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Nike, Inc.
Discontinued: Never fully discontinued, but original production methods and some versions were discontinued throughout the years.
The Cortez was Nike’s first track shoe and one of the most important shoes in company history. Various models and production methods have been retired over the years. It was originally called “Mexico” after the 1968 Olympics, then “Aztec,” before settling on “Cortez,” named after Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. The Cortez was featured in “Forrest Gump” (1994) and worn by Whitney Houston during her 1991 Super Bowl performance.
Discontinued: 1984, brought back in 1986
The Air Force 1 was the first basketball shoe to feature Nike’s Air technology. It was named after the US President’s plane. Nike discontinued it in 1984, but Nike reversed course and brought the sneaker back nationwide in 1986.
Discontinued: 1994, but it has been re-released various times
Nike projected the Nike Air Jordan 1 would bring in $3 million in the first three years but earned $126 million in its first year alone! The NBA fined Jordan $5,000 per game for wearing the sneakers due to the “Banned” colorway violating uniform policies. Nike used the scandal to launch its famous “Banned” advertisement, stating: “On September 15th, Nike created a revolutionary new basketball shoe. On October 18th, the NBA threw them out of the game.”
Discontinued: Various periods, brought back multiple times
The Nike Blazer was named after the Portland Trail Blazers. NBA star George “The Iceman” Gervin was the first player to receive a “player exclusive” shoe with “ICEMAN” on the heel instead of “NIKE.” The Blazer used the “finest calf leather upper” attached through a vulcanizing process that only Japanese factories could produce. It became popular with teens who skateboarded, with Nike SB creating a skate-specific version in 2005.
Discontinued: Early 1990s
The Terminator was known for featuring “Nike” written in large letters across the heel and a lace loop for heel wrapping. The shoe was designed by Peter Moore and unveiled at the 1985 NCAA Tournament with the Georgetown Hoyas. Georgetown received a special edition Terminators with “HOYAS” branded on the heel where “NIKE” normally appeared.
Discontinued: 1985
The Air Ship was the first sneaker Michael Jordan wore as part of his Nike contract. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, it became the successor to the Air Force 1.
Discontinued: Various periods, now available in retro releases
The Air Max 1 was the first shoe to feature visible Air Max technology. Tinker Hatfield designed it. It was launched in limited quantities for the 1978 Honolulu Marathon. One of its TV commercials made history by using the Beatles track (“Revolution”). The sneaker was so popular in Japan during the mid-1990s that it caused inflated prices and even muggings.
Discontinued: 1989
The Delta Force was released alongside the Dunk and Terminator models during Nike’s basketball expansion. It was a bit high-tech for 1987, featuring Nike’s Airliner sock liner and Tomilite midsole material. The Delta Force became popular in Hip-Hop culture, especially with the NWA, because “the Delta Force screamed Hip-hop—they’re tough, strong and look great on the streets.” With Supreme collaborations, the shoe later transitioned to the Nike SB line around 2004.
Discontinued: Early 1990s
The Air Revolution was the first Nike basketball sneaker to feature a visible air unit (Vis-Air). You might remember seeing it featured in Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing,” worn by Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn). The shoe used Nike’s patented Air technology with a see-through bubble under the heel and strap.
Discontinued: 1985, but re-released in 2014
The Nike Internationalist became famous when marathon legend Alberto Salazar wore them to his victory at the 1982 New York City Marathon. They were also featured in the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club during the unforgettable dance scene. Nike partnered with J.Crew to create a similar product called Nike Killshot 2.
Discontinued: Early 1990s
The Air Assault came with a high price tag for the 90s at $90 and featured elephant print colorways. They were worn by Will Smith (Fresh Prince) in 1988 when DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith released hip-hop’s first double vinyl album. Danny Manning and the Kansas Jayhawks won the 1988 NCAA Championship wearing the Air Assault. The Air Assault even made the cover of Sports Illustrated with Manning wearing the shoe.
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