Ahead of the 1997-98 season, the Chicago Bulls players sat down for their first meeting and head coach Phil Jackson handed each player a team handbook. In laminated print, it read āThe Last Danceā. Jackson didnāt use this theme to paint a sad picture of a dynasty ending, but to emphasize the importance of sticking together and enjoying every moment on the path to victory. Winning a sixth ring and the journey it entails is hard to put into words. Emotions and pivotal moments donāt have the same impact when pasted on to a two-dimensional medium. Luckily, documentary filmmakers were able to capture the experience on film, and over 20 years later, the world was gifted an incredible journey back in time with the ESPN docu-series, The Last Dance.Ā
It was ten episodes of riveting backstories, behind-the-scenes footage, candid interviews, and monumental games. And you better believe there were a lot of shoes.Ā
We watched every single frame of every single episode twice, and the result is a comprehensive catalog of every pair of sneakers featured in the entire epic series. All in all, we identified nearly sixty different pairs worn by stars and role players alike. From Pippen and Rodman to Paxton and Kerr; we even IDād the kicks worn by Jordanās late security guard Gus Lett. And, of course, the dozens of iconic sneakers worn by the GOAT himself.Ā Ā
Here is every shoe worn in The Last Dance.
The Last Dance Episodes 1 & 2
Nike Air Ship New Beginnings, as worn by Michael Jordan
Contrary to Nikeās storytelling, the Air Jordan 1 was not the first shoe worn by Jordan in his breakout rookie season. The Nike Air Ship, which featured similar construction, was Jordanās initial basketball shoe of choice after signing with Nike.
Jordan 13 OG He Got Game (1997), as worn by Michael Jordan
The Jordan 13 He Got Game was a prominent shoe throughout The Last Dance. Jordan played the majority of his final season with the Chicago Bulls in this colorway. The name āHe Got Gameā was given to this black and white Jordan 13 due to its presence in Spike Leeās film of the same name.
adidas Pro Model High, as worn by Michael Jordan
It wasnāt always checks over stripes for Michael Jordan. Before Nike was a basketball powerhouse, Converse and adidas stood as the most popular basketball brands. Jordan laced up the adidas Pro Model High while balling out at Laney High, eventually becoming a McDonaldās All American.
Converse Pro Leather Hi White Coast Blue, as worn by Michael Jordan
Under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith, Michael Jordan led the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to an NCAA championship in 1982. He would wear the Converse Pro Leather Hi in his freshman year, most notably in the championship game when he hit a game-winning jumper in the final seconds.
Converse Fast Break Mid, as worn by Michael Jordan
After being drafted third in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, Michael soon became a global phenom for his dominating style of play in the Olympics in Los Angeles. Team USA would win the gold medal with the help of MJ flying high in his Converse Fast Break Mids.
Jordan 1 OG Chicago (1985), as worn by Michael Jordan
A simple silhouette and colorway that changed everything. From controversial marketing campaigns to the blending of fashion and function, the Air Jordan 1 extended beyond Michaelās supernatural abilities and captured the hearts of basketball and style enthusiasts alike.
Jordan 1 Chicago Rehab Sample, as worn by Michael Jordan
When Michael Jordan broke his foot in 1985, he asked the Bulls management if he could return to college until he was healed. Sitting on the sidelines without being able to get in the game ate away at Michael and the Bullās medical staff was adamant that he stay off his foot. So, when he arrived in Chapel Hill, he naturally did the opposite and started to rehabilitate his foot. Michaelās rehab wouldnāt have been possible without Nike modifying the Jordan 1 to accommodate his needs. The Jordan 1 Chicago Strap was the first modified model that Jordan wore.
Jordan 1.5 Chicago, as worn by Michael Jordan
Following the strapped model, the Jordan 1.5 Chicago was a cleaner upgrade to the traditional silhouette. Nike was in a process of figuring out what sole was best for Michaelās play and one of the solutions they arrived at was taking the sole of the Jordan 2 and adding it to the upper of the Jordan 1.
Jordan 1 (Dunk Sole), as worn by Michael Jordan
Whatās interesting about Jordanās 63-point breakout game against the Boston Celtics in the 1986 playoffs is that everyone believed he was wearing a normal pair of Chicago 1s. Truth be told, Jordan was still experimenting with different shoe soles. The Jordan 1 Chicago he wore in his Celtics statement game actually featured the sole of a Nike Dunk, which had released the year prior.
