Zack Schlemmer 
The year was 1992 when two major names in pop culture combined: Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. Air Jordan and “Hare Jordan” teamed up to promote Mike’s latest signature sneaker, the Air Jordan VII. The hit ad campaign would continue with the Air Jordan VIII, where MJ and Bugs took to outer space to annoy Marvin the Martian—which seemed to inspire the entire concept of the beloved film Space Jam a few years later.
Rebooting one of Jordan Brand’s most memorable ad campaigns ever, last week the announcement was made that Bugs Bunny will be back in 2015 to help promote this year’s re-releases of the Air Jordan 7 Retro and the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan line. With that in mind, we thought for this edition of Sneaker News Nine@Nine we’d look back at a few of the best Bugs Bunny related items ever from Nike and Air Jordan. Read on for a look at everything from Bugs’ debut commercial to the rare rabbit-foot-shaped Air Jordans.
Air Jordan VII “Hare”
Which came first, this colorway or the plans to have Bugs Bunny in the Air Jordan VII ad campaign? We may never know for sure which inspired which, but we’re sure glad both exist.
Air Jordan VII Commercial with Bugs Bunny’s Debut
“What’s up, Jock?” Bugs enlists the help of Air Jordan to help beat up on some on-court bullies in their debut TV spot together.
Nike Air Jordan and Bugs Bunny T-Shirts
Along with the ad campaign came plenty of merchandise opportunities, including a number of awesome t-shirts featuring MJ and Bugs from Nike.
Rabbit Foot Air Jordan VII
Created as promotional display items for Jordan retailers, Nike produced a very limited number of actual rabbit foot shaped Air Jordan VIIs, including this amazing “Bordeaux” colorway version that’s now on display in Nike HQ in Beaverton.
Air Jordan VIII “Bugs Bunny”
Michael’s on-court “home” colorway of the Air Jordan VIII doubled perfectly as a colorway for his partner in crime at the time. No, not Scottie Pippen, we’re talking about Bugs, of course.
Nike Posters
The 1990s were the era of every kid plastering his or her walls with posters or their favorite athletes, so of course there were plenty of MJ and Bugs posters to go along with all the t-shirts and other apparel.
Space Jam
The partnership between MJ and Bugs ended after the Air Jordan VIII campaign, but they were reunited in 1996 for co-starring roles in the now-classic film Space Jam. We all know the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” colorway first showed up in the movie, which further linked Bugs with sneaker culture.
Air Jordan 1 Mid “Hare”
In 2009 Jordan Brand took heavy influence from the original Air Jordan VII “Hare” for a special edition of the Air Jordan 1 Mid in a matching colorway complete with Bugs Bunny Jumpman logos on the tongues.
Air Jordan 1 Mid GS “Lola Bunny”
Accompanying the “Hare Jordan” 1 was a special edition for the ladies inspired by Lola Bunny from Space Jam. The object of Bugs’ desire was interpreted on the AJ1 in a tan and pink colorway, and has gone down as one of the nicest girls Air Jordans ever.
