MIES (Switzerland) - In 1839, Charles Goodyear changed the world with the discovery of vulcanization, a process that made rubber more durable and flexible. Shortly after, John Boyd Dunlop applied this technology to create pneumatic tires, revolutionizing transportation. But these innovations also transformed sports footwear forever.
By the early 20th century, Converse used vulcanized rubber to develop the Chuck Taylor All Star, the first true basketball shoe. Its rubber sole and reinforced toe cap, high-top design, and ankle support set the standard for basketball footwear for decades.
Fast forward to 1982, and Nike introduced another game-changer: the Air Force 1, the first basketball shoe with air cushioning technology protecting players' feet. Before this, players often had to wear multiple pairs of socks to reduce the impact of hard landings.
However, the biggest revolution was yet to come. In 1984, Nike took things to another level, combining Air technology with the charisma and talent of a young star—Michael Jordan. The result? The Air Jordan 1, a sneaker that redefined basketball, fashion, and sneaker culture.
The original black and red Air Jordan 1 matched the Chicago Bulls’ uniform, but it violated NBA rules, which required sneakers to be mostly white and to match teammates' sneakers. Every time Jordan wore them, he was fined.
Nike saw this as a marketing opportunity, paying the fines as an investment in what would become the most iconic sneaker in history.
Now, 40 years later, the Air Jordan legacy remains stronger than ever, proving that innovation, style, and performance never go out of fashion.
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The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
FIBA’s cultural heritage is the heart of the FIBA Foundation’s cultural and historical activities. It is one of the driving forces behind the promotion and dissemination of FIBA’s values.