When it comes to basketball legends, only Michael Jordan is bigger and greater. After the heyday of the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson came to an end, Mike propelled the sport back into popularity over the course of 15 seasons in the NBA. MJ was an instant star, thanks to his usual flair, style, and tongue-in-cheek arrogance. Hundreds of thousands of fans travelled across the continent to see Chicago Bulls’ number 23 in play, and it was always a show. When Jordan nailed that shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, everyone remembers where they were. Similarly, they recall seeing Air Jordan dunk from the free throw line for the first time. Maybe it was time he joined a ragtag group of misfits to combat a team of genetically engineered aliens in order to preserve the planet from catastrophe. On the court, Michael Jordan has accomplished everything.
But it’s his charm away from it that stands out the most. Michael Jordan’s legacy is unrivalled even now, more than 15 years after he retired (for the third time, no less). When the ESPN documentary The Last-Dance premiered, his GOAT status was validated. More than 6.1 million viewers came in to watch Jordan tell the storey of his extraordinary career in episodes 1 and 2, making it the network’s most popular documentary ever. While MJ is unquestionably the series’s leader, some colourful co-stars sought to take the show’s spotlight. His shoes, not Charles Oakley or Dennis Rodman, but a host of co-stars who provide more than their fair share of eye-catching moments; Or, to be more precise, his Air Best jordans.
Michael Jordan was a thin boy from the University of North Carolina in 1985, before he became the greatest player in the world. Jordan was the 3rd overall pick in that year’s draught, and he was expected to make a huge impact on and off the court. He reportedly inked a five-year endorsement agreement with Nike worth $2.5 million (plus royalties). While that may seem insignificant in comparison to today’s astronomical salaries for sports, keep in mind that this was in 1985, and the player in issue had yet to play a game, let alone prove his worth. But this wasn’t your typical rookie.
Mike excelled throughout the season, earning Rookie of the Year honours, but he was voted MVP by the fans. Johnson’s speed and athleticism met Bird’s talent and shooting in a sleek package, and his distinctive tongue-in-cheek play style and young bravado were the right blend of Johnson’s speed and athleticism and Bird’s skill and shooting. The new kid’s boots were designed by Nike’s Peter Moore, and they didn’t disappoint, much like the rookie himself. The Air Jordan 1 was the original Jordan shoe, and it was both visually gorgeous and technologically groundbreaking. They are still ones of the most popular Best jordans of all time.
This is the first in the series to incorporate the Nike Swoosh logo. The OG shoe featured the Wings-logo — a basketball with wings reaching from both sides and “Air Jordan” printed above the ball – which predated the Jumpman logo. The Jordan 1 was originally outlawed by the NBA, according to legend, however this is not totally true. NBA commissioner David Stern banned a prototype Red and Black Air colorway known as the Nike Air Ship for violating the ’51 percent rule,’ which stated that footwear must be majority white.
According to common belief, MJ’s suspension and accompanying $5,000 per game punishment did not prevent him from wearing the Air Jordan 1 on the court. Nike saw the unusual marketing opportunity and decided to pay the fine each time Michael Jordan wore the shoes during a game. As a result, the Air Best jordans’ bad boy, a rule-breaking mindset, was formed.
The Air Jordan Design is being unpacked.
Nike was confronted with the task of following up on the remarkable success of the original shoe. Although the Air Jordan II was released in 1986, it was not until 1988 that the Air Best jordans received their true identity. Tinker Hatfield, a former architect turned designer, removed the Nike Swoosh and replaced it with the now-famous ‘Jumpman’ emblem, transforming the sneakers from a basketball shoe to a streetwear staple.
The top Air Best jordans all have similar design characteristics, the majority of which were created by Tinker Hatfield, a long-time partner and designer.
- Air-Sole — Air Best jordans’ obvious Air-Sole device under the heel became a symbol. It had Nike’s “Air” embroidery on the heel, encapsulated Air in the forefoot, and a cushioning polyurethane midsole.
- Offset ankle collar — First seen in Jordan V, the offset ankle collar was designed to provide support while allowing players to move freely where they needed it most.
- Patent leather The Air Best jordans were the 1st basketball shoe to have patent leather, allegedly at Michael Jordan’s request for a basketball shoe that could be worn with a suit.
