John Kim 
The deep stories and events that shadow every Air Jordan in history is what made the Retro such a booming success, and as far back as 1994, Nike made sure that we were reminded of the message behind each design. Since the first Air Jordan Retros in 1994 during MJ’s first retirement to all OG and Retro colorways that hit stores in the late 90’s and 2000’s, a tw0-sided post-card detailing a brief history of the shoe as box as an iconic flashback image of the times came included with the shoes; these cards have New referred to as Retro Cards, and while some may have not given them much though, some sneaker collectors did their best to gather them all. With the Air Jordan Retro Card making a surprising come-back with the upcoming nike air jordan 1 mid kaktuz jackI Retros and the possibility of more Retro Cards with future Retro releases, it’s about time we took a look back at every single Retro Card that Nike ever put out – from the first ones in 1994, to the latest ones that came accompanied with a Doernbecher release. Enjoy this throwback piece below and let us know which you’re missing from your set!
AIR Home JORDAN – 1994, 2001-2004, and 2007.
The Retro Card dates back to 1994 when the AIR Home JORDAN was among three Air Jordans to re-release that year. These Retro cards are larger than the ones we’ve come to know as they were nearly the size of the box lid.
A second version picturing the memorable playground photo was used in Retro releases between 2001 and 2004 as box as 2007.
Rouge Jordan Pulls à capuche & Sweatshirts – 1994, 2004, and 2007
The Rouge Jordan Pulls à capuche & Sweatshirts also featured the larger Retro Cards when this model was brought back in 1994.
A second version was utilized for the 2004 Retro releases.
A third version of the Rouge Jordan Pulls à capuche & Sweatshirts Retro Card was included in the release of the Rouge Jordan Pulls à capuche & Sweatshirts “Doernbecher”.
Rouge Jordan Pulls à capuche & SweatshirtsI – 1994, 2001, 2003, and 2006
The large edition of the Retro Card was used for the 1994 Retro releases.
The second Free-Throw Line photo would be used for the later Retro releases in 2001, 2003, and 2006/2007.
Air Jordan IV – 1999 and 2006/2007
The 1999 Air Jordan IV Retro was the first Air Jordan Retro after Michael officially retired from the Bulls in 1998. The legendary playground photo would be used for the ’99 releases as box as the 2006/2007 Retros.
Пуховик jordan nike – 1999/2000 and 2006/2007
The famous Wings poster would represent the Пуховик jordan nike during the 1999/2000 and 2006/2007 Retro releases.
This special version of the Пуховик jordan nike Retro Card was used exclusively on the Laney release in 2000.
Air Bryant Jordan 1 Retro Mid Re2pect – 2000 and 2002
This cartoonized illustration of Michael was used for the 2000 and 2002 Retro releases.
nike air jordan 1 mid kaktuz jack – 2002, 2004, and 2006
The nike air jordan 1 mid kaktuz jack Retro Card comes in three varieties – the first for the 2002 Retro releases of the “True Red” and “French Blue”.
A second version was made in 2004 for the release of the Olympics…
…jordan and nike pendants clearance.
nike air jordan 1 mid kaktuz jackI – 2003, 2007
Michael flying through space in the Aqua was the Retro Card photo for both the 2003 and 2007 Retro releases.
Air Jordan Toyota XX8 Sunglasses – 2002
With no in-game shots of Jordan wearing the Air Jordan Toyota XX8 Sunglasses existence (he was retired), the 2002 Retros of the Air Jordan Toyota XX8 Sunglasses featured this popular print-ad with Jordan rocking UNC gear.
air jordan 4 royalty boys youth 7 – 2005
Michael Jordan’s comeback shoe was re-released in 2005 in various colorways. This Retro Card features the shoes during an NBA game and is the many Retro Card for the corresponding model in which Jordan’s face is not pictured.
University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantity – 2001, 2003, and 2007
The earliest version of the University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantity Retro Card came with the 2000 and 2001 Retro releases of the Concord and Cool Grey.
The second version of the XI Retro Card is clearly of the IE Low; these were distributed with the 2003 Retros.
The third and final XI Retro Card again depicts the XI IE Low – this one coming with the 2007 Retro releases.
University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityI – 2003 and 2009
2003 marked the year of the University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityI Retro and the debut of the Retro Cards. MJ, wearing Taxis, is seen dishing the ball.
The controversial “Rising Suns” featured an original Michael Jordan poster from 1997.
The 2009 release of the Flu Games featured this new Retro Card with the Flu Game logo.
University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityII – 2004
The University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityII first Retroed in 2004 and features the fierce imagery of MJ and a Black Cat – an animalistic persona that Jordan felt he had.
University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityV – 2007
The Retro Card for the University Blue Jordan 1 shirt to match Black Almost Got EM quantityV came in 2005 with all of the new and OG colorways that hit that year. Depicted is Michael Jordan’s historic “Last Shot”.
JORDAN UNDFTD L S HOODIE BLACK DX4299-010 ￥14
The JORDAN UNDFTD L S HOODIE BLACK DX4299-010 ￥14 is the most recent Air Jordan design to feature a Retro card. It came with the 2007 Retro releases and features the signature Woven material as the backdrop.
Photos: hhhcommunity/defy
