THE MOST MEMORABLE SHOES WORN BY MJ IN “THE LAST DANCE”
Here's a running list of sneaker highlights throughout the series.
WORDS: IAN STONEBROOK
The Last Dance celebrates Michael Jordan’s most documented season as basketball’s biggest star. It also illustrates the birth of Jordan Brand through MJ’s style on and off the court.
While the history of Air Jordan debuts, player exclusives and performances have been shown elsewhere, The Last Dance documents a specific period of on-foot highlights and heroics, as an homage to MJ’s past, ascent and future.
Rotating models more than ever and always rising to the occasion, MJ transitioned from Air Jordan to CEO Jordan. Seeing the timeless classics and rare Air that he rocks in The Last Dance is colorful, captivating and inspiring.
The Last Dance promises to give an unprecedented look at the people, stories and sneakers that made the Jumpman a global phenomenon. It is available in the United States and internationally on Netflix.
Below is a list of the most memorable shoes that MJ wears throughout The Last Dance.
EPISODES 9 & 10
(Top) Film still via ESPN / (Bottom) An OG pair of the Air Jordan II Low White/Red
(Left) Film still via ESPN / (Right) An OG pair of the Air Jordan II Low White/Red
AIR JORDAN II LOW
The Last Dance shows a young MJ facing off against a rival. Responding to trash talk, MJ scores a flurry of points in the Air Jordan II Low White/Red.
MJ silences the crowd in Utah while wearing the Air Jordan XIII Low PE
AIR JORDAN XIII LOW PE
MJ faced tough competition during his final season in Chicago. The documentary shows MJ lacing up an Air Jordan XIII Low PE for games in the 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals and 1998 NBA Finals.
MJ leads the offense while wearing the Air Jordan XII Black/Varsity Red-White-Metallic Silver in 1997
AIR JORDAN XII
MJ wore the Air Jordan XII throughout the 1997 NBA Playoffs. The documentary shows him hitting a game-winning shot in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing the Air Jordan XII Black/Varsity Red-White-Metallic Silver in Chicago.
MJ re-focuses while wearing the Air Jordan XII Black/Varsity Red in Utah in 1997
Air Jordan XII
The Last Dance spotlights Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where MJ played — against all odds — while suffering from severe food poisoning. MJ leads Chicago to a heroic victory while wearing the Air Jordan XII Black/Varsity Red.
MJ at the rim while wearing the Air Jordan XIV Black/Black-Varsity Red in Utah
AIR JORDAN XIV
The Last Dance ended with MJ wearing the Air Jordan XIV Black/Black-Varsity Red. MJ debuted the sports car-inspired Air Jordan on court in the 1997 NBA Finals.
EPISODES 7 & 8
(Top) Film still via ESPN / (Bottom) A retro pair of the Air Jordan IX White/Black-True Red
(Left) Film still via ESPN / (Right) A retro pair of the Air Jordan IX White/Black-True Red
AIR JORDAN IX
MJ made the transition from the hardwood to the diamond in the Air Jordan IX. The documentary shows MJ wearing the shoe when he first shows up to indoor training for pro baseball.
MJ stands for the anthem in Birmingham while wearing the Air Jordan IX Cleat
(Left) MJ stands for the anthem in Birmingham while wearing the Air Jordan IX Cleat / (Right) A game-worn pair of MJ’s Air Jordan IX Cleats
AIR JORDAN IX CLEAT
MJ wore the Air Jordan IX Cleat while chasing his childhood dream of playing minor league baseball. The documentary shows MJ wearing the Air Jordan IX Cleat at batting practice.
MJ brings the ball up in Chicago wearing the Air Jordan XIII Low PE in 1998
AIR JORDAN XIII LOW PE
MJ was known for bringing the best out of his peers during practice. The documentary shows MJ speaking to his teammates after an intense scrimmage session while wearing the Air Jordan XIII Low PE.
Film still via ESPN
JUMPMAN PRO QUICK
The Last Dance season paralleled the early days of Jordan Brand. The documentary shows MJ wearing the Jumpman Pro Quick at a Chicago practice.
MJ catches his breath in New York while wearing the Air Jordan X White/Varsity Red-Black
AIR JORDAN X
Two words: I’m Back. MJ made his return to the game of basketball wearing the Air Jordan X White/Varsity Red-Black. The documentary shows MJ in the AJX as he scores 55 points in New York.
MJ scans the court in Charlotte while wearing the Air Jordan X Black/Dark Shadow-True Red
AIR JORDAN X
MJ’s 1995 postseason run began in the Air Jordan X Black/Dark Shadow-True Red. The documentary shows MJ returning to practice in the AJX and later wearing it again in the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
MJ soars in Chicago while wearing the Air Jordan XI Black/Dark Concord-White
AIR JORDAN XI
MJ debuted the Air Jordan XI in the 1995 NBA Playoffs. The documentary shows MJ wearing the AJXI Black/Dark Concord-White in the postseason and also on set while filming Space Jam later that summer.
