Bo Jackson is a legend in the world of sports.
He is the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both baseball and football and one of the most versatile and powerful players ever.
He is also famous for his signature sneakers, which were created by Nike in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Bo Jackson sneakers are some of the most iconic and influential shoes in sneaker culture, as they reflect Bo’s personality, style, and achievements.
In this article, we will explore the history and legacy of Bo Jackson sneakers, how they were designed and marketed, and why they are still popular today.
PHOTO Courtesy | Image via Nike
What Are Bo Jackson Sneakers?
Bo Jackson sneakers are a series of cross-training shoes that were designed by Nike for Bo Jackson, who was a spokesperson for the brand.
Cross-training shoes are shoes that can be used for different types of sports and activities, such as running, lifting, jumping, etc.
Bo Jackson was the perfect candidate for cross-training shoes, as he excelled in multiple sports and had a unique physique and skill set.
The first Bo Jackson sneaker was the Nike Air Trainer 1, which was released in 1987.
It was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who also designed the Air Jordan 3.
The Air Trainer 1 featured a leather upper, a Velcro strap, a visible Air unit in the heel, and a rubber outsole with a waffle pattern.
It was available in various colorways, but the most famous one was the white/grey/orange/black version that Bo wore in a famous commercial called “Bo Knows”.
The “Bo Knows” commercial was a groundbreaking and memorable ad campaign that showcased Bo’s versatility and charisma.
It featured Bo playing different sports, such as baseball, football, basketball, hockey, tennis, etc., while other athletes and celebrities praised him and asked him questions.
The commercial ended with Bo playing guitar with rock legend Bo Diddley, who asked him “Bo, do you know what time it is?”
The commercial was a huge success and made Bo Jackson a household name.
It also boosted the sales and popularity of the Air Trainer 1, which became one of the best-selling shoes of the year.
How Did Bo Jackson Sneakers Evolve?
After the success of the Air Trainer 1, Nike continued to release new models of Bo Jackson sneakers throughout the years.
Some of the most notable ones are:
- The Nike Air Trainer SC (1989): This was an updated version of the Air Trainer 1 that featured a higher cut, more cushioning, and more color options. It was also known as the “Bo Jackson Raiders” shoe, as it matched the colors of Bo’s NFL team at the time.
- The Nike Air Trainer SC II (1990): This was another upgrade of the Air Trainer SC that featured a sleeker design, more ventilation, and more stability. It was also known as the “Bo Jackson Royals” shoe, as it matched the colors of Bo’s MLB team at the time.
- The Nike Air Trainer III (1991): This was a completely new design that featured a leather and mesh upper, a midfoot strap, a heel pull tab, and a speckled midsole. It was also known as the “Medicine Ball” shoe, as it was inspired by an old-fashioned medicine ball that Bo used for training.
- The Nike Air Trainer Max ’91 (1991): This was another new design that featured a nubuck upper, a neoprene bootie, an adjustable strap, and a visible Air unit in both the heel and forefoot. It was also known as the “Bo Knows” shoe, as it had “Bo Knows” written on the strap.
Why Are Bo Jackson Sneakers Still Popular Today?
Bo Jackson sneakers are still popular today because they are classic and timeless shoes that represent an era of sports and culture.
They are also highly sought-after by sneaker collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their history and quality.
Some of the reasons why Bo Jackson sneakers are still popular today are:
- They are versatile and comfortable shoes that can be worn for different purposes and occasions.
- They have unique and distinctive designs that stand out from other shoes.
- They have nostalgic and sentimental value for many people who grew up watching or admiring Bo Jackson.
- They have been re-released or retroed by Nike several times over the years in various colorways and editions.
- They have been worn or endorsed by many celebrities and influencers, such as Drake, Kanye West, LeBron James, etc.
The Nike Air Trainer 1: The First Bo Jackson Sneaker
The first Bo Jackson sneaker was the Nike Air Trainer 1, which was released in 1987.
It was designed by Tinker Hatfield, the same man who created the Air Jordan series.
The Air Trainer 1 was a revolutionary shoe that combined elements of different sports shoes, such as tennis, basketball, and running.
It was also the first shoe to feature a cross-training strap, which provided extra support and stability.
The Air Trainer 1 was marketed as a versatile shoe that could be used for any sport or activity.
The slogan was “The Best of All Worlds”.
It was endorsed by Bo Jackson, who was the perfect embodiment of the cross-training concept.
He wore the shoe in various commercials, showing off his skills in different sports.
The most famous ad was the “Bo Knows” campaign, which featured Bo Jackson playing various sports and celebrities saying “Bo knows” about each one.
The Air Trainer 1 was a huge success, both commercially and culturally.
It sold millions of pairs and became a staple in the sneaker culture.
It also inspired many other cross-training shoes, such as the Reebok Pump and the Adidas Equipment series.
The Nike Air Trainer SC: The Second Bo Jackson Sneaker
Second Bo Jackson sneaker was the Nike Air Trainer SC, which was released in 1990.
The shoe was also designed by Tinker Hatfield, and it was an evolution of the Air Trainer 1.
Air Trainer SC featured a more streamlined and sleek design, with a leather upper, a mesh tongue, and a visible Air unit in the heel.
It also had a new cross-training strap, which could be adjusted or removed.
The Air Trainer SC was also marketed as a versatile shoe that could be used for any sport or activity.
The slogan was “The Ultimate Weapon”.
It was endorsed by Bo Jackson, who continued to showcase his talents in different sports.
Most famous ad was the “Bo Knows II” campaign, which featured Bo Jackson playing various sports and celebrities saying “Bo knows” about each one.
The Air Trainer SC was another hit, both commercially and culturally.
It sold millions of pairs and became a classic in the sneaker culture.
It also influenced many other cross-training shoes, such as the Nike Air Max2 CB and the Nike Zoom Turf.
The Nike Air Trainer III: The Third Bo Jackson Sneaker
The third Bo Jackson sneaker was the Nike Air Trainer III, which was released in 1991.
The shoe was also designed by Tinker Hatfield, and it was a further refinement of the Air Trainer series.
The Air Trainer III featured a more futuristic and sophisticated design, with a leather and suede upper, a neoprene sockliner, and a visible Air unit in the heel.
It also had a new cross-training strap, which could be moved to different positions.
The Air Trainer III was also marketed as a versatile shoe that could be used for any sport or activity.
The slogan was “The Next Generation”.
The shoe was endorsed by Bo Jackson, who still amazed fans with his abilities in different sports.
The most famous ad was the “Bo Knows III” campaign, which featured Bo Jackson playing various sports and celebrities saying “Bo knows” about each one.
The Air Trainer III was another success, both commercially and culturally.
It sold millions of pairs and became a favorite in the sneaker culture.
It also inspired many other cross-training shoes, such as the Nike Zoom Flight ’95 and the Nike Shox.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson sneakers are more than just shoes.
They are a symbol of Bo Jackson’s legacy and impact on sports and culture.
They are also a testament to Nike’s innovation and creativity in designing and marketing shoes.
Bo Jackson sneakers are shoes that have transcended time and trends and have become a part of sneaker history and culture.
They are shoes that every sneaker lover should own or at least know about.
