It’s wild to think it’s been 40 years since Air Jordans first took flight. Back when Michael Jordan laced up those black-and-red 1s in 1984, the NBA wasn’t impressed. Mostly, only white sneakers were allowed, and the league banned the Jordans outright. However, MJ continued to wear them, and each time the league fined him.

Nike, sensing the makings of myth, happily picked up the tab. The message was loud, rebellious and clear: “Sometimes breaking the rules is the game.”

Soon, April 1, 1985, the Air Jordan was released to the public. It wasn’t just another sneaker; it was status. You didn’t just wear them; you walked differently in them. Every kid in the neighborhood knew the code. Keep them clean, don’t crease the toe box, and if someone in the school hallways asked, “What size are those

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