MJ brings the ball up the court in Chicago while wearing the Air Jordan XII White/Black-Taxi
AIR JORDAN XII
The Last Dance shares behind-the-scenes stories of MJ’s intensity in practice. In the documentary, MJ wears the Air Jordan XII White/Black-Taxi in a practice scrimmage.
MJ wearing the Air Jordan XI Black/True Red-White in Chicago
AIR JORDAN XI
The 1996 NBA Finals closed Chicago’s legendary 72-10 season with a championship. In the documentary, MJ celebrates his first ring after retirement while wearing the Air Jordan XI Black/True Red-White.
EPISODES 5 & 6
MJ poses for NBA All-Star Weekend portraits in the AJXIII Black/True Red-White in 1998
AIR JORDAN XIII
MJ took home 1998 All-Star Game MVP honors with the Black/True Red-White Air Jordan XIIIs on his feet and six rings on his mind. The Last Dance shows MJ interacting with the past, present and future of the game at the NBA All-Star Weekend, wearing the same AJXIII he would later wear during that postseason.
The OG AJI returned to MJ's feet on March 8, 1998 in New York City.
AIR JORDAN I
Going out like he came in, MJ returned to New York City in OG Air Jordan Is. Long before it was the trend, the documentary shows MJ carrying his game shoes in-hand as he arrived at the arena.
A young MJ models the AJI in Beaverton
AIR JORDAN I
The Last Dance relives MJ modeling and endorsing his first shoe, the Air Jordan I. This famous photoshoot shows a young MJ with the AJI White/Black-Red draped over his shoulder, in sample fashion, as denoted by the alternate ankle branding.
MJ flies high in the AJI Black/Red in Indianapolis on February 9, 1985
AIR JORDAN I
MJ made the Air Jordan I most infamous in its Black/Red color scheme. In the documentary, he famously models the coveted colorway in sample fashion. He also wore this style in the 1985 NBA Dunk Contest.
MJ finds his focus in the AJVII White/Light Silver-True Red in 1992
AIR JORDAN VII
The documentary features a montage of MJ and his team taking on all challengers in the 1991-92 season; in it, MJ wears the Air Jordan VII White/Light Silver-True Red, which he wore in regular season outings leading up to his second title.
MJ surveys the court in Chicago in the AJVI White/Carmine-Black
AIR JORDAN VI
MJ wore the Air Jordan VI White/Carmine-Black for his first regular season matchups after becoming a champion. In the documentary, MJ is shown dishing out an assist in his return to Los Angeles, wearing the bold AJVI.
MJ brings the ball up the court in Portland while wearing the AJVII Black/Dark Charcoal-True Red during the 1992 NBA Finals
AIR JORDAN VII
MJ wore the Air Jordan VII Black/Dark Charcoal-True Red for his famed, second NBA title. As seen in the documentary, MJ wore the AJVII Black/Dark Charcoal-True Red when he hit six first-half three-pointers — capped off with a famous shrug — in the 1992 NBA Finals against Portland.
MJ laces up the AJVII White/Midnight Navy-True Red for Team USA in 1992
AIR JORDAN VII
While representing Team USA in Barcelona, MJ unveiled the Air Jordan VII Midnight Navy-True Red. The Last Dance shows MJ wearing the patriotic AJVII in international competition and passionate practices.
MJ looks for his teammates in the AJVII White/Black-Cardinal Red in 1993
(Left) A close-up look at MJ's AJVII White/Black-Cardinal Red on his home court in Chicago / (Right) MJ looks for his teammates in the AJVII White/Black-Cardinal Red in 1993
AIR JORDAN VII
With two titles in his possession, MJ began the 1992-93 season in the Air Jordan VII White/Black-Cardinal Red. The documentary shows MJ, a superstar on and off the court, wearing the AJVII White/Black-Cardinal Red while shooting a video and providing perspective about his busy life.
Film still via ESPN
AIR JORDAN XIV
The Air Jordan XIV White/Black-Varsity Red was never worn by MJ in an NBA game. However, The Last Dance reveals footage of MJ moving through a mob of fans at his hotel in the then-unreleased AJXIV.
MJ looks up at the scoreboard in Portland while wearing the AJVIII White/Black-True Red in 1993
AIR JORDAN VIII
Detailing Chicago’s 1992-93 season, The Last Dance highlights MJ hitting a spinning layup against Milwaukee while wearing the Air Jordan VIII White/Black-True Red. MJ wore the strapped signature with the fuzzy tongue in regular season games leading up to his third title.
