The officially joined Nike’s ongoing Doernbecher Freestyle collection in 2008 with Tony Taylor Jr.’s “Mr Boober” take on the classic sneaker. Taylor Jr. treated the Air Jordan 1 as a unique canvas as he dipped the sneaker in a full patent leather upper adorned with a palm tree graphic. Proceeds from the sales of the Air Jordan 1 DB went back to support the patients at the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
2001 played a very significant role in the future of the as it laid the foundation for many of Jordan Brand’s traditions that still continue on to this day. In 2001, Jordan Brand released their “Japan” pack of four Air Jordan 1 colorways. There were several key elements to this pack. One, the pack marked the first time that Jordan introduced non-original colorways of the Jordan 1 to the market. Two, the “Japan” pack marked the first time that we would see a country exclusive Air Jordan 1. And three, Jordan Brand moved away from the traditional shoebox to house the releases in special briefcase-like packaging.
The returned in 1994 alongside the “Black/Red” release but the colorway didn’t get the shine that it truly deserved until 1998. In what was dubbed Michael Jordan’s “Last Game” at the Mecca of Basketball Madison Square Garden, his Airness brought back the “Chicago” 1s for an historic performance that included dropping 42 points to dazzle the MSG crowd.