Air jordan 4-6

Air Jordan IV: Jordans continue to enter pop culture with the IV's popping up in Spike Lee's film "Do the Right Thing."

Air Jordan IV
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Debut: 1989



If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Tinker Hatfield took the above to heart in designing the AJ4, deciding to build on the success of the previous model rather than starting from scratch. These kicks featured an improved ventilation system along with spider web-style lace loops, also differing from the AJ3 in the multicoloured curves which flow from the sole.


Further information

A scene in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing focuses on the IV as one of the movie’s characters cleans his Jordans with a toothbrush when a bicycle scuffs them.


Air Jordan V: Drawing inspiration from World War II fighter planes, the V's drop in February of 1990 and are on Jordan's feet when he goes for a career-high 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.



Air Jordan V
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Debut: 1990



The first Jordan to have its sole made of clear rubber, the V stayed relatively clean and simple, mixing a paneled upper with an alternate-colour trim to make a Jordan many consider one of the best-looking of the range off-court. The addition of a silver tongue gave the shoe a space-age feel, which was augmented by the glow-in-the-dark outsole, with the high-ankle padding soothing many an aggravated tendon.


Further information

Some claim that the shark tooth detail on the midsole suggests that the inspiration for the AJ5 was a WWII Mustang fighter plane.

Air Jordan VI: The VI's hold a special place in MJ's heart as they were the kicks he wore while winning his first NBA title in 1991.



Air Jordan VI
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Debut: 1991



The major addition to this edition was the rubber tongue with grab holes to aid the wearer when pulling the shoe on in a hurry. This version also cleverly incorporated a "23" into the design, a feature barely noticeable in the black/black colourway.

Further information

A mistake in the design of the retro version of the VI meant that the colours of the midsole on the black/black/red colourway were reversed. Although manufacturers quickly corrected this, some dud pairs were released and can now fetch upwards of several hundred dollars.

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