The All-Time Best Best jordans
Since its first introduction in 1985, a slew of new lines have been added to the most popular Jordan silhouettes. Which pair of shoes do you require for your collection? Get your hands on these before they’re all gone.
The 25 greatest Best jordans of all time are listed here.
1. Chicago, Jordan
The Air Jordan 1 Retro Chicago are undoubtedly the most popular and best jordans of all time, and they’re a collector’s dream. This famous silhouette, which was last released in 2015, has become a staple for street ballers and basketball lovers alike. The Chicago colourway has soared in popularity since its debut on The Last Dance, but you may still get your hands on some.
1985, 1994, 2013, and 2015 were the years in which the films were released.
White/Varsity Red-Black colorway
Foam is used for the insole.
Maximum cushioning
Rubber for the outsole
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
2. Jordan 3 Black Cement
The notorious Jordan 3 Retro OG, which debuted in 2018, marked the start of a new era for the company. It was the first time since the Black Cement’s 2001 version that the classic “Nike Air” branding was seen on the shoe. These legendary elephant-print sneakers were released on His Airness’ 55th birthday, so each pair comes with a little present. Without a question, one of the most attractive best jordans available.
Years of publication: 1988, 1994, 2001, 2008 (CDP), 2011, and 2018.
3. Black/Fire Red-Cement colorway
Maximum cushioning
Shaft style: Mid Top Upper material: Leather
Although it may not appear so, the Air Jordan 5 Fire Red Retro OG is one of the brand’s most recent releases. As part of the silhouette’s on 30th anniversary, the retro design was released in early 2020. This variation features smooth white leather construction on the upper and a ferocious black midsole with Fire Red shark teeth, which is nearly comparable to the original pair from 1990.
1990, 2000, 2008, 2013, and 2020 are the years in which the films were released.
White/Fire Red-Black colorway
Foam is used for the insole.
Maximum cushioning
Rubber for the outsole
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
4. Black Cement Jordan 4 ‘Bred’
A classic is said to never die, and the Air Jordan 4 is one such example. The ‘Black Cement or Bred 4’ features a red sole, black upper with grey accents, white midsole with black, and white and grey accents on the midsole. While hefty in comparison to more recent designs, this is without a doubt one of the best-looking Best jordans ever made.
1989, 1999, 2008, 2012, and 2019 are the years in which the films were released.
Jordan 11 Concord colorway: Black/Cement Grey-Summit White-Fire Red shoe shaft style: High Top
5. Michael Jordan
Stepped onto the court & into sneaker history with these now-iconic Air Jordan XIs back in 1995. With its patent leather uppers and translucent sole, the never-before-seen silhouette was revolutionary at the time. The Concord XI is still regarded as one of the best Air Jordan shoes of all time, and one of the most valuable collector collectibles because to the number 45 on the heel.
1995, 2006, 2011, and 2018 are the years in which the films were released.
White/Black-Concord colorway
Maximum cushioning
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
6. Jordan 6th Black
INFRARED is pretty the most iconic Air Jordan model. The black upper, black midsole with red accents, and transparent sole of this Jordan 6 INFRARED pair are all featured.
1991, 2000, 2010, 2014, and 2019 are the years in which the films were released.
Black/Infrared colorway
Maximum cushioning
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
7. Jordan 1 High Pine Green Retro
These Pine Green Retro high tops, which join the “Black Toe” lineup, aren’t only one of the best Air Jordan sneakers evers made; they’re perhaps the only ones that Celtics fans can appreciate. White tumbled leather makes up the upper of this Jordan 1 Retro High. The design is completed by a black leather Swoosh, a sail midsole, and a pine green outsole.
Years of publication: 2018, 2020 (slight variations)
Leather is the upper material.
Pine green colorway
Rubber for the outsole
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
8. UNC Air Jordan 3 Retro
These classic J’s have a white tumbled leather upper with grey elephant print mudguards with valour blue trim for the 2020 edition. These Air Best jordans have a former Player-Exclusive colourway for University of North Carolina students. In recent years, however, the colourway has been made available to the general public.
Years of publication: 2018, 2020
Leather is the upper material.
White/Valor Blue-Tech Grey colorway
Mid Top is a shoe shaft style.
