The Air Jordan 1 Mid Shattered Backboard is one of the most iconic sneaker designs of all time. The sneaker comes in a unique orange, black, and white colorway, inspired by a game in 1986 when Michael Jordan shattered a backboard during a Nike exhibition tour in Italy. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the design elements of this unforgettable sneaker.

The Origins of the Shattered Backboard Design

The story behind the design of the Air Jordan 1 Mid Shattered Backboard can be traced back to 1986 when Michael Jordan was playing in Nike's "ITALY TOUR." During a game in Trieste, Italy, Michael Jordan went for a one-handed dunk and the backboard shattered into tiny pieces, leaving MJ standing under the rim holding a shattered glass. The moment was so memorable that Nike decided to create a sneaker inspired by the shattering of the backboard. This sneaker marked a milestone in sneaker culture history because it was the first sneaker inspired by something that wasn't a colorway, a city, or a theme, and it showed that sports moments can inspire the art of sneaker design.

The Shattered Backboard Design Elements

The Air Jordan 1 Mid Shattered Backboard features an unconventional, yet striking colorway that makes the sneaker stand out from other Jordan releases. The design is made up of black and orange overlays on a white base, with a sail-colored midsole and an outsole that features orange and black. The color blocking of the sneaker is said to have originated from a 1980s poster ad, featuring an AC/DC guitarist with a similar black and orange outfit on top of a white background.

The sneaker also features a unique materials construction, with the toe box, midfoot, and heel made of tumbled leather and nubuck, while the Swoosh and ankle collars are made of patent leather. These material executions add depth, texture, and luxury to the sneaker design.

The significance of the Shattered Backboard Design

The Air Jordan 1 Mid Shattered Backboard is significant because the sneaker marks a period in sneaker history where Nike and Michael Jordan were pushing boundaries, taking risks, and experimenting with design. It is a testament to the creative spirit of both Nike and Michael Jordan that continue to inspire sneaker culture today.

The Shattered Backboard's design elements also showcase the storytelling aspect of sneaker culture, where a single moment in sports history can serve as inspiration for a design that will go on to become a worldwide phenomenon. The Shattered Backboard sneaker continues to inspire and influence the fashion industry, with fashion icons and celebrities regularly seen sporting them.

In conclusion, the Air Jordan 1 Mid Shattered Backboard is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sneaker designs of all time. With its memorable colorway and unique design elements, this sneaker is a testament to the creative and artful spirit of sneaker culture. As we continue to push boundaries in design and storytelling, we should look to this sneaker as an inspiration for ongoing innovation and creativity.