Air Jordan 2

Following the frenzy created by the first Air Jordan was a tall order, but designer Bruce Kilgore - who also designed the classic Nike Air Force 1 - took the reins for the second shoe in the Air Jordan series and, as intended, went in a new and different direction.

The Nike Swoosh that was so prominent on every Nike shoe up to that point was removed from the Air Jordan II. With a simple and clean design, the shoe featured upgraded materials, including a faux lizard skin upper and a molded plastic heel counter.

Known for its Italian craftsmanship, the Air Jordan II featured vast upgrades in quality from the Air Jordan 1. A full length Air unit beefed up the midsole to cushion Jordan's sore foot (he'd broken it and missed much of the season) and the high-top cut of the shoes provided great ankle support. Embossed on the tongue, the Air Jordan Wings logo played a more prominent role in the Air Jordan II. The Air Jordan II paved the way for quality basketball footwear and set the stage for the madness that would follow with the Air Jordan III. Although the Air Jordan II didn't see the court much, it still has its place in sneaker culture as the first "luxury basketball sneaker." The wings box the shoes came in is one of the most sought-after and loved Air Jordan boxes to date.

Michael won his first NBA slam dunk title while wearing the Air Jordan II. During the 1985-1986 NBA season, Michael only wore the Air Jordan II for 18 games due to a broken foot. When Jordan returned to the court for the playoffs, he wore the Air Jordan I as he lit up the Celtics in his legendary 63-point game.