Brendan Dunne 
The 2014 NBA Playoffs have so far featured some of the most exciting post-season play that we’ve ever seen in the league. The first round was more thrilling than ever before – fans were treated to five Game 7s, eight overtime games, and tons of memorable moments throughout. The Playoffs have for a long time demanded sneaker switch ups for players, and footwear companies have responded with souped up models or special editions made to match the exciting atmosphere of the post-season. Perhaps the best example of this in modern times is Nike Basketball’s Elite Series, which rebuilds signature models for the Playoffs push with all sorts of techy, price ignoring designs. It wasn’t always that way though, just ask Michael Jordan.
In Jordan’s heyday he would more often than not stick with the black and red pairs available to him once he and the Bulls inevitably made it to the Playoffs. There were plenty of exceptions, as you’ll see in this compilation, but the “Bred” flavors usually dominated his Playoffs rotation. Gathered here for your viewing pleasure is a greatest hits of sorts featuring Air Jordan models and colorways worn by MJ during some of his most memorable playoff runs. This Sneaker News NINE@NINE isn’t exhaustive, but rather focuses on the more moment making shoes from Mike’s post-season range. Continue reading to check out the latest episode of Sneaker News NINE@NINE and let us know in the comments what your favorite pair of Playoffs Jordans is.
Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”
The Air Jordan 1 might have been “banned” from the league in certain colors, but that didn’t stop MJ from wearing the more neutral of pairs. His first trip to the post-season featured these “Chicago” colored ones on feet. And let’s not forget the 63 point performance that we had in them in ’86.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred”
The Air Jordan 4 wouldn’t end up as a championship sneaker for Mike, but it was nonetheless there for one of his most memorable playoff moments: The Shot. MJ had the Bred pair on feet during that Cavs/Bulls game wherein we saw him sink that buzzer-beater in the face of Craig Ehlo.
Air Jordan 6 “Black/Infrared”
The Jordan Rules kept Mike and co. out of the Finals the year prior, but in 1991 they took it there and further, and the Air Jordan 6 became MJ’s first championship shoe. His post-season special that year was the “Black/Infrared”, a sneaker that’s on its way back later this year.
Air Jordan 7 “Raptors”
Yes we know, the Raptors weren’t around then, but the name has stuck so we’re rolling with it. In 1992 MJ again stuck with the black and red based combo for his Playoffs push – and it again paid off with a ring.
Air Jordan 8 “Playoffs”
Threepeat. This Air Jordan 8 colorway that Mike wore during the ’93 post-season would become the last pair to show up for him in a championship run in some time thanks to that brief stint away from the game. No – he did not make it to the playoffs with the Birmingham Barons.
Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”
The 1995 NBA Playoffs were prolific for Michael in terms of sneaker wears, despite lasting just 6 games for the Chicago Bulls. He brought out two different Jordan 11s and even a Nike Air Flight One pair borrowed from Penny. The unicorn among them was the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”, which he trotted out in a Game 4 against the Magic – of course the sneakers didn’t release during that run, and so were planted the seeds of hype.
Air Jordan 11 “Bred”
At the end of an incredible 72–10 season, Michael Jordan switched to these bangers for the playoffs. And, as was to be expected, the Bulls didn’t find much more opposition than they had during the 82 games of the regular season. Side note: MJ also went the rare route of breaking out a pair of Lows during that year’s series against the Knicks.
Air Jordan 12 “Playoffs”
For the 1997 NBA Playoffs Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan XII, switching between this pair that’s since been dubbed the “Playoffs” and a black and red version that’s now tied to his legendary “Flu Game” performance.
Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot”
In 1998 it was the Air Jordan 13 that could be seen most frequently on-feet for Michael in the post season, but it was the Air Jordan 14 that he played that final Bulls game in. And it was the Air Jordan 14 that he hit that “Last Shot” in that secured him a second threepeat.
