Why were Air Jordans banned from the NBA? All you need to know about the controversial shoe

Air Jordans are a famous set of basketball shoes that took the world by storm when first introduced. However, before its success, the NBA wasn't enthralled with it and even had it banned, causing Michael Jordan to pay fines whenever he suited up with the famed pair.

Back when Jordan started in the NBA, commissioner David Stern had implemented a rule that sneakers worn by players on the court had to be mostly white. However, MJ debuted his Jordans in a different color, going against league standards at the time.

In 1984, the Chicago Bulls superstar courted controversy by wearing banned sneakers in games. Jordan got fined $5,000 each time he decided to play an NBA game wearing his famed sneakers.

The NBA even had to send a letter to Nike about MJ's actions, but that wasn't enough. Jordan went ahead with his plan to wear the shoes and the league got tired of it.

Jordan's fines paid off as the Air Jordans have become an icon in the shoe industry

Michael Jordan has impacted the NBA in a way no one else has, which is why many consider him to be the greatest player of all time. One of his biggest influences is footwear. Because of how he fought to wear his own sneakers on the court, players now have the freedom to don whatever they want.

​

The Air Jordan shoes aren't iconic only on the hardwood. People from different walks of life don the Air Jordans, including rappers and fashion icons.

​

​