9. Jordan 11 Bred Playoffs
The AJ11 in Black/True Red-White was first worn on NBA courts in April 1996 and is playoff-ready. This is the 2019 version, which is the first time the style has been released in seven years. The footwear is one of Michael Jordan’s holy grails and undoubtedly one of the top Air Jordan shoes of all time.
1995, 2001, 2008, 2012, and 2019 are the years in which the films were released.
Patent leather on the upper.
Rubber for the outsole
Black/True Red-White colorway
10. Retro Air Jordan 4
The special-edition “What The” colourway was released for His Airness’ 30th anniversary and is one of the best-looking Best jordans of all time. Color blocking in White/Cement, Military Blue, Fire Red, and Black/Cement can be found on this blue AJ4. The heel tabs are finished with ‘Nike Air’ branding.
The year is 2019.
Colorway: White/Fire Red-Tech Grey-Military Blue Upper material: Leather Outsole material: Rubber
11. Retro Jordan 1 High Shadow
The OG Shadow is an must-have for collectors and one of the best Air Best jordans of all time, having only been released three times in the brand’s 30-year history. The shoes have a black and grey leather upper with “Nike Air” branding on the tongue tag and insoles, as well as original “Nike Air” branding on the tongue tag and insoles.
Upper material: Leather Colorway: Black/Medium Grey-White Years released: 2009, 2013, 2018
12. Shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1 Retro
These Air Best jordans are inspired by Michael Jordan’s orange and black jersey from when he smashed a backboard in an Italian exhibition game in 1986.
Upper material: Leather Colorway: Black/Pale Vanilla Year: 2015 Starfish
13. Nike Air Ship & Jordan New Beginnings Pack Retro High 1
The New Beginnings pack is the ultimate OG Air Best jordans collectible, taking inspiration from the original Air Ship design that received criticism early in His Airness’ tenure. This set combines the 1984 white/red Air Ship PE with an all-white and red Air Jordan 1 High colourway, as well as the original style hangtag.
The year is 2020.
White/Red, White/Red/Red/Red/Red/Red/Red/
14. Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat
This variation on iconic Air Jordan 4 features a Black and Light Graphite colour combination that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s famed ‘Black Cat’ nickname, which is further explored throughout Jordan 13. The upper is all black, with subtle grey accents on the Jumpman Flight tongue tags.
Years of publication: 2006, 2020
Leather is the upper material.
Colorway: Black/Light Graphite/Black/Light Graphite/Black/Light Graphite/Black/L
15. Air Jordan 1 Retro Royal
The Royal Blue Best jordans are a basketball legend, widely regarded as Mike’s favourite colorway. Despite the fact that Jordan never wore this retro colourway on the court, the image of him wearing the shoes was captured by Chuck Kohn in 1985 and became an instant sensation. These blue Best jordans have been re-released three times since 1985, reaffirming their standing as one of the greatest Air Jordan sneakers ever.
1985, 2001, 2013, and 2017 were the years in which the films were released.
Leather is the upper material.
Black/Varsity Royal-White colorway
16. Retro DMP Jordan 6
The Jordan 6 DMP “Defining Moment,” which will be released in 2020, is a sleek black and gold number that bears a strong resemblance to the original DMP pack, which was first released in 2006. In April 2020, these Jordan retros will be released, ushering in a new era for the classic silhouette.
Years of publication: 2006, 2020
Black/Metallic Gold colorway
Maximum cushioning Shoe shaft style: High Top
17. Chutney Jordan 13 Retro Low
The Chutney is as hips as they come, taking a spin on the legendary Jordan 13 design. The cut is the difference between this chutney design and a standard 13. These retros substitute the conventional hightop with a mid, making them stand out from the style.
Years of publication: 1998, 2017
Upper Material: Suede/Leather
Chutney/Black colorway
18. Dior Jordan 1 Retro High
One of the top best Air Best jordans of all time is the Dior Jordan 1 High. This version of the iconic high-top silhouette stands out with a fine white leather upper, wolf grey overlays, and a traditional Dior emblem on the swoosh. The collar has also been changed, with a distinctive ‘Air Dior’ insignia embossed on it. Expect to pay AUD$10,000 for these sneakers, which are among the most costly ever made.
The year is 2020.
