Where Are Air Jordans Made?

Air Jordans, the iconic sneakers named after basketball legend Michael Jordan, are a global phenomenon. Millions of pairs are sold each year, making them one of the most popular sneakers in the world. But where are Air Jordans made?

The Early Years

In the early days of Air Jordans, all production was done in the United States. The first Air Jordan 1 was manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, in 1985. However, as production costs began to rise in the U.S., Nike began to look for alternative manufacturing locations.

The Move to Asia

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Nike began to shift production of Air Jordans to Asia. The first overseas factory to produce Air Jordans was located in South Korea. Today, the majority of Air Jordans are made in factories located in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Why Asia?

There are several reasons why Nike chose to move production of Air Jordans to Asia. First, labor costs are much lower in Asia than in the United States. This allows Nike to produce Air Jordans at a lower cost and still make a profit.

Second, Asia has a large pool of skilled labor. This ensures that Nike can find the workers it needs to produce high-quality Air Jordans.

Finally, Asia is located closer to Nike's target market. This reduces shipping costs and lead times.

The Future of Air Jordan Production

It is likely that the majority of Air Jordans will continue to be made in Asia for the foreseeable future. However, Nike is also investing in new manufacturing technologies that could eventually allow it to produce Air Jordans in the United States again.

Where to Find Made in USA Air Jordans

While most Air Jordans are made in Asia, there are a few Made in USA models available. These models are typically limited editions and are sold at a premium price.

To find Made in USA Air Jordans, check the Nike website or visit a Nike retail store. You can also check online retailers like eBay and StockX.

Table 1: Air Jordan Manufacturing Locations

Table 2: Air Jordan Production Costs

Table 3: Air Jordan Sales Figures

Conclusion

Air Jordans are one of the most popular sneakers in the world. Millions of pairs are sold each year, and the vast majority of them are made in Asia. While Nike has invested in new manufacturing technologies that could eventually allow it to produce Air Jordans in the United States again, it is likely that the majority of Air Jordans will continue to be made in Asia for the foreseeable future.