Before the Jumpman became the symbol of an era, Michael Jordan took part in a photoshoot that would shape his future with Nike. In November 1984, just weeks after his NBA debut, images were captured that, unknowingly, would become part of Air Jordan history.
It was Michael Jordan’s first major photoshoot. November 1984, just weeks into his rookie season. By then, he had already made headlines—suffering a scare after colliding with Jeff Ruland in his first game (an injury that nearly sidelined him for the season), scoring 45 points against the Spurs, and, of course, turning heads with his black and red sneakers.
But that photoshoot was when Nike realized they had something truly special. The plan was to spend a couple of days in Chicago creating promotional images for the upcoming Air Jordan 1 launch, using a small school gym as the set. As soon as word spread that Jordan was there, the gym was surrounded by kids eager to catch a glimpse of their idol.
The photographer, Chuck Kuhn, was a longtime collaborator with Nike, having worked with legends like George Gervin, Moses Malone, and even Ruland—the player who had injured Jordan in his first game. But this time was different. For the first time, Kuhn was struck by the sheer magnetism of a single player.
On the first day, Jordan posed with pieces from Nike’s new collection, which was still months away from hitting stores. Among the prototypes, one stood out for a unique detail: instead of the now-iconic Wings logo, the shoes bore the name “Air Jordan.” An interesting choice, considering the Wings logo was one of the first design elements created for him. According to Peter Moore, he sketched it on a napkin during a flight, inspired by the wings given to children by airlines.
From that shoot, several iconic images remain: Jordan with his sneakers slung over his shoulder—later printed on a historic T-shirt—and, most memorably, the image of him soaring toward the hoop, legs spread mid-air.
Those Jordan 1s without the Wings logo made brief appearances in catalogs but never reached the public, remaining a lost prototype in sneaker history. Ironically, the “Black Toe” colorway Jordan wore in that legendary jump would later inspire the definitive Jumpman logo, replacing the Wings logo that had been used on the Air Jordan 1 and 2.
Now, for the first time, that forgotten prototype comes to life in the new Air Jordan 1 OG “Black Toe”. Alongside the familiar “Air Jordan” branding, this edition includes a unique detail: Michael’s signature, just as it appeared in his autographs, with his signature message: “My very best.” The release is completed with special packaging that highlights moments from that legendary photoshoot, along with some of Peter Moore’s original sketches.