words // Brandon Richard
Over the years, sports action figures have evolved from expressionless, averagely sculpted toys to finely detailed collectibles. The 90s were owned by Kenner's Starting Lineup brand, which mainly produced officially licensed 4-inch figurines for all major US sports. Then in 2001, artist Todd McFarlane branched into the world of sports with the launch of his McFarlane Sports Picks series. Taking the attention to detail on sports figures to the next level, McFarlane would eventually secure official licensing rights across the board, a distinction he still holds today.
Last year, Hong Kong-based toy company Enterbay took the sports figure world by storm when they officially introduced their long-awaited 1/6 scale Michael Jordan piece. Not only was it the most accurate representation of MJ that we've seen to date, but it came with a variety of accessories, namely interchangeable Air Jordan sneakers. Since then, they've released Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose figures, priced between $200 - $300.
Getting back to the sneakers, today's feature focuses on a selection of figures by all brands wearing Air Jordan shoes. As figures have become more detailed, artists have made it a point to give them real sneakers, as opposed to nondescript all-white and all-black shoes. If you're a sneakerhead and happen to also collect figures, that's likely a major sticking point when making a purchase.
Do you collect sports figures? Are extra details like the sneakers important to you? Scroll through and let us know what you think about the 10 we've highlighted.
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
Enterbay - 2013
Shoe - Interchangeable Air Jordans
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
McFarlane Series 6 - 2005
Shoe: Jordan Melo 1.5
Eddie Jones, Miami Heat
McFarlane Series 3 - 2003
Shoe: Jordan J'Madness
Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
McFarlane Series 4 - 2002
Shoe: Air Jordan 11 Cleats
Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves
McFarlane Series 15 - 2006
Shoe: Air Jordan 13 PE Cleats
Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
McFarlane's Sports Picks, Series 2 - 2004
Shoe: Air Jordan 9 PE Cleats
Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
McFarlane Series 12 - 2005
Shoe: Air Jordan 13 PE Cleats
Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns
McFarlane Series 8 - 2005
Shoe: Air Jordan 12
Michael Jordan, Tune Squad
WB Toys - 1996
Shoe: Air Jordan 11 'Concord'
Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons
McFarlane Series 7 - 2003
Shoe: Air Jordan XVII