Sneakers You May Have Missed in 1996's 'Space Jam'
We’re all familiar with the AJ11s, but what were the kicks worn by Charles Barkley and Bill Murray?
With a LeBron James-centered sequel currently in the works and Fathom Events set to bring Space Jam to 450 U.S. movie theaters for a 20th anniversary two-day re-release this month, it’s safe to say the Space Jam franchise has been receiving a significant amount of renewed interest as of late. Though the popularity of Space Jam exceeds that of other films, as the footwear displayed in the film has a following of its own. Undeniably the Air Jordan 11s “Space Jams,” featured in the climatic game against The Monstars are the footwear stars of the film.
Air Jordan 11 “Space Jams”
But, what about the other shoes that are featured in the live-action-animated feature? We decided to highlight the sneakers in Space Jam that were overshadowed by the Air Jordan 11s to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1996 childhood classic. Check out the list below and let us know if you missed any of them.
Air Jordan 9 Cleated
Space Jam starts off with Michael Jordan announcing his retirement from basketball to follow his late father’s career as a baseball player. Though during the ballgame shown in the film it becomes apparent he is not as skilled at baseball as he was in basketball. In the scene, Jordan is seen sporting a pair of cleated Air Jordan 9s.
Nike Air Max Triax Extra
Following the baseball game, Jordan meets publicist, Stan Podolak played by Wayne Knight, who is assigned to him by his team to assure his new career starts smoothly. After getting dropped off at home by Stan, Jordan is greeted by the family dog, Charles, as the family dog brings Jordan down he is seen in a pair of Nike Air Max Triax Extras.
Air Jordan 10 “Shadow”
After being recruited by Bugs Bunny and the Tune Squad to help them win against The Monstars, Jordan sends Bugs and Daffy Duck to his home to retrieve his basketball. During the retrieval mission, Bugs spots the left side of a pair of “Shadow” Air Jordan 10s on Jordan’s trophy shelf.
Air Jordan 9 OG
After receiving help from Jordan’s children, Bugs and Daffy successfully retrieve a pair of Retro Air Jordan 9s that serve as the shoes Jordan practices in before the climactic game against The Monstars.
Nike Air Structure Triax
Later in the film, Stan reunites with Jordan in the Tunes’ world joining the Tunes for the game. Although Stan is benched for much of the game, he becomes the fifth player after a good portion of the Tunes are injured by the rough playing Monstars. Stan is seen playing in a pair of Nike Air Structure Triax during the game against The Monstars.
Air Jordan 2 Retro
After Stan is flattened and injured by The Monstars, the referee, Marvin the Martian, informs Jordan that unless they find a fifth player, they’ll be forced to forfeit the game. At which point Jordan’s friend Bill Murray appears and volunteers to be the fifth and final member of the Tune Squad. Murray is seen sporting a pair of Retro Air Jordan 2s as he makes his way onto the court.
Nike Air CB34, Nike Air Wayup, Ewing Empire Hi, Converse Aero Mid, Reebok Swingman Mid
Beating The Monstars, Jordan recovers the stolen talent, returning it to the right owners Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Shawn Bradley, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues. During the return, the basketball stars are seen wearing the Nike Air CB34, Nike Air Wayup, Ewing Empire Hi, Converse Aero Mid and Reebok Swingman Mid respectively.
