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Jordans have captured the imagination of sneaker wearers worldwide since Michael Jordan wore the first pair of Nike sneakers in 1984 while playing for the Chicago Bulls and just began to grab people's notice as basketball's next major star. No other sneaker has achieved the same cult-like notoriety and global adoration.
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Maybe you're a complete basketball junkie who has seen and re-watched every iconic Michael Jordan moment ever. Perhaps all you know about Michael Jackson comes from Netflix's The Last Dance. In any case, you'll see that (a) the dude plays basketball like no one else on the planet, and (b) he takes his sneakers seriously.
Today, there are 35 distinct Air Jordan models to choose from, not to mention the numerous colourways, collaborations, limited editions, and throwback Jordans. Jordans for every mood, taste, and event, ranging from 90s street style stalwarts to on-court speed-optimized shoes to high-fashion collabs.
We adore Oliver Cabell sneakers for their affordable minimalist elegance and Koio sneakers for their classic Italian quality. But when it comes to pure personality, sports heritage, and championship cool, the Jordans have the upper hand.
Based on release dates, we've compiled a list of the most iconic, renowned, inventive, high-performing, and overall finest Jordans of all time. These are the high-end shoes that have catapulted the footwear business to worldwide acclaim. The Jordans that pique people's interest in Jordans. Michael Jordan's shoes have essentially defined sneakers as we know them in the twenty-first century.
The Best Jordans Of All Time
1. Air Jordan I (1985)
The original Air Jordan was the first Nike sneaker worn by Michael Jordan on the court and the only one with the Nike Swoosh—two reasons why it's undeniably one of the finest Jordan shoes ever made.
The Nike Air Jordan Is the shoe that launched the fascination with Air Jordans that continues to this day and sparked huge controversy when its black and red colour scheme violated the NBA's 51 per cent white rule for footwear.
This style is also available as a pair of low top Jordans, ideal if you value authenticity.
2. Air Jordan III (1988)
The Nike Air Jordan I may highlight every sneakerhead's collection, but the Air Jordan III is also rather groundbreaking. Tinker Hatfield, a former athlete and architect, turned shoe tastemaker, created this as his debut design.
With this eye-catching shoe, Hatfield started as he wanted to continue, removing the Nike Swoosh logo and replacing it with elephant print panels, black and white uppers, and, of course, the now-iconic Jumpman Logo. When it was initially produced in the late 1980s, the shoe seemed new and futuristic, and it is still at the forefront of sneaker design today.
3. Air Jordan IV (1989)
Another pair of Air Jordans to appear on the big screen was the Air Jordan IV, which appeared in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing.
What distinguishes the IVs as some of the finest Jordans of all time? Many things, but mostly the lacing support system, known as 'wings,' may be customized to the wearer's particular tastes.
This was the first pair of Air Jordans to be released globally, solidifying the shoe's superstar status. When the Pure Money all-white colourway was launched in 2006, it quickly became one of the most popular Jordan shoes.
4. Air Jordan XI (1995)
The Air Jordan XI, another game-changing, risk-taking, and groundbreaking design, first appeared on the court in 1995 May as part of the NBA playoffs and rapidly became a pop culture favourite after featuring (together with MJ) in the cult classic sci-fi cartoon Space Jam.
Its introduction in the black-and-white Concord colourway notoriously resulted in fighting and riots across America as individuals attempted to obtain a pair. If you need any evidence, this is one of the most popular Jordan shoes of all time. The model is also available in low-top Jordans.
5. Air Jordan VII (1992)
This was the first J to be launched under the Jordan brand rather than the Nike name. It may be considered the beginning of MJ's career as a businessman and the world's best basketball player.
With these Air Jordan VII trainers on, MJ repeated as NBA champion, Finals MVP, and MVP, and helped the United States win gold in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It's one of the most popular Jordan sneakers ever made, especially in the Black Infrared colourway.
6. Air Jodan XII (1996)
Because of the guy behind the brand, all Jordan sneakers are connected with tenacity and perseverance, but none more so than the XIIs.
These are the sneakers that Michael Jordan used during the historic 1997 Illness Game, in which he scored 38 points despite being sick with the flu. It's no surprise that they are regarded as among the greatest Jordan shoes ever created.
