Unstoppable Michael Jackson L.A. Gear

Black image of of legs and feet dancing on the toes with Michael Jackson signature behind the crux of the knee, red and blue text on silver reflective background.

The California-based sports shoes and apparel company LA Gear paid $7.5 million to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to market a line of shoes and apparel for the brand in 1989. The campaign slogan was "Unstoppable" and the graphic illustrates Jackson's signature 'up on his toes' dance move that is part of his company's logo. Up until this endorsement, Jackson's product deals typically didn't require him to do much, his name being quite enough to sell a product. For the LA Gear commercials and ads, Jackson actually wears the products including a pair of MJ athletic shoes.

The "MJ Billy Jean" shoes were in line with the pop star's sense of style at the time: all black, leather and suede, boot-like sneakers with a bunch of buckles and studs. Unfortunately by 1992 LA Gear was suing Jackson for fraud and breach of contract citing the performer's failure to wear the shoes in three music videos as stated in the contract led to poor sales. If you happen to have picked up a pair, they are worth big bucks now!