EPISODES 3 & 4
MJ wearing the Black/True Red AJXIII in Salt Lake City on June 5, 1998
AIR JORDAN XIII
On the road to his sixth championship, the documentary shows MJ keeping his most colorful teammate on track. Staying true to his team tones, MJ wore the Black/True Red Air Jordan XIII in the 1998 NBA Finals.
A close-up of MJ’s White/Red-Black AJII in Sacramento in 1987
AIR JORDAN II
In The Last Dance, MJ calms the nerves of his new coach by guaranteeing a win. The documentary tells the story of MJ putting up 50 points, therefore sealing the game and earning the confidence of his new coach in the Air Jordan II White/Red-Black.
MJ gets back on defense in Sacramento, on February 1, 1988, while wearing the AJIII White/Cement
(Left) MJ shoots a free throw in the AJIII White/Cement in Seattle in 1988 / (Right) MJ gets back on defense in Sacramento, on February 1, 1988, while wearing the AJIII White/Cement
AIR JORDAN III
MJ wore the Air Jordan III White/Cement during the famous 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The documentary shows MJ’s ascent in the league, epitomized by the AJIII.
Surveying the court in Portland in ‘87, MJ stays cool in the AJII Low White/Red-Black.
AIR JORDAN II LOW
At times, MJ dropped the top on his shoes in favor of freedom and speed, as seen with the Air Jordan II Low. Along with MJ wearing this pair, the documentary shows many of his opposing defenders put up on posters.
A young MJ takes it all in while wearing the AJII White/Red in Portland
AIR JORDAN II
By the time MJ was wearing the Air Jordan II, the entire league was on notice. The Last Dance shows the young star, already an NBA All-Star, continuing his climb to MVP and champion ranks in his second signature shoe (seen above in White/Red).
MJ races up the court in Houston while wearing the AJIV White/Cement Grey in 1989
AIR JORDAN IV
In a flurry of documentary highlights, MJ wore the Air Jordan IV White/Cement Grey during Chicago’s 1989-90 regular season run, a couple of months ahead of The Shot.
MJ catches his breath while wearing the AJIV Black/Cement Grey during the 1989 NBA All-Star Game in Houston
AIR JORDAN IV
The Air Jordan IV Black/Cement Grey graced MJ’s feet when he hit The Shot. Before MJ downed Cleveland in the Air Jordan IV, he debuted the new shoes in Houston at the 1989 NBA All-Star Game.
MJ drives in the AJIV White/Fire Red-Black in Sacramento on November 14, 1989
AIR JORDAN IV
After hitting The Shot in Cleveland, MJ had fire both in his eyes and on his feet. MJ started the 1989-90 season wearing the Air Jordan IV White/Fire Red-Black during his first games under his new Zen Master head coach.
MJ on set in Chicago in the AJV Black/Black-Metallic Silver
AIR JORDAN V
MJ wore the Air Jordan V Black/Black-Metallic Silver during a devastating defeat in Detroit as seen in the documentary. However, he also had plenty of good memories with this AJV, as he wore it in one of his most beloved videos.
A close-up shot of MJ’s AJXII White/Varsity Red-Black during a game in Phoenix
AIR JORDAN XII
MJ wore the Air Jordan XII over the course of the 1996-97 season and in pursuit of his fifth NBA title. The documentary shows MJ competing in a regular season game during the 1996-97 season with the AJXII White/Varsity Red-Black on his feet.
MJ spots up for a jumper in the AJV White/Black-Fire Red in Boston in 1990
AIR JORDAN V
MJ wore the Air Jordan V White/Black-Fire Red as he learned the triangle offense. The shoe was also famously on MJ’s feet when he scored a career-high 69 points in Cleveland in March of 1990.
(Left) Film still via ESPN / (Right) A signed pair of the Air Jordan V White/Grape Ice-New Emerald
(Top) Film still via ESPN / (Bottom) A signed pair of the Air Jordan V White/Grape Ice-New Emerald
AIR JORDAN V
Famously worn by MJ on a cereal box, he also wore the Air Jordan V White/Grape Ice-New Emerald at practice. Look closely, and you’ll see the Chicago coach giving instructions while wearing the Air Jordan IV Black/Cement Grey.
MJ wearing the AJVIII Black/Black-True Red on June 9, 1993 in Phoenix
AIR JORDAN VIII
MJ captured his third straight NBA title in the Air Jordan VIII Black/Black-True Red. The shoe appears in the documentary during the team’s earlier championship run.
