On April 1, 1985, Nike released a basketball shoe that would change sneaker culture forever. The Air Jordan 1—banned by the NBA for violating uniform policies—sparked a revolution that evolved into a $5+ billion empire. Forty years later, Air Jordans remain the most iconic sneakers ever created. This is the complete history. The Origin Story (1984-1985): How It All Began October 26, 1984: The Deal That Changed Everything Michael Jordan didn't want to meet with Nike. The Chicago Bulls rookie pref