Contrary to popular belief Michael Jordan did not invent the sneaker

 Hollywood first picked up on the trend when teen idol James Dean sported sneakers with a T-shirt and jeans, and Michael Jordan brought them to a popularity beyond the boundaries of gravity with the introduction of Nike's Air Jordan, but sneakers have actually been around since the early 19th century.

Plimsolls, manufactured in the early 1800's, were actually the first rubber-soled shoes invented.  In 1892, Goodyear, then a rubber shoe company, manufactured canvas shoes whose name we're all familiar with today, called Keds. 

It wasn't until 1985 that the Evolution of Air Jordan's even began.  The design came from the mind of Peter Moore and marked a new era in basketball shoes. Who today can't identify with the jumping man holding the basketball, or the number 23?  The Air Jordan I is also one of the most counterfeited shoes in the Air Jordan line.

Almost every year after it's initial design was developed, a new design was created to fit the ever increasing demand for this innovative style of shoe.  The Air Jordan went from style I all the way to the Air Jordan IX in 1993 when the potential for other shoes in this line was put on hold with the announcement of Michael Jordan's retirement from the NBA on October 6th.

In 1995 Michael Jordan returned to the NBA and the Jordan XI was introduced.  Since then there have come a long line of Nike Air Jordans with new designs introduced every year.  This is a shoe which remains popular even after "the king of the court" has long since been retired.  None of this would have been possible had it not been for the first rubber-soled shoes, an invention with a great many benefits for our feet.