Colorway: Wolf Grey/ Sail Photon Upper material: Leather
19. Knicks Retro Jordan 3
The Jordan 3 Knicks Retro sneakers are another throwback that honours MJ’s regular enemy. It was no easy assignment to keep up with Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks in order to win the Eastern Conference, but as we all know, MJ was no ordinary baller. With a white tumbled leather uppers, elephant print on the toe cap and heel, and a visible Nike Air unit, the ‘Knicks Rivals’ retro keeps faithful to the original silhouette.
The year is 2019.
Leather is the upper material.
Leather outsole Colorway: White/Old Royal-University Orange-Tech Grey Outsole Material: Leather Outsole Material: Leather Outsole Material: Leather Outsole Material: Leather Outsole Material: Leather Outsole Material: Leather
20. Retro High Rust Pink Air Jordan 1
The Jordan 1 Retro High Rust Pink was released in early 2017, adding a coral pink ‘Rust Pink’ tint to the iconic AJ1 silhouette’s two-tone colour blocking. The black panelling is made of excellent tumbled leather, while the white midsole stands out. For good cause, these Jordan retros have become one of the most expensive sneakers in the world. This colourway is up there with the best-looking Best jordans on the market.
11th of January, 2017
Leather is the upper material.
White/Black-Rust Pink colorway
21. Jordan 5 Off-White Retro
This shoe is a throwback to Virgil’s debut Jordan brand sneaker, the AJ5 Black Metallic. Abloh has redesigned the old silhouette with current Nike Air technology to create a modern classic with his distinctive flair.
The year is 2019.
Synthetic upper material
Leather for the outsole
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
Black/Muslin Fire-Red colorway
22. Retro Air Jordan 12 Reverse Taxi
The Air Jordan XII Reverse Taxi is pretty the polar opposite of its more traditional counterpart. The original ‘taxi’ had white leathers with the iconic mudguard, but this variation has textured black nubuck instead. You can’t dispute that they are some of the best Air Jordan sneakers we’ve seen in a long time, whether you like them or not.
Colorway: Black/Black-White-Taxi Year: 2019
Maximum cushioning
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
It’s available for purchase here.
23. Origin Story of the Jordan 1 Retro High Spider-Man
If you’ve ever wondered what Air Best jordans Spider-Man might wear, you’re in for a treat. These 2018 Air Jordan I sneakers are designed by the original Spider-Man. The shoes have a translucent sole, a white upper with red accents, a black Nike “Swoosh,” a white midsole, and a white midsole.
The year is 2018.
Leather is the upper material.
Gym-Red/Black-White-Photo Blue colorway
24. Air Jordan 1 Mid Triple White
Possibly one of the ugliest Best jordans ever made, this has managed to become a wardrobe staple for inner-city rap enthusiasts. While the Triple White is one of the most loved Best jordans in the game, it’s as crisp as they get and carries everything there is to dislike about a shoe with it. With a white on white colourway, these is undoubtedly one of the least appealing Best jordans of all time, especially if they become dirty. Mid-lifers aren’t cool; they just aren’t!
The following years have been released: 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Leather for the upper and leather for the outsole
High Top is a type of shoe shaft.
White/White/White colour scheme
It’s available for purchase here (2018) It’s available for purchase here (2019) It’s available for purchase here (2020)
25. DNA Air Jordan XXXV
One of the most bizarrely designed shoes ever, these should serve as a reminder of how good the older models still look now. To serve this Jordan is out of this world is an understatement; it is one of the most obnoxious shoes the brand has ever produced. But isn’t that a ‘performance shoe’? These would be kept on the court.
The year is 2022.
What are the most popular Best jordans?
According to North American sales data from 2004 to 2020, the Air Jordan Bred 11s are the most popular Best jordans on Ebay.
What is the record for the most expensive pair of Best jordans ever sold?
The Air Best Jordans 12s from Michael Jordan’s infamous ‘Flu Game’ were the most expensive pair of Air Jordan shoes ever sold. At an auction, the pair he was wearing that night sold for USD$104,000, making them the most expensive air ever sold.
When did the first pair of Best jordans hit the market?
The Air Jordan 1 was the first pair ever released, designed by Peter Moore. The pair was first released in 1985 and made for $65.