Avia 855, as worn by Scottie Pippen
Before becoming the face of the Nike Air Flight family, Scottie Pippenās first sneaker endorsement was from Avia. Pippen would wear the Avia 855 low-top in his debut as a Chicago Bull in 1987.
Avia 822, as worn by Scottie Pippen
Pippen refined his skills as his rookie season progressed. Entering the 1988 Playoffs, Scottie earned a starting small forward position for the Bulls and became one of the main athletes for Aviaās 822 basketball model alongside John Stockton.
The Last Dance Episodes 3 & 4
Jordan 2 White Red, as worn by Michael Jordan
Rookie coach Doug Collins may have been sweating bullets in his first game against the Knicks in 1986, but Jordan came to the rescue and saved the day in his Air Jordan 2s, putting up 50 points and a W.
Jordan 4 Black Cement, as worn by Michael Jordan
A shot on Ehloā¦.GOOD!!! The Jordan 4 Black Cement captures a moment of triumph, when Jordan finally made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1989. In the final seconds of a nail-biting game against Cleveland, Jordan came in the clutch and hit the winner. This was the first in a series of unforgettable, cinematic shots over Jordanās long playoff career.
Jordan 5 OG Black Metallic 1990, as worn by Michael Jordan
Hard-nosed basketball won the Eastern Conference Finals in 1990 and, unfortunately, Jordan was on the losing end of it once again. The Detroit Pistons had the Jordan Rules in full-effect, meeting MJ in the air on every drive just to knock him down to the hardwood. The Jordan 5 Black Metallic symbolizes the Pistonās final blow to the Bulls. From this loss, the Bulls would adopt a new strategy of weight training and perfecting the triangle offense.
New Balance NBX, as worn by Dennis Rodman
The Basketball Gods giveth, and they taketh away. The New Balance NBX can be found at both the peak and nadir of Rodmanās career in Detroit. In 1990, he beat the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals while wearing the NBX. One year later, he lost to them playing in the same shoes.
Nike Air Darwin, as worn by Dennis Rodman
The Nike Air Darwin will always be connected Rodmanās very public transformation into a transgressive, expectation-defying lightning rod. He wore these shoes while he played for the San Antonio Spurs and earned the title of the NBAās bad boy.
Nike Air Way Up, as worn by Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman brought the grit and energy the Bulls needed when he joined the team in 1995. Alongside Pippen and Jordan, Rodman found himself as the third star on arguably the best NBA team in history. The Nike Air Way Up was Rodmanās shoe of choice for a majority of the Bullsā 72-10 regular season.
Nike Air Shake NāDestrukt, as worn by Dennis Rodman
It wasnāt long before Nike saw Rodman as one of the biggest players to rock the Swoosh. After the All-Star break in 1996, Rodman received his first signature model: the Nike Air Shake NāDestrukt. He would go on to wear these shoes on his journey to capture his first title as a Chicago Bull.
Converse All-Star 91, as worn by Dennis Rodman
Just in time for the 1997 Playoffs, Converse supplied Rodman with his first signature model: the Converse All-Star 91. The shoe featured a two-tone upper and the likeness of his number #91.
Converse All-Star Rodman, as worn by Dennis Rodman
One unique aspect of the Converse AS Rodman is the graphic that surrounds the classic Converse Star logo. The graphic itself is inspired by Rodmanās tattoo surrounding his belly button.
Converse D-Rod High, as worn by Dennis Rodman
Rodman had a habit throughout his career of switching shoes once or twice a season and never going back. The Converse D-Rod High is the first basketball shoe that Rodman wore with multiple teams, including the Bulls, Lakers, and Mavericks.
Reebok Pump Omni Lite, as worn by John Paxson
While Michael Jordan claimed Finals MVP in 1991, John Paxson emerged as the hero in Game 5 after hitting a game-winning three-pointer in his Reebok Pump Omni Lites.
Air Jordan 6 Infrared Black, as worn by Michael Jordan
Jordan didnāt want to be remembered as just a great player, he wanted to be known as a champion. The road to victory was hard, but in 1991, he rose to the occasion and beat the Pistons and Lakers to capture a championship while wearing his Jordan 6s.
The Last Dance Episodes 5 & 6
adidas KB8 (Crazy 8), as worn by Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant proved he could shine with the best in the 1998 All-Star game, taking Mike one-on-one in his adidas KB8 (now known as the Crazy 8).
Jordan 1 Retro Chicago 1994, as worn by Michael Jordan
As an ode to his first game in āThe Big Appleā, Michael Jordan brought back the Jordan 1 Chicago in his final appearance at Madison Square Garden.
