A pair of sneakers isn’t going to turn you into a six-championship-winning, Chicago Bulls professional basketball player, but Michael Jordan might tell you otherwise.

The Jordans craze began in the ‘80s with a simple sports shoe, but you won’t find a single y2k inspiration photo or late ‘90s popstar that wasn’t seen rocking the kicks at some point. Will Smith’s character in the “Fresh Prince Prince of Bel-Air” sported the Grape Air Jordan 5 and Denzel Washington wore the Air Jordan 13 in “He Got Game,” according to Nike’s website.

“I understand the hype, but I can tell prices are going to go up like they did with Air Forces,” said Christian Reyes, a senior.

In 1984, Michael Jordan signed a five-year brand contract with Nike endorsing the Colette Air Jordan. The sneakers were red and white with black laces and details.

Nike was later fined by the NBA as the shoe colors violated the NBA’s uniform policy, but instead of running away with its tails between its legs, the company simply took accountability and paid up. According to an article published on Business Insider, Nike used the controversy as part of their marketing strategy, selling $70 million worth of Air Jordans within two months of the sneaker’s release.

“110%, 1s are a style choice. They’re not fit for dancing, but they were born from sports,” said Mr. Mato, dance teacher.

There is no question these sneakers will stand the test of time in both influence and style. Though there is yet to be an athlete as successful in the branding world as Jordan, it is because of it that many student athletes today are able to pay their college tuition.

As the man himself says, “It’s not about the shoes, it’s what you do in them.” And for us, Michael has done it all.