When we talk about basketball and fashion, the name of Nike brand comes up one of the first things that comes to mind. But how exactly did the company become a symbol of basketball footwear?
It all started in 1984 when Nike signed young basketball player Michael Jordan. Back then, the company was far from being the giant it is now, and the Air Jordan line was their main chance for success.
Interesting facts:
1 The NBA initially banned Michael Jordan from wearing the first Air Jordan on the court because the shoes violated the dress code. But Nike used this for its own marketing purposes, paying a fine for every game where Jordan wore the sneakers. This challenge to the system created a stir, and the Air Jordan became a smash hit.
2 Little known detail: the design of the first Air Jordan was created by famous designer Peter Moore, who also designed the Jumpman logo, one of the most recognizable symbols in the sports industry.
Converse: the king of the past
Today, the Converse brand is associated with classic Chuck Taylor sneakers, but they once dominated basketball. In the 1950s and 70s, almost every professional NBA player wore Converse sneakers.
Little known facts:
1 Converse was the first company to offer basketball shoes with a player’s name on them. In 1934, their line was named after Chuck Taylor, a popular basketball player and the company’s shoe salesman. His contribution to the brand was so great that Converse added his signature to the shoe’s logo, a rare occurrence for the time.
Adidas and the creation of iconic models
Adidas also made a significant contribution to basketball fashion. One of the brand’s most famous models were the Adidas Superstar, which were originally produced as shoes for basketball players.
Interesting facts:
1 Superstar became popular not thanks to NBA players, but thanks to the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. In the 1980s, the musicians made this model part of their stage clothes, wearing it without laces, which became their signature style. The brand was quick to pick up on the trend and signed one of the first ever musical sports collaboration contracts with the band.
2 Adidas also worked closely with legendary player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was the face of the brand in the 1970s.
Reebok and the connection to street culture
Reebok entered the basketball world in the 1990s with The Pump model. These sneakers with an inflatable chamber in the tongue promised a perfect fit on the foot.
Little-known facts:
1 The first NBA player to wear The Pump was Dominique Wilkins, nicknamed “Mr. Spectacular.” But the model’s real popularity was brought by Dee Brown, who won a slam dunk contest in 1991 by demonstrating how he “pumps” his sneakers before jumping. That moment became one of Reebok’s most memorable ads.
Under Armour: a new player
Compared to giants such as Nike and Adidas, the Under Armour brand is relatively new to the basketball scene. However, their collaboration with Stephen Curry, one of the brightest players of today, has made the brand recognizable.
Interesting facts:
1 Stephen Curry was originally associated with Nike, but in 2013, he moved to Under Armour due to a disagreement with the company. This move was a turning point for the brand, making it one of the market leaders in basketball footwear.
Puma and a return to the arena
Puma was not active in the basketball industry for a long time, but in recent years, the brand has re-emerged. In 2018, Puma returned to the NBA, signing young stars like Deandre Ayton and LaMelo Ball.
Interesting facts:
1 In the 1970s, Puma had already partnered with basketball stars such as Walt Frazier, known for his style. He was the first athlete to receive a named shoe model, the Puma Clyde.
Conclusion
Every brand associated with basketball has made its own unique contribution to sports and fashion. From Nike’s revolutionary technology to Converse’s cultural legacy, each story proves that basketball is not only a game, but a powerful force shaping modern culture.
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