The History of the Air Jordan Spizike
The Jordan Spizike is a hybrid sneaker that brings together features from several iconic Air Jordan models, created as a tribute to Spike Lee’s influence on the Jordan brand. First released in 2006, it was the result of a collaboration between Spike Lee and Michael Jordan, combining design elements from the Air Jordan III, IV, V, VI, IX and XX.
Lee’s alter ego Mars Blackmon, a character from the 1986 film She’s Gotta Have It, joined Jordan in a number of now-iconic Nike ads that helped the Air Jordan turn into a cultural icon.
The Air Jordan Spizike is a mashup of multiple Air Jordan models that Spike Lee had a hand in promoting. Major elements included the elephant print and sole from the AJ3, the wings from the AJ4, upper profile and mesh panels from the AJ5, and tongue from the AJ6.
The first colorway, the ‘Kings County’, was inspired by Lee’s Brooklyn roots. Later colorways like the ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘True Blue’ continued to grow the popularity of the new model.
The Spizike remained in the streetwear scene throughout the 2010s, enjoying a retro resurgence around 2015 and the introduction of a new low-top version in 2023.
Despite being viewed as a ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ model in the sneaker community, the Spizike is well cemented in Jordan Brand history as one of their most successful hybrids.
Air Jordan Spizike: Answering Your Questions
When was the Spizike first released?
The Air Jordan Spizike debuted in 2006, designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith in collaboration with Spike Lee and Michael Jordan. The first colorway was the ‘Kings County’.
Are Spizike real Air Jordans?
Yes, Spizike are real Jordans! They take elements of several classic Jordans and combine them into one iconic sneaker.
What Jordans make the Spizike?
The Spizike uses design elements from the Air Jordan 3 (elephant print, midsole, outsole), Air Jordan 4 (wings, side netting), Air Jordan 5 (mesh panels, upper profile) and Air Jordan 6 (tongue, heel tab) and Air Jordan 9 (heel) and Air Jordan 20 (laser-etched sockliner graphics).
Why are they called Jordan Spizike?
The term 'Spizike' refers to a hybrid Air Jordan sneaker that blends multiple design elements from several classic Air Jordan models. Created as a tribute to the collaboration between Spike Lee and Michael Jordan (particularly highlighting Spike Lee's character Mars Blackmon, who famously appeared in early Jordan adverts) the name 'Spizike' is a combination of 'Spike' and 'Mike'.
Do Jordan Spizike fit true to size?
The Spizike is known to fit true to size.
Are Air Jordan Spizike comfortable?
Spizike are known to be very comfortable, with little to no break-in period and supportive cushioning.
What are Spizike made from?
Jordan Spizike have a durable upper made from a mix of materials including leather (real or synthetic), mesh, plastic or rubber for the eyelets and wings, a TPU heel tab, and on some colorways, suede or nubuck. The outsole is made from rubber.
How do you tie the Air Jordan Spizike?
For guidance on tying your Spizike laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do you clean Air Jordan Spizike?
A Spizike is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy Air Jordan Spizike?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Air Jordan Spizike at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Spizike restocks and new releases!
Popular Air Jordan Spizike Colorways
Air Jordan have released many successful colorways on the Spizike, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
