There was a time when sneakers were sneakers and everybody had the same generic pair. Brands like Converse and Adidas made a brief splash in the late '70s and early '80s, but it wasn't until Nike entered the picture with an entirely new approach to branding that the shoes became a status symbol. Today, Air Jordans remain one of the most celebrated marketing efforts and best-selling consumer products of all time.

With their distinctive black and red color scheme and advanced, lightweight materials, the Jordans instantly became iconic of an urban ethos that cast caution to the winds and bucked the NBA trend of all-white sneakers. Snatched up by inner-city up-and-comers and suburbanites alike, the Jordans quickly grew controversial for their high price tag and the wave of theft they inspired. Needless to say, publicity such as this only added to their street cred.

Today the Jumpman logo and classic designs live on in a number of retro releases from the company. Some look exactly like the shoes you remember from your youth, while others recall eras that were perhaps less well known in the lore of the Air. Either way, marketing experts consider it noteworthy that the shoe remains so popular long after its spokesman and progenitor retired from the game.

The Web hosts an active trade in these iconic shoes, and today you can find used versions and still-boxed vintage sneakers at outstanding prices. A little looking should help you uncover the shoe of your youth in mint condition.