For those who are interested in sneakers, it’s no secret that the Air Jordan was revolutionary. In fact, it’s still one of the most popular shoes today and is frequently showcased in music videos and social media. However, not everybody understands the sneaker values for this type of shoe.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
Why Were These Shoes Made?
Interestingly, many people are unaware of the history behind Air Jordan shoes. Knowing this will go a long way when it comes to understanding the value of shoes like these. In 1984, Nike attempted to strike up a deal with Michael Jordan, who had not yet turned pro.
However, he was not particularly fond of Nike shoes at the time. In fact, he claimed to enjoy wearing Converse and Adidas over Nike. After Jordan eventually met with Nike representatives to learn what they had to offer, Nike’s design team got to work on creating a shoe that would convince him to sign their deal.
The primary challenge here was that they needed to make a shoe that both appealed to Jordan and was unlike anything they’ve made before. This led to the shoe being tailored to fit the way that Michael Jordan played on the court. More specifically, the shoe was low to the ground and was designed to be as comfortable as possible.
Extra comfort was added through the use of premium leather on the upper part of the shoe. Michael Jordan eventually ended up signing Nike’s deal and went on to have a stellar rookie season.
One year later, in 1985, this model of shoe was made available to the public. As you might expect, it was a major success among sneaker fans.
Why Are Some Models so Expensive?
Historically, Air Jordans have been released in limited supply. This means that after retailers run out of shoes, Nike does not produce extra products. So, this can cause the resale price to skyrocket. It should come as no surprise that older models or those that experienced particularly limited releases are going to be more expensive.
This is simply a case of supply and demand. For example, Air Jordans that were released in the 80s and 90s are well-known for selling for high amounts if they are in pristine condition.
The same can be said about rare colorways that did not see widespread release. Additionally, certain models become more expensive when they have a larger cultural impact. The presence of a particular Air Jordan model within a high-profile film or commercial will increase its price.
The same can be said about Air Jordans that celebrities are seen wearing. Although many people focus on the Air Jordan 1, the Air Jordan 9 is also a popular model with plenty of different colorways.
How Much Do They Typically Cost?
When released, Air Jordan’s have retail prices of approximately $90-$170. This will strongly depend on the colorway and theme of the shoe.
For those who are unaware, certain Air Jordan models are collaborations between Nike and other companies/brands. They also frequently collaborate with artists.
The main conflict here is that buyers are often able to easily tell what shoes will be popular as time goes on. So, retail inventory quickly sells out when Nike does a collaboration with Travis Scott, for example. In terms of resale value, Air Jordan shoes can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars in price.
As time goes on, they become more expensive since the overall supply of mint condition shoes begins to decrease. There have also been instances where certain Air Jordans are released only to select groups of individuals. It’s not uncommon for shoes like these to cost over $10,000 for a resale purchase.
Despite the high prices, people are often more than willing to buy them.
Are They Worth Buying?
That’s entirely up to you. As with any other purchase in life, the inherent value of something will differ from person to person. So, you’ll need to take a step back and look at what this type of purchase will bring.
If you have a sneaker collection, for example, then it is often worth purchasing Air Jordans. If you are simply looking for comfortable shoes and don’t particularly care about the story behind them, it may be worth investing in other sneakers.
Regardless, Air Jordan shoes are made of quality material and are a timeless cultural icon. This makes them a great option for those who have a platform where they can showcase trendy clothing items that they own. Instagram models, for instance, frequently purchase Air Jordans due to their cultural significance.
What Else Should I Know?
Unfortunately, it’s entirely possible that someone attempts to sell you a pair of fake Air Jordans.
For this reason, it’s in your best interest to make use of platforms that verify transactions before they are shipped to the buyer. If you choose to purchase the shoes in person, you’ll need a trained eye in order to discern any defects that may be present.
The Sneaker Values For the Air Jordan Might Surprise You
This is particularly true for some of the older models that are rare today. With the above guide about sneaker values in mind, however, you’ll be able to have a strong understanding of what lies within your budget.
Looking for more tips that can help you out later on? Check out the rest of our blog for plenty of more useful information.
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