Amanda Knapp
The Jordan Son of Mars is a distinctive sneaker that celebrates the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and Spike Lee's influence on basketball and streetwear culture. The shoe is a hybrid model that blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX. The name is a nod to Lee's character, Mars Blackmon, who featured in Nike Air Jordan commercials with Jordan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Jordan Son of Mars first dropped in 2012 and has since released in various colourways, including 'Black Cat', 'Hot Lava', and 'Club Purple'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | A distinctive and innovative sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan and Spike Lee's influence on basketball and streetwear culture. |
| Design Inspiration | The Jordan Son of Mars is a hybrid model that blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX. |
| Key Features | Mesh netting from Jordan IV, tongue from Jordan V, midsole of Jordan III, advanced cushioning, premium materials |
| Colorways | Black, Bordeaux, Gym Red, Black Cement, White Cement, Hawks, Fire Red, Cement Grey Gym Red, Black Cat, Green Glow, White Blue Cement, Hot Lava, Black Grape Ice, Armory Navy, Stealth, Club Purple, Pro Stars, Olympic, Wolf Grey, Navy Blue, Olive Canvas, Hyper Royal |
| Year of Release | The Son of Mars first dropped in 2012, with various colorways and models released from 2013 to 2017. |
| Price | Prices vary depending on the colorway and model, ranging from $141 to $512. |
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What You'll Learn
Jordan Son of Mars: Design and Inspiration
The Jordan Son of Mars is a distinctive and innovative sneaker that celebrates the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the influence of Spike Lee on basketball and streetwear culture. The shoe's name is a reference to Lee's character, Mars Blackmon, who featured alongside Michael Jordan in the iconic Nike Air Jordan commercials of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Son of Mars, first released in 2012, is a hybrid model that blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX.
The design of the Son of Mars incorporates recognisable components from these classic silhouettes. It features the mesh netting from the Jordan IV, the tongue from the Jordan V, and the midsole of the Jordan III. The result is a visually compelling sneaker that combines retro appeal with contemporary styling. The shoe also features advanced cushioning and premium materials, ensuring comfort and performance, making it desirable for both collectors and athletes.
The collaboration between Jordan Brand and Spike Lee is a testament to Lee's influence on sneaker culture, not just in advertising but also in design and marketing. The Son of Mars showcases this influence with its eye-catching colourways and unique blend of retro and modern elements. The silhouette of the shoe is instantly recognisable and has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending its advertising roots.
The Jordan Son of Mars is more than just a sneaker; it is a celebration of the partnership between Michael Jordan and Spike Lee, honouring their impact on basketball and streetwear culture. The shoe's design pays homage to the past while also offering modern comfort and performance, making it a sought-after item for both collectors and athletes alike.
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Spike Lee's Influence on the Shoe's Creation
The Jordan Son of Mars shoe is a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the creative influence of Spike Lee on sneaker culture. The shoe was created in collaboration with Spike Lee and draws inspiration from silhouettes like the Jordan 3, 4, 5, 6, and XX. The name "Son of Mars" is a nod to Lee's character, Mars Blackmon, who first appeared alongside Michael Jordan in advertisements for the Jordan 3 in 1986. Lee's relationship with the Jordan Brand began when his Mars Blackmon character became the star of an Air Jordan 3 commercial spot. Lee played a significant role in MJ's off-court popularity through his alter-ego Mars Blackmon in the iconic Nike Air Jordan commercials of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Jordan Son of Mars shoe is a distinctive and innovative sneaker that blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX. It features recognizable components like the mesh netting from the Jordan IV, the tongue from the Jordan V, and the midsole of the Jordan III. The sneaker's silhouette, along with its eye-catching colorways, exemplifies the perfect blend of retro appeal and contemporary styling. The collaboration between Jordan Brand and Spike Lee is celebrated through the Jordan Son of Mars, highlighting Lee's influence on the sneaker's design and marketing.
Lee's involvement with Jordan Brand extended beyond just the Son of Mars shoe. He served as the first non-athlete endorser of the brand and had a hand in creating hybridized silhouettes like the Spizike, special colorways of existing models, and his countless courtside appearances further solidified his association with the brand. The Son of Mars shoe, which first dropped in 2012, is a testament to the enduring partnership between Michael Jordan and Spike Lee, transcending advertising to become a cultural phenomenon.
In 2019, Spike Lee passed the "sneaker torch" to his son, Jackson, who was given the opportunity to design the Son of Mars 270. The new silhouette drew inspiration from classic Air Jordan models while incorporating modern elements like the Air Max 270's larger-than-life heel unit. Lee proudly showcased the new design on Instagram, continuing the legacy of his family's influence on Jordan Brand.
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Michael Jordan's Legacy and the Shoe's Popularity
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time and has had a significant impact on society, popular culture, and sports marketing. His success on the court brought about a significant increase in the popularity of the NBA, and his influence extended far beyond the basketball court. Jordan's first sneaker contract, a five-year, $2.5 million deal with Nike in 1984, redefined how brands signed individual athletes and celebrities to shoe deals. This partnership transformed Nike into the world's largest athletic apparel company and elevated Jordan to global cultural icon status.