(Left) MJ surveys the court wearing the AJVII Black/Light Graphite-Bordeaux during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando / (Right) Film still via ESPN
MJ surveys the court wearing the AJVII Black/Light Graphite-Bordeaux during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando
AIR JORDAN VII
The Air Jordan VII Black/Light Graphite-Bordeaux is best known for being worn by MJ during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. As the documentary reveals, MJ also broke out this unique take on the AJVII in practice during the first three-peat.
MJ looks to attack in the AJVI Black/Black-Infrared on June 7, 1991 in Los Angeles
AIR JORDAN VI
Defeating his childhood hero, MJ took home his first-ever NBA title in the Air Jordan VI Black/Black-Infrared. The above photo shows a determined MJ wearing the AJVI during the 1991 NBA Finals.
MJ brings the ball up court while wearing the AJV White/Fire Red-Black in Inglewood
AIR JORDAN V
While building the buzz for the 1991 NBA Finals, newspaper clippings in the documentary showed a hungry MJ ready to take the title in the Air Jordan V White/Fire Red-Black. The photo above is from MJ’s battle in California against his famous rival.
Film still via ESPN
JUMPMAN PRO STRONG
The ultimate competitor on the court and a jokester off of it, MJ is captured in the documentary having fun with his teammates and wearing the Jumpman Pro Strong. An early Jordan Brand model, the Pro Strong featured similar tooling to that of MJ’s signature Air Jordan XIII.
EPISODES 1 & 2
Film still via ESPN
AIR JORDAN 1 CENTRE COURT
Calm, collected and candid at home, MJ opens up about his rise as a rookie and final season with the unreleased Air Jordan 1 Centre Court on his feet.
Film still via ESPN
JORDAN SKY HIGH LOW
In the documentary, a determined, confident MJ is seen arriving at practice before anyone else; he steps out of his sleek sports car wearing the Jordan Sky High Low. Despite not being part of MJ’s signature line, he showed favor to the Sky High off court in Chicago and later as an owner in Charlotte.
(Top) Film still via ESPN / (Bottom) Air Jordan XI Concord
(Left) Film still via ESPN / (Right) Air Jordan XI Concord
AIR JORDAN XI
MJ is best known for wearing the Air Jordan XI Concord throughout the illustrious 72-10 season. In preparation for his last season in Chicago, the documentary shows MJ practicing solo in the famed sneakers for his Bulls finale. In that scene, the logo on MJ’s shorts represents the first stages of Jordan Brand tagging.
(Top) MJ wearing the White/True Red-Black AJXIII on December 17, 1997 in Chicago / (Bottom) MJ and his son during tournament practice in Paris.
(Left) MJ wearing the White/True Red-Black AJXIII on December 17, 1997 in Chicago / (Right) MJ and his son during tournament practice in Paris.
AIR JORDAN XIII
With five banners and the city behind him, MJ embarked on the road to six rings in the Air Jordan XIII. The road would lead MJ and his family to Paris, where the documentary shows French fans witnessing Chicago on their farewell tour (and MJ in the Air Jordan XIII White/True Red-Black).
(Left) Film still via ESPN / (Right) Converse Pro Leather OG 2020 version
CONVERSE PRO LEATHER
MJ’s “Last Dance” may have ended in the Air Jordan XIV, but it all began in the Converse Pro Leather. The documentary shows him playing in the shoe during his college years in Chapel Hill.
The 2020 Nike Air Ship from the "New Beginnings" Pack
NIKE AIR SHIP PE
During his rookie season ascent, MJ wore a Nike Air Ship PE with “Nike Air” heel tagging that foreshadowed his own line taking flight. In the documentary, MJ wears both the White/Red and Black/Red, particularly in scenes playing against Milwaukee.
(Left) MJ quieting the crowd in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 23, 1997 / (Right) MJ fading away in Indianapolis on November 28, 1997
AIR JORDAN XIII
With Chicago shorthanded at the start of the season, MJ put the team on his back in the quest for six. In the documentary, MJ lifts the team in Los Angeles to a double-overtime victory with a season-high 49 points. He did so in the Air Jordan XIII White/Black-True Red-Pearl Grey.
(Left) MJ wearing the Air Jordan I Dunk Sole Hybrid in 1986 / (Right) Air Jordan I Dunk Sole Hybrid in Atlanta
AIR JORDAN I DUNK SOLE HYBRID
True to his playoff promise, MJ returned from injury with the goal of leading Chicago to the postseason. Avoiding all analogies made by management, it’d be MJ who, as seen in the documentary, handed out headaches to opposing defenders in an unreleased Air Jordan I Dunk Sole Hybrid.
Check out the latest Jumpman gear and kicks on Jordan.com. Learn more about the Air Jordan lineage on Jordan Collection.