Think Ben Affleck’s ‘Air’ is a slam dunk? Shop Air Jordan sneakers with the film’s costume designer

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Ben Affleck's latest directorial project, Air is a slam dunk. The film follows the inspiring true story of how Michael Jordan was courted by and ultimately signed with Nike for a groundbreaking sponsorship deal that would change the face of sports marketing forever. Starring Matt Damon as basketball scout Sonny Vaccaro, Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, and Affleck himself as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, Air (streaming now on Amazon) is the sort of entertaining dramatic film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, peppered with lighthearted laughs and eye-opening glimpses into the business along the way.

Stream 'Air' on Amazon now

So, what are we wearing? Subscribe to Reviewed’s weekly Style Check newsletter to get the answers from stylish people.

Since Jordan and Nike first struck their game-changing deal in 1984, Air Jordans have transcended being just basketball sneakers to become a bonafide fashion must-have with sneakerheads worldwide. We spoke with costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones about the '80s styles she created for the film, as well as how to add some classic Jordan style to your own wardrobe.

Talking vintage Jordan style with Charlese Antoinette Jones

Jones is no stranger to sneaker culture or to the boom Jordan enacted upon the industry in the '80s. "Growing up during the eighties and nineties with all these cultural influences definitely influenced me as a black woman, as a designer, as a creative, as a person who loves fashion, streetwear and sneakers," she says. "I worked at a sneaker store growing up so I could get a discount. I would stand on line for Jordan's and me and my friends would have days where we came to school in the latest Jordan's."

The designer, who previously designed costumes for Judas and the Black Messiah, jumped at the opportunity to work on Air, digging deep into the history of Nike, Jordan and the most iconic '80s fashions. Though today Nike owns the lion's share of the sportswear market, things were different forty years ago. "It wasn't a lifestyle brand. It was a running brand, so people weren't wearing Nike as everyday wear. Adidas tracksuits were a big thing then," says Jones. Sourcing reference images and making realistic reproductions of original styles meant that Jones spent a lot of time with archival catalogs and imagery.

Two of her favorite characters to design for include Sonny Vaccaro, the scout responsible for brokering the deal between Michael Jordan and Nike, and Deloris Jordan, the star athlete's mother. "Coming up with really distinct looks for them and really honing in on all these people through their clothing is one of my favorite parts of my job. It's when I really get to hone in and create these full characters and wardrobes to match." For Damon's Vaccaro, it meant that the designer opted for simple polo shirts and sweatshirts to highlight his "sweet and endearing, loveable, fluffy" personality and "infectious passion." Jones used Davis' costuming as a stand-in for power, claiming "being the only woman in the film, I just wanted her to be really powerful and distinct, in a feminine way."

Shop men's Jordan sneakers

In celebration of the film's streaming release, and the 39th anniversary of the shoe that made history, we've rounded up six pairs of Jordan sneakers that you'll want to shop now. After all, as Jones says, "there's a line in the film that says 'a shoe is just a shoe until someone steps into it.' When you step into it, it takes on your energy and your vibe. You make it your own." Step into the Air Jordan 1 "Next Chapter" which features all of the classics of the most iconic Air Jordan 1 with a fresh colorway that updates the classic Chicago style. These kicks are currently available for pre-sale and will be released on May 20, 2023.

$200 at Nike

For a style that closely resembles its original from 1986, shop the Air Jordan 2 Retro. The Air Jordan 2 was designed to be a pared-down version of the Air Jordan 1, and is currently offered in a timeless neutral white colorway. Shop the style in men's shoe sizes 7 to 18.

$175 at Nike

Jones places great value in the way that shoes can bring people together in community. "My favorite part about sneaker culture is the conversations that you have with people. It's like you're almost wearing something that is a piece of art and it's like really special." Designed with key elements of each of the kicks that Jordan himself wore at each of his championships, the Jordan 6 Rings is a modern take on a classic model. The Zoom Air technology that made the shoes famous offer lightweight cushioning, while the red and white color palette add a substantial dose of style. The Jordan 6 Rings is available in men's whole and half shoe sizes 7 to 18.

$170 at Nike

Shop women's Air Jordan sneakers

"I'm definitely a streetwear girl at heart," says Jones. "I sit firmly at the intersection of hiphop culture, streetwear culture, sneaker culture, and punk culture. Jordan Ones and Dunks have been my thing for years and I've worn them with dresses." One of the most enduring Air Jordan 1 models includes the Air Jordan Low 1. Offered in a timeless red and black colorway in women's whole and half shoe sizes 5 to 12, the shoes will indeed pair well with knee-length dresses, jeans and a wide range of sportswear pieces.

$110 at Nike

Hitting the court for your next championship? Look no further than the Air Jordan XXXVII Low. Available in four colorways in women's whole and half shoe sizes 5 to 19.5, these kicks are designed with all of the classic Air Jordan innovations that will allow you to reach higher heights.

$175 at Nike

For some serious throwback style, opt for the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG. Inspired by the school colors of Jordan's high school basketball team, these sneakers are designed for maximum visual impact. These shoes are a fan-favorite, with one eager reviewer writing, "These shoes are EVERYTHING! Comfort and style. What more can you ask for. You definitely stand up and stand out in these royal blue and gold beauties." Shop the style in women's whole and half shoe sizes 5 to 12.

$180 at Nike

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Air Jordan sneakers: Shop with the costume designer of Ben Affleck's 'Air'