Even before the Bulls championship dynasty began, Michael Jordan had already
established himself as the world’s best player. Heading into the 1989-90 season,
the promotion of Phil Jackson to head coach, along with the additions of Scottie
Pippen and Horace Grant to complement MJ, laid the foundation for Chicago’s
reign of six titles in eight years. Presented here is a pair of Nike Air Jordan
IV's worn by their namesake that season as he posted a league-leading 33.6
points per game—his fourth straight scoring title. Wearing the black version of
this model during the ’89 playoffs, “His Airness” nailed that famous hanging jumper
over the Cavs’ Craig Ehlo, better known as “The Shot.”
Another creation from famed designer Tinker Hatfield, the AJ IV is
considered among the more comfortable in the series. The Jumpman logo made its
second appearance on the tongue with the word “Flight” added below it. The
sculpted midsole and visible Air unit were carried over, but the sneaker world
was introduced to Nubuck (leather) uppers and mesh to increase breathability. It
also featured plastic heel tabs labeled “Nike Air” and triangular plastic pieces
attached to the Nubuck. Mars Blackmon returned to the ad campaign to increase marketability
and make it among the most revered of all Air Jordan models.
This particular white-bodied style exhibits solid game use with appropriate creasing
to the Nubuck and consistent scuffing throughout. The soles display light cracking
to the rear cushioning material and the interior shows ample sock sweating. The
Bulls superstar has beautifully signed the lower outside ankles of each sneaker
with “Best Wishes Michael Jordan” in thick 8/10 black marker. The shoes are
properly tagged by Nike on the interior with Jordan’s size 13 and “890708FT2”
manufacturer date coding. The white laces and black insoles appear to be the
originals. MJ wore this colorway consistently into February of the 1989-90
season. The sneakers were obtained at a Nov. 15, 1989 charity auction in
Chicago, meaning they had to be worn within the first 7 games of the season.
Aside from the minor cracking mentioned, they present in outstanding condition
compared to other examples, with all structural elements well-preserved and
firmly intact. In most cases, the outsoles are heavily deteriorated and the plastic
pieces have broken off.
2 Full LOAs from PSA/DNA, one for each shoe.
Provenance: 11/15/1989 letter from The Rainbow House Arco
Iris, a shelter for abused women and children, to Michael Jordan (c/o a Bulls
employee) thanking him for donating his shoes.