Everything changed when Nike signed Jordan in '84. Although they already had bball sneakers in the line up, the Jordan era set the tone for what basketball sneakers could be on and off the court. When you look back at the legacy of Jordan the player, and the gear he wore, from his championships he won and records he broke to the 1's through the 18 and beyond, it's impossible to separate the athlete from the brand because they fed of each other. And that's what makes it so magical. People want to dress 'like Mike' because they want to be 'like Mike'. And sometimes all it takes is lacing up a pair of sneakers or throwing on a t-shirt.