The Story Of Spike Lee And The Jordan Spizike

Fusion

Launched in 2006, the Jordan Spizike is a fusion of the Air Jordan’s III-VI, XI and XX. These sneakers play a role in the relationship, both personally and professionally, between Lee and Jordan. The shoe was only meant to be a limited time collab, but it has continued for close to 20 years now.

The fusion includes the Jordan 3 sole and elephant print. The lace loops of the Jordan 4. It has an Air Jordan 5 profile and side netting. The Air Jordan 6 tongue is present, along with the 9’s heel tab. Finally, there is the graphic sock liner of the Air Jordan 20.

Spike

Director Spike Lee is easily one of the most influential and iconic filmmakers ever. Films like Do theRight Thing, Jungle Fever, and Malcolm X have made Lee a unique voice in cinema.

The filmmaking icon is widely known as a huge sports fan—especially of his cherished New York Knicks. He is a mainstay at Madison Square Garden with his courtside seats. His passion for the game and closeness to the court have led to many trash-talking moments with players. One famous moment was with Reggie Miller during the 1994 playoffs.

Style

When Michael Jordan burst on to the professional basketball scene in 1984, he was an instant sensation. Jordan captivated basketball fans everywhere with his aerial exploits.

His talent on the court helped to make his signature line of basketball shoes a marvel. Nike stepped up to the challenging task of crafting a stylish sneaker that was worthy of basketball royalty. The Jordan designs are so timeless that young people today still wear and value them.

Endorsement

The product and the endorser were all top of the line when it came to the Jordan Brand. The marketing for the sneakers was unlike anything the public had seen prior. The commercials that featured Lee’s Mars Blackmon character and Michael Jordan did not take themselves too seriously. They were humorous but at the same time created with respect for the product.

The humor displayed in the numerous spots featuring both Lee and Jordan allowed the public to relate to MJ. They showed a different side of the competitor that was a departure from his aggressive demeanor on the court.

Mars

The Mars Blackmon character first appeared in 1986’s She’s Gotta Have It. The film was Lee’s breakout project. He wrote and directed, and also appeared in, the movie as Mars Blackmon.

Blackmon had a love for Michael Jordan and Air Jordan’s in the film. Spike Lee's charm and his loyalty to Michael Jordan made him a great choice for Nike's marketing campaign.

1988

The first Jordan commercial featuring Blackmon debuted in 1988. The ad was for the Air Jordan III. Even today, it is hard to see that shoe and not think of the Blackmon persona.

The commercials featuring Mars adopted much of the style and look of She’s Gotta Have It. Obviously they featured one of its main characters, but those adverts were also filmed in black and white like the film. The tone, look, and feel of those ads were like a movie. This high level of production increased the value of the Air Jordan line.

- Adam C. Better