Jordan's first shoe with Nike, the Air Jordan 1, was released in 1985 and retailed for $65. The shoe was at the centre of a controversy with the NBA, which claimed that the black and red colourway violated its policy that shoes had to be 51% white and in line with what the rest of the team was wearing. Nike welcomed the controversy, agreeing to pay the $5,000 fine per game, and the shoe's rebellious image grew its popularity. The Air Jordan 1 was the shoe that started sneaker culture, and its legacy continues today with the Jordan Retro 1s, which remain immensely popular and come in various colourways.
The Air Jordan 4s, which Jordan was wearing when he made a famous shot in the 1989 NBA playoffs, also catapulted to immense popularity. The shoe's unique wing design, along with Jordan's iconic moment, made the Air Jordan 4s highly sought-after. The Jordan Retro 4s maintain the original's iconic wing design and are available in a range of colour options.
The Jordan Son of Mars is a distinctive sneaker that pays tribute to Michael Jordan's legacy and the influence of Spike Lee, who featured in iconic Nike Air Jordan commercials in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The shoe blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX. It features recognisable components such as the mesh netting from the Jordan IV and the tongue from the Jordan V. The Jordan Son of Mars embodies the perfect fusion of retro appeal and contemporary styling, making it a coveted item for collectors and athletes alike.
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The Shoe's Comfort, Performance and Cultural Significance
The Jordan Son of Mars is a distinctive and innovative sneaker that celebrates the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the influence of Spike Lee on basketball and streetwear culture. This unique shoe combines elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers: the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX, creating a visually compelling and rich design that appeals to both sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players. The shoe's comfort, performance, and cultural significance are key factors that contribute to its popularity.
Comfort
The Jordan Son of Mars is designed with advanced cushioning and premium materials, ensuring a comfortable fit for wearers. The shoe features a Polyurethane midsole, providing a stiff yet comfortable base that, over time, will break in and feel even better. The leather used along the upper is soft and plush, retaining its shape and overall look over time. The nubuck versions offer a different feel and texture while still maintaining the shoe's structural integrity.
Performance
The Jordan Son of Mars is more than just a stylish shoe; it also delivers on-court performance. The shoe's cushioning system includes Heel and forefoot Air units, enhancing comfort and impact protection during play. The midfoot strap, as seen on the AJ20, helps keep the foot securely in place, improving stability. Additionally, the mesh netting from the Jordan IV provides ventilation, allowing heat and moisture to escape, keeping the foot cool during intense gameplay. The high ankle cut of the AJ6 further enhances the shoe's lockdown, ensuring the foot remains stable and secure.
Cultural Significance
The Jordan Son of Mars holds cultural significance due to its association with Michael Jordan and Spike Lee's long-standing partnership. Spike Lee, through his alter-ego Mars Blackmon in the iconic Nike Air Jordan commercials, played a pivotal role in MJ's off-court popularity. The Son of Mars sneaker embodies this collaboration, transcending advertising and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The shoe's design fuses iconic elements from multiple Air Jordan sneakers, creating a unique silhouette that blends retro appeal with contemporary styling. The eye-catching colorways and distinctive features, such as the mesh netting and tongue, make the Son of Mars instantly recognizable and sought-after by collectors and athletes alike.
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Jordan Son of Mars: Colourways and Releases
The Jordan Son of Mars is a unique sneaker that celebrates the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and Spike Lee's influence on basketball and streetwear culture. The shoe was first released in 2012, following Lee's 2006 Spizike, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, several new colourways of the shoe have been released, each offering a unique and eye-catching design.
One of the key colourways of the Jordan Son of Mars is the "Hot Lava" colourway, which was released in July 2015. This colourway features a mix of Hot Lava and Fuchsia Flash colours, combined with the iconic elephant print that has become synonymous with the Jordan brand. The result is a flamboyant and playful design that stands out from the crowd.
In addition to the "Hot Lava" colourway, the Jordan Son of Mars has also been released in various other colourways, including three new suede colourways in 2018. These colourways showcase the perfect blend of retro appeal and contemporary styling, making the shoe a coveted item for both collectors and athletes. The shoe's design fuses elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers, including the Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XX, resulting in a visually compelling and rich silhouette.
The Jordan Son of Mars is more than just a sneaker; it represents a cultural collaboration between Jordan Brand and Spike Lee, who played a significant role in MJ's off-court popularity through his alter-ego, Mars Blackmon. The shoe's name is a nod to Lee's character, who first appeared alongside Michael Jordan in advertisements for the Jordan 3 in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With its advanced cushioning, premium materials, and distinctive design, the Jordan Son of Mars continues to be a sought-after item for sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, they are basketball shoes that also have an iconic and innovative design, making them a coveted piece for collectors.
The Jordan Son of Mars shoes were designed in collaboration with Spike Lee, taking inspiration from silhouettes like the Jordan 3, 4, 5, 6, and XX.
The Jordan Son of Mars shoes were first released in 2012, with various new colourways and models released over the years since.
The design blends elements from five iconic Air Jordan sneakers, featuring recognisable components like the mesh netting from the Jordan IV and the tongue from the Jordan V.
The shoes are available for purchase on various online retailers, including GOAT, eBay, and Flight Club.
