The Jordans That Started The Hype Are Returning

In what has become a washed-out piece of Michael Jordan's history, MJ once owned a motorcycle racing team called Michael Jordan Motorsports. While the business and team are no longer around, one of the shoes that came from Jordan's passion for racing motorcycles is about to make its return. The Air Jordan 4 "Lightning" returns for the first time since 2006. Back then you had to be a member of Team Jordan or a Nike employee to secure a pair. This time around everyone will have a chance.

The "Thunders," a black-based colorway with yellow accents, which will receive a new red makeover soon, was originally released for an unheard-of $500 retail price. They came with a matching jacket inspired by the Michael Jordan Motorsports designs done by famed Nike designer, Mark Smith, which still fetch top dollar on eBay. The "Lightnings" came with an equally shocking sticker price of $250. However, it wasn't even the pricing that was the most surprising part of these releases back in 2006. It was the limited availability and lack of access the public had to get them. While all of these strategies are the norm now, in hindsight, the "Thunder" and "Lightning" releases were the start of what we now call "hype".