The sneaker synonymous with Michael Jordan’s final season as a Bull returns this week.
Entering the 1997-1998 season, the Bulls were staring a second three-peat in the face. Having won two consecutive titles in the prior seasons, Michael Jordan and the Bulls were on the cusp of history, once again.
Of course, the story is known to NBA fans and Jordan loyalists alike- although the Bulls had won five NBA Championships in that decade, and looked poised to win a sixth, the team as they knew it was getting ready to move on.
That season came to be known as the Bulls’ Last Dance. Yes, that season went on to spawn an important piece of TV media. More so, though, the rallying cry of a last dance added a chip on the shoulder of a team that, well, didn’t need another reason to strive for greatness.
As we all know, greatness was achieved. The Bulls would go on to win the 1998 NBA Finals, topping the Utah Jazz in six games. The Bulls had achieved another NBA Championship. Yes, six championships in eight years- all arriving as three-peats. The folklore of the greatest dynasty ever was written in the stars.
Jordan, who would win the NBA MVP Award, the scoring title, and the Finals MVP Award that season, did it all mostly dressed in the Air Jordan 13. One of the colorways that appeared on Jordan’s foot constantly throughout his final season with the Bulls is making a comeback this weekend.
The Chicago 13, sometimes nicknamed the Cherry 13, according to my SoleSavy colleagues, is releasing for the fourth time in the sneaker’s history this weekend.
The Air Jordan 13 is not only iconic because of its role during Jordan’s final run as a Bull. Tinker Hatfield’s design of the Air Jordan 13 followed the reputation that the esteemed designer had gathered.
From the quilted overlay, sculpted midsole, and holographic eye, the Air Jordan 13’s design drew inspiration from Jordan’s o-court performances. The result was another beloved sneaker in the Air Jordan signature line, and the last Air Jordan signature sneaker to release while Jordan played as a Bull.
The Air Jordan 13 ‘Chicago’ launches tomorrow, March 14th, via Nike, SNKRS, and participating Jordan Brand retailers.