The ribbed quilted sections on the top, inspired by Japan's Rising Sun flag, are striking characteristics, as is the pebbled rather than patent leather. Low top Jordans are also available for the XIIs.
7. Air Jordan V (1990)
The Air Jordan V, inspired by a WW2 Mustang fighter plane, is as ferocious, determined, and uncompromising as MJ himself. The shoe has smooth leather and nubuck uppers, mesh side panels, and shark-tooth patterns on the midsole.
The fact that all these sneakers were worn by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air most likely helped to their being fan favourites and some of the most popular Jordans available today.
8. Air Jordan II (1986)
Consider the exquisite Air Jordan II to be one of the most opulent models in the collection. It was the first Michael Jordan sneaker to have premium elements like faux-lizard skin, as well as brogue-like perforations and Italian artistry, offering it significant posh panache.
This unique shoe was one of the first to span the worlds of athletics and the red carpet, with these references to high-end design (and a higher price tag). The Air Jordan II is undoubtedly appropriate for a tuxedo, and it is also available as a pair of low top Jordans.
9. Air Jordan VI (1991)
The Air Jordan 6 is very much about power and performance. From the two clip holes on the tongue for simple entrance to the neoprene sleeve lining, which boosts comfort and reduces the chance of blisters, every aspect has been studied for game optimization.
Michael Jordan's Porsche 911 reportedly inspired the sneaker. The star earned his first championship victory while wearing a pair of these ultra-cool masterpieces, making it hands-down one of the finest Jordan sneakers of all time.
10. Air Jordan XIV (1998)
When you go over this list of the top Jordans in the world, you'll notice a similar thread. Fast cars. Many of the finest Js were inspired by high-end automobiles, like the Air Jordan XIV, which borrows the design and aesthetic of Michael Jordan's Ferrari 550M. Also, keep an eye out for the Jumpman emblem, which appears 14 times on this shoe, alluding to the fact that it is the 14th in the Jordan line.
The Last Shot, a black-red combo immortalized when MJ wore them for his game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals of NBA, is the model's most famous colourway.
11. Air Jordan XIII (1997)
If you've seen Netflix's The Last Dance, you'll recognize the Air Jordan XIIIs—the shoes Michael wore for most of the 1997-1998 season.
The sneaker is undeniably and unabashedly luxurious—appropriate, given that Jordan wore it at the pinnacle of his stardom. The idea originates from a panther, a reference to Jordan's agility and predator-like instincts on the court, as well as his moniker "Black Cat."
The outsole is designed to seem like a panther's paw, and there are holograms on the bottom and ankle that imitate a cat's glinting eye.
The XIII is one of the most beloved Jordans ever, especially in the black and red Bred colourway. This type is also available in low top Jordans.
12. Air Jordan XVI (2001)
The detachable gaiter is the most prominent and fascinating aspect of the XVI, offering these Michael Jordan sneakers a technical and fashionable, fashion-forward and valuable air.
With Michael Jordan now serving as President and a part-owner of the Washington Wizards, the XVI was designed to be worn both on the field and in the boardroom.
13. Air Jordan VIII (1993)
The VIII is one of the most distinctive sneakers in the Michael Jordan shoes collection, being hefty, belligerent, and daring. The AJ VIIIs are most obviously a 90s-style sneaker, with a chenille tongue design and twin straps that cross over the laces and a winning pick for anybody looking for something a bit unusual. Look for the low-top variant of the VIII, which was launched in 2003.
14. Air Jordan XVIII (2003)
The XVIII, one of the most eye-catching and eye-catching sneakers of all time, was worn by Jordan for his final goodbye in Washington in 2003. It came with a towel, brush, and driver's manual, as well as a driving shoe heel, another nod to the star's fondness for ultra-fast automobiles.
Then there was the vamp cover, which looked more like it belonged on a high-end Italian dress shoe. This is a pair of sneakers that no one will forget for a long time.
15. Air Jordan XV (1999)
Around this period, the Air Jordan aesthetic began to lean toward the goofy and eccentric, relying on a variety of unusual and weird allusions. We're not going to complain. The XV's distinctive and high-impact aesthetics were inspired by NASA's X-15 fighter plane, while (quite shockingly) moccasins inspire the high padded collar.
