The trainers of a younger man? Michael Jordan models the ultimate sneakers (Picture: Henderson/Getty Images)

‘Shooooooze!’ squealed the guy behind the counter at The Size?

He pointed at my mate’s feet as he entered the store, causing all the other shoppers to gaze at his new Air Jordans. Despite the fact that he is a 33-year-old IT consultant, his 7s sure get him respect on ‘da street’.

I’m a big basketball fan thanks to Michael Jordan. He was the best the game has ever seen – and arguably the greatest sportsman of all time. And I also love his trainers. Always have.

When Mike was doing his thing for the Chicago Bulls, I would have killed for a black pair of Js.They were just too damn expensive for a schoolboy with a £5-a-week paper round.




I’m now at a time in my life when I can splash three figures on footwear though. Trouble is, I’m not sure Jordans would look right on me any more.

I was just reading up on the history of the brand. Apparently MJ was fined $5,000 every time he wore the first pair created for him by Nike on the court.

They had to have some white on them you see, league regulations. His were only red and black – the Bulls’ colours. But he took the fine and wore them anyway. God, he was cool.

As well as this little story on the Wiki page, it also lists notable wearers of Air Jordans. Alongside NBA stars of today there is a list of other notables who wear them outside of sport – Drake, Nelly, Eminem and Ghostface Killah.

Drake can wear ’em (Picture: Scott Gries/Scott Gries/Invision/AP)

There’s a theme there – rappers. American hip hop stars whose personal styling – cap, gold jewellery, oversized white tees and jeans that don’t cover their arses – would make me look like I was walking round in fancy dress. Js at the bottom of this type of ensemble work because they are chunky enough to stay visible under the tide of denim. And they are bold too – a status symbol in the superficial world of hip hop.

US rapper and Air Jordan enthusiast Eminem (Picture: ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images)

My mate’s not a rapper though. And he’s pulling them off. He does dress a bit more ‘street’ than I do though – baggy Diesel jeans and Obey T-shirts. And Nike have been producing Air Jordans in more-subtle colours recently, like the grey Retro 10s.

So I think the answer is that you can do Air Jordans as a thirty-something non-rapper – but only if you choose the right ones and match them with the right gear.

Remember, Mike spent $5,000 every time he wore his first pair. If you don’t already have a wardrobe full of baggy jeans and big T-shirts, you might have to shell out a little extra as well.

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