Jordan 1 OG Bred 1985, as worn by Michael Jordan
Thank god Mrs. Jordan convinced her son Michael to listen to what Nike had to offer. Had he chosen to go with adidas or Converse, the world would have never gotten the Jordan 1 Bred and all of MJās rookie year highlights would feature shell toes.
Jordan 1 High Black Toe, as worn by Michael Jordan
Todayās Jumpman logo wouldnāt be possible without the Jordan 1 Black Toe campaign. Originally, the Jumpman pose came out of a photoshoot of Jordan dunking in some New Balances prior to the 1984 Olympics. Nike wanted to use the pose for Jordanās branding, but the photographer sued them for copyright infringement. So, Nike recreated the shoot. You canāt copyright a Michael Jordan dunk.Ā
Jordan 4 OG White Cement, as worn by Michael Jordan
Donāt scuff the Jās! In the Spike Lee joint Do The Right Thing, Bugginā Out loses it after he gets his Cement 4s scuffed by a Celtic fanās bike. From then on, the Jordan 4 White Cement carried a new story.
Jordan 7 Charcoal, as worn by Michael Jordan
It doesnāt take much for Michael Jordan to take something personally. So when the media dared to compare him to Clyde Drexler, Jordan took the Blazers to the cleaners to win his second ring, proving he was on another level. Plus his Jordan 7 Charcoals (would later inspire the Raptor colorway) were way cooler than Drexler’s dusty Aviaās.
Jordan 7 Cardinal, as worn by Michael Jordan
Itās not easy being Michael Jordan. Especially when the cameras are zoomed in on your face and not the Cardinal 7s on your feet.
Jordan 7 Olympic, as worn by Michael Jordan
Michael and the Dream Team brought home the gold in the 1992 Olympics. He lit up the worldās greatest international players (including Tony KukoÄ) while wearing the Jordan 7 Olympic.
Nike Air Pegasus 92, as worn by Michael Jordan
Donāt let the baggy jeans fool you, MJ got some fits off. Just look at how he styled the subtle Nike Air Pegasus 92 with this colorful patterned fit. Perfection.
Nike Air Force 180 Olympic, as worn by Charles Barkley
MJ wasnāt the only product of the 1984 Draft on the Dream Team. Sir Charles Barkley contributed the raw power and craftiness they needed to win the gold. As a part of the Nike family, Barkley spent his time in Barcelona wearing the Nike Air Force 180 Olympic.
Air Jordan 8 OG Playoffs, as worn by Michael Jordan
Aside from being the shoes Jordan completed the first 3-Peat in, Michael wore the Jordan 8 Playoffs throughout the entire 1992-1993 season.
The Last Dance Episodes 7 & 8
Jordan 9 Cleat, as worn by Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan retired from the NBA in 1993 to pursue a career in baseball. While playing for the Birmingham Barons, he wore the Jordan 9 Cleat, the first Air Jordan geared for the outfield.
Air Jordan 9, as worn by Michael Jordan
During indoor training with the Chicago Whitesox, Jordan hit balls and conditioned in the Air Jordan 9.
Nike Air Swift, as worn by Scottie Pippen
With Jordan absent from the roster ahead of the 1993-1994 season, Scottie Pippen became the Bulls number one option. He would go on to lead the team to 55 wins in the Nike Air Swift.
Jordan 10 Chicago, as worn by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
With the news cameras focused on the Chicago Bulls bench, Scottie Pippen lifted up his foot, pointed to the bottom of his Air Jordan 10 Chicago, and let the world know the Bulls wanted MJ back.
Jordan 10 Orlando, as worn by Nick Anderson
In the final moments of Game 1 in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, Nick Anderson picked Michael Jordanās pocket to seal the game. What made matters worse was Anderson chose to wear his player exclusive Air Jordan 10s. A Jordan-on-Jordan crime for the ages.
Air Jordan 11 Concord, as worn by Michael Jordan
The Jordan 11 Concord stole the show in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the 11 was the first Jordan silhouette to feature patent leather.
Nike Air Flight One, as worn by Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway
After being fined for wearing his Concord 11s with the Bullsā black uniforms, Michael Jordan paid homage to his opponent, Penny Hardaway, and wore the Nike Air Flight Ones in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This would be the only time Jordan wore another playerās signature shoes.
Jordan 11 Space Jam, as worn by Michael Jordan
While filming his upcoming movie Space Jam, Michael debuted the Air Jordan 11 Space Jam on set and during after-hours at his personal training facility.
