Air Jordan 8

Post by Ian Wilkins, Jun 25, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Given the success of the Air Jordans III through VII, it was no surprise that Tinker Hatfield was kept on to design the 1993 Air Jordan VIII (Air Jordan 8). Bugs Bunny, too, reprised his association with the line. In the commercial for the Air Jordan VIII, Bugs and Jordan tunnel to Mars. There, Marvin the Martian has been stealing all of Earth’s Air Jordan VIIIs. The two confront Marvin and play against a team of his giant minions, employing cartoon tricks such as dynamite. The commercial employs the self-conscious technique established in the Mars Blackmon campaign, when Marvin holds up a sign that says “product spot” before he companion pulls out a pair of Air Jordan VIII. As well, this commercial became the inspiration for “Space Jam”.

In the 1993 NBA finals, Jordan yet again broke numerous records. Although, he missed the league MVP, which was given to Charles Barkley, Jordan became the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive finals MVPs. His average points per game stat during the playoffs was record breaking as well. Jordan scored a minimum of 30 points per game and scored over 40 points in four consecutive games. In game four he scored an amazing 55 points. His finals average points per game came in at an even 41. The Bulls won their third consecutive Championship against the Phoenix Suns. Although his basketball career was on a high, Jordan’s personal life had become grim. His father, James Jordan, was murdered on July 23rd, 1993. The killers were tracked after making calls on James Jordan’s phone and sentenced to life in prison. As well, during the playoffs, a controversy arose over Jordan’s gambling habits. As a result of the stress in his personal life and the exhaustion imposed by his seven year career, Jordan announced his retirement. But he soon found a home, albeit temporary, in Major League baseball. Jordan was also known to bring the same four kids from a rough Chicago neighbourhood to each of his home games.

The Air Jordan VIII was substantially heavier than the earlier members of the line. The shoe had a new cross strap design to increase support. The Jumpman logo appeared on a carpeted patch on the tongue. The shoe had a full length Air sole with a circular midsole. The crossover stitching distributed pressure and weight to provide comfort to all areas. The Air Jordan VIII became known as the “Punisher.” The OG release came in fewer colors than earlier members of the line with only three schemes available: white-black-red, black-concord-aqua, and black-red.

The only retro of the Air Jordan VIII appeared in 2003. The original white-black-red was released along with a new black-chrome scheme. As well, the 2003 retro brought out two low-top designs in white-silver and black-red-del sol. If you are looking to cop the latest Air Jordans, head on over to our Air Jordan Release Dates page to see what’s coming out.