “Sneaker of the Year,” an indication that Jordan Brand is leading in the sneaker industry. The following qualities are what made the Air Jordan Low Olive stand out from other brands:

• Timeless Design and Unparalleled Versatility: By combining a touch of modern streetwear and classical sophistication, the Air Jordan 1 Low Olive is a work of art in itself. A simple olive colour, sleek lines, and a retro logo made it a sneaker that perfectly synergized the present with the past, making it a must-have for any sneaker lover.
• Cultural Relevance and Artistic Expression: It’s not just another pair of sneakers but rather a cultural symbol. The influence of Travis Scott, who himself is an influential figure within the fashion and music industries, only adds more depth to this sneaker. It’s a blend between the heritage of Jordan Brand and the hectic vibrancy of today’s streets, thus appealing to many people at once.
• Collaborative Excellence and Brand Synergy: The synergy between Jordan Brand and Travis Scott justifies the power of collaboration. In this sneaker, Jordan Brand’s rich heritage in sneaker craftsmanship is merged with Scott’s fresh, artistic perspective to establish a new benchmark in the industry indicating how collaborative efforts can lead to trailblazing outcomes.
• Innovation and Attention to Detail: While it might be pointing back to history, the Air Jordan 1 Low Olive has both its feet firmly planted in the present. Using top-quality materials, paying attention to small things, and incorporating modern technology all redefine what a classic sneaker can entail, thereby showing that Jordan Brand is always innovative and quality-conscious.

The 2023 “Sneaker of the Year” distinction accorded to the Air Jordan 1 Low Olive by Complex Sneakers is more than an award. It recognizes the ability of the Jordan Brand to innovate, adapt, and resonate with an inclusive audience. This accolade honors its legacy as a brand that consistently breaks ground in sneaker design. This only shows that it is still the point of reference for other companies in the industry of sneakers, constantly modifying itself according to various trends that show up in the market.

A symbol of enduring excellence

The Jordan Brand, through its collaborations and achievements, continues to set the standard in the sneaker industry. Constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing market, it stands as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and cultural influence, reflecting the enduring legacy of Jordan himself. This journey from a groundbreaking partnership to dominating the Sneaker of the Year race is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its transformative impact on the world of sneakers, fashion, and beyond.