Nike Air Max Uptempo, as worn by Scottie Pippen
The Nike Air Max Uptempo is the first basketball shoe to feature a full-length Air Max Unit. A game-changing design feature for a game-changing player like Scottie Pippen.
Nike Air More Uptempo, as worn by Scottie Pippen
Pippen wore the Nike Air More Uptempo to close out the Bullsā historic 1996 season and to the 1996 Olympics. Even though this silhouette was not originally an official Scottie Pippen shoe, today it is viewed as one.
Jordan 11 Bred Playoffs, as worn by Michael Jordan
The Jordan 11 Bred Playoffs marked Michaelās return to the top in 1996 and the beginning of his second 3-Peat run.
The Last Dance Episodes 9 & 10
Jordan 3 Fire Red, as worn by Michael Jordan
Reggie made a big mistake in one of his earliest matchups with Michael Jordan when he decided to talk trash. Like his Fire Red 3s, MJ came back in the second half with nothing but fire. Jordan finished the game with 44 points and the win.
Jordan 12 Playoffs, as worn by Michael Jordan
Nothing says āPlayoffsā like MJ pulling up on a defender for the win. In the 1997 NBA Finals Game 1 final seconds, Jordan and his Jordan 12 Playoffs crossed over Byron Russel to take the win. Unfortunately for Russell, this wouldnāt be the last time that Jordan burned him in crunch time.
Jordan 12 Flu Game, as worn by Michael Jordan
Thanks to the ESPN series we have new information that cancels the validity of this name. The Jordan 12 Flu Game should be changed to the āFood Poisoning Game 12sā, or the āBad Pizza Game 12s.ā Side note: Would you eat a pizza delivered by a squad of five pizza deliverymen? Kinda sus.
Nike Air Rise Uptempo, as worn by Steve Kerr
Like John Paxson seven years earlier, Steve Kerr became the unexpected hero of the 1998 NBA Finals. Kerr hit clutch three after clutch three when his team needed them most, all while wearing the Nike Air Rise Uptempo.
Nike Dunk High, as worn by Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr earned his stripes for the swoosh in the Nike Dunk High while hooping at the University of Arizona.
Jordan 13 Chicago, as worn by Michael Jordan
Jordan would alternate between the Jordan 13 Home and Jordan 13 He Got Game as his home shoes during the 1997-1998 season.
Jordan 13 Bred, as worn by Michael Jordan
To avoid more dress code violations, Jordan complied with the rules and matched his away sneakers with his uniform with the Jordan 13 Bred.
Jordan 13 Playoffs, as worn by Michael Jordan
Entering his last postseason, Michael played in the Jordan 13 Playoffs for a majority of 1998 NBA Playoffs.
Nike Air Scorin Uptempo, as worn by Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller proved to be a fierce competitor against Jordan in the 90s. He took the Bulls to a Game 7 in the ā98 Eastern Conference Finals while wearing the Nike Air Scorin Uptempo.
Nike Air Zoom Challenge, as worn by John Stockton
John Stockton became a face for Nike in the 90s after proving himself as a star in the league with the Utah Jazz. Unlike the other Nike hoopers who played in basketball specific sneakers, Stockton laced up the Nike Air Zoom Challenge tennis shoes (made popular by Andre Agassi) in the 1997 NBA Playoffs.
Air Max 95, as worn by Gus Lett
Michael Jordan wouldnāt go anywhere without Gus Lett. Lett was his protector, friend, and most importantly, a father figure. He was always there when MJ needed him most – regardless of time or place. Since they traveled together frequently, Gus would typically be seen in a pair of comfortable Air Max 95s getting off the plane alongside Michael.
Nike Air Pippen 2, as worn by Scottie Pippen
After suffering a severe back injury in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Scottie Pippen willed his way to finish up strong and win his sixth ring while wearing the Nike Air Pippen 2s.
Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor, as worn by Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman celebrated his fifth ring in old school style by rocking a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. Of course he wore them with his signature pajama pants.
Jordan 14 Last Shot, as worn by Michael Jordan
In Game 6 in the ā98 Finals, Michael wore the Jordan 14 Last Shot as he took the game into his hands and carried Chicago to clinch their sixth title. The shoes received their name from the final shot Jordan hit as he crossed over Byron Russel below the arc and swished a jumper to take the lead in the final seconds of the game. Jordanās game-winner would be his last shot as a Chicago Bull.
Shop the best shoes fromĀ The Last Dance below.