The endorsement deal between Nike and Michael Jordan is nearly four decades old and has created countless iconic shoes and been at the feet of many incredible moments.
Whilst some Air Jordans are less obtainable than others, there is a desirability around these rare sneakers. However, this is not always the case.
Some sneaker brands, sneaker endorsements and particular shoes feel like they just should not be, whether due to the unfortunate clarity of hindsight, poor design or strange marketing.
- Adidas Kobe 2
The late great Mamba’s endorsement deal with the German shoe giant was surprising at first but seemed to have been vindicated by the launch of the fantastic Crazy 1 (known at the time as The Kobe).
However, the follow-up Kobe 2 was famously badly received by Kobe and most people who had seen them, to the point that Mr Bryant bought himself out of his Adidas deal in order to sign a deal with Nike that ultimately suited his game better.
- Warner Bros Big Country
After the phenomenal success of Space Jam, a film based around a series of Air Jordan adverts, Warner Bros had caught the basketball bug and decided to make their own signature sneaker and find a start player to endorse it.
Unfortunately, they chose Bryant “Big Country” Reeves, a seven-foot tall centre from Arkansas who was rather displeased to have been drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies.
So a cartoon company making their first sneaker endorsed by a tall yet underwhelming player who did not want to be there. It went as well as you can expect.
- Converse Wade 4
Dwayne Wade is a phenomenal player who has been part of several great championship teams, but it is difficult to find a sneaker deal dropped as quickly as the Wade 4.
After a few outings in preseason games, he wore the sneakers for one quarter to fulfil sponsorship obligations and then begged parent company, Nike, to transfer him to the Air Jordan brand.
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