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The Chuck Taylors
The Original Chuck Taylor dominated the basketball scene for over 40 years. The canvas sneaker with rubber soles is the all-time best selling sneaker at over 500 million pairs sold and counting. It wasn't until leather debuted on basketball sneakers in the 60's did the canvas Chucks began its decline. -
Nike's First Shoe on the market!
As the first basketball shoe with a swoosh, the Blazer marked the small Oregon-based Nike's entry into the basketball shoes market. -
Converse
Converse and Dr. J took the game to another level. Magic and Bird loaded up with the Converse Weapons to develop the rivalry that 'saved' the NBA. -
The Nike Air Force 1
Air Force 1 debuts as the first Nike basketball shoe with an air sole. The Air technology differentiated Nike from rest of the competition and propelled the company to become the industry's leader – a position which Nike has never relinquished to this day. Furthermore, Air Force 1's strap, classic design and popularity allowed the shoe to remain a best-selling sneaker even as we speak. -
The Jordan Era
One man dominated the Era that gave sneakers the kind of popularity we see today. Let's face it, without Michael Jordan's influence on the game, we wouldn't be here today. The Icon is the sole reason why all of this is even possible. So to name the Era after the Greatest of All Time is fittingly appropriate and the least we could do. -
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Golden Era
Mike's 1st retirement sent the industry reeling. Will basketball shoes continue to sell without its main cornerstone? Nike realized it needed to find alternative methods other than relying on just one man. Barkley, Pippen, Admiral, Reggie and Penny all stepped up to the plate for the company. Reebok found their main man in Iverson. The Golden Era was a period of time where no one model line or person would dominate the entire industry. -
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Throwback era
Mike's 2nd retirement set the industry back once again. This time, Nike was prepared with the establishment of Brand Jordan. Unfortunately, the lack of interest in the NBA and lack of signature superstars caused consumers to look backward rather than forward. Throwback Jerseys and Retro'ed shoes became more popular than anything new the manufacturers could create. Now the internet and social media play a huge role in advertising and the way the consumer purchases the products.
