Air Jordan Turns 23

Basketball's most iconic shoe turns 23 this year, a number any sports lover worth his Air Jordans knows means a little something extra—and Nike isn't missing the significance, the Chicago Tribune reports. Neither Nike nor Jordan—who wore No. 23—will squelch rumors that this is the final incarnation of the shoe, which debuted in 1985 and was initially banned by the NBA for violating design rules; Nike picked up Jordan's $5,000 per-game fine.

Mass hysteria ensued: Air Jordans were released on weekends so kids wouldn't skip school; people were robbed and killed for their shoes; and $100 sneakers became a less mind-blowing concept. Nike will release $230 limited-edition XX3 versions to 23 retailers this month, with a national launch of the sleek $185 shoe hitting stores in February. Both will be constructed out of eco-friendly materials, a first for its basketball shoes. (More Michael Jordan stories.)