What’s Up Doc?
As the end of the year approaches, Jordan Brand has one more classic return up its sleeve.
The Air Jordan 8 was originally released in 1993 as Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls chased the elusive Three-Peat. Jordan’s signature shoe that year would be his last to grace the NBA court for a few years.
The Air Jordan 8, of course, was designed by Tinker Hatfield. The sneaker’s design language was bold, with colorful details, chenille branding on the tongue, and oversized straps for locked-in support. Only three colorways of the Air Jordan Eight were released in the original run in 1993. The Aquas returned this summer. Now, the Bugs Bunny Eights are ending the year in style.
The 1993 Bugs Bunny 8 via eBay
The sneaker, which received its nickname after the beloved Looney Tunes character wore the sneaker in a ‘Hare Jordan’ ad, was Jordan’s footwear of choice during the 1992-1993 NBA Season. The sneaker spearheaded Jordan into a 32.6 points per game average that season. That was good enough to land the team the second seed in the NBA Eastern Conference Standings, which paved the way for Jordan and the Bulls to achieve the Three-Peat at the end of that season.
The Air Jordan 8 & 15 Countdown Pack via FlightClub
Since that original release in 1993, the Air Jordan 8 ‘Bugs Bunny’ has enjoyed three retro releases. Perhaps its most high-profile return was when the Bugs Bunny Eight was featured in the Countdown Pack Collection of 2008. That collection, which was released to celebrate 23 years of Jordan Brand, featured the Bugs Bunny 8 packaged with a new Bulls-themed colorway of the Air Jordan 15.
This week, the ‘Bugs Bunny’ Air Jordan 8 returns for a fourth time.
The sneaker holds a special place in Jordan Brand’s lore and Michael Jordan’s legacy on the court. Not only is its nickname derived from one of the most important animated characters in the history of American animation, but its presence on the court during that 1992-1993 NBA season was historic. That year marked another Bulls championship, and also raised questions about the future of basketball and Jordan Brand altogether.
Ultimately, it all worked out for the parties involved. Though the Bugs Bunny 8s may not hold the same esteem as the other 1993 originals, their legacy is just as important. After all, it was the footwear of choice during what could have been Jordan’s final year as a professional basketball player.
The Bugs Bunny Air Jordan 8 returns tomorrow at 10 AM EST via SNKRS and participating Jordan Brand retailers.
Header via Sneaker Politics
Official images courtesy of SNKRS