The XV was Tinker Hatfield's last sneaker design, and while MJ never wore it on the court, it remains an essential addition to the footwear collection.
16. Air Jordan IX (1993)
The AJ IX was introduced when MJ took his first of three sabbatical from basketball instead of trying his hand at minor league baseball. As a result, this sneaker has the appearance of a baseball cleat.
It also alludes to Michael Jordan's rising worldwide impact, with several languages—including Japanese and Swahili—on the outsoles and terms like dedication, independence, freedom, and force—all of which are part of the Michael Jordan ethos.
17. Air Jordan XVII (2002)
The AJ XVII was created to commemorate Michael Jordan's much-anticipated comeback to basketball for the 2001-2002 NBA season as a member of the Washington Wizards, and it first made ripples on the sneaker world for its hefty price tag—the highest of any Jordans ever.
However, the price was not the only significant characteristic of the footwear. It was inspired by jazz music, drawing comparisons between the genre's improvisational elements and MJ's own ability to improvise on the court, and came in a metal briefcase with a CD-ROM at the time.
18. Air Jordan XIX (2004)
Jordan sneakers are famous for pushing the boundaries of sneaker design by putting fresh and new twists on what we all believe a basketball shoe should look like.
With its dramatically unconventional silhouette, the XIX is a prime example. Inspired by the black mamba snake, it has one eye on the fashion horizon with its braided sleeve in place of laces. There's also a carbon fibre shank and a full-length Zoom Air bag with a conventional Air unit in the heel, making these some of the most comfortable and excellent Jordan sneakers available.
19. Air Jordan X (1994)
The AJ X is renowned for its lightweight and clean-lined design, as well as its blend of leather, nylon, and Zoom Air cushioning and was released to commemorate MJ's 10-year association with Nike, as well as MJ's temporary retirement from basketball to join the MLB. The ten lateral stripes, along with the sole nod to the basketball legend's spectacular first ten years of shattering records.
20. Air Jordan XX8 (2013)
Russell Westbrook, the basketball phenom known for his dazzling dunks and explosive flair, sponsored the XX8, a newer but no less acclaimed addition to the AJ collection.
With its never-before-seen boot-high shell or shroud (partly inspired by military combat boots) and responsive design with flexible but supportive upper and good traction, this is a show-stopping sneaker that takes no prisoners in terms of look or function.
21. Air Jordan XX3 (2008)
The 23rd model in Michael Jordan's shoe line was always significant since it was the same number he wore on the court. And the XX3 is undoubtedly a work of art.
The ultimate MJ shoe, the stitching is designed to mimic Michael Jordan's DNA pattern, while the player's fingerprint is engraved on the back and his autograph is on the toe.
As part of the movement toward more environmentally friendly shoes (with Allbirds leading the way), the XX3 is created with as few pollutants, trash, and residues as possible.
22. Air Jordan XX (2005)
The AJ XX is a shoe designed to honour the Jordan Brand's 20th anniversary. It reflects nothing less than MJ's life narrative in sneaker form. A lofty ambition, but one that designers Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith have accomplished with trademark zeal.
Lazar carved approximately 200 symbols into the top, summarising the sportsman's whole life, including Michael riding in the backseat of a 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with his mother, Deloris. The 69 grooves on the side spokes refer to his highest-scoring game.
23. Air Jordan XXXV DNA (2020)
The last shoes on our list are also some of the wackiest, strangest, and most unforgettable Michael Jordan shoes of all time, capturing both the spirit of a fighter plane and 90s throwback Jordans.
The XXXV DNA incorporates the brand's exposed Eclipse Plate 2.0, which extends up into the upper of the shoe and provides energy return, stability, and cushioning. A partially exposed Zoom Air bag in the heel improves responsiveness, and high-end materials like nubuck and suede ensure that this shoe would look great with a suit for a smart-casual aesthetic.
How to Choose your Pair of Jordans?
With so many models to pick from, it might be difficult to choose the perfect pair of Air Jordans. Of course, there's the issue of aesthetics, but there's also the issue of athletic performance.
How sophisticated do you want your Michael Jordan sneakers to be? Or are you looking for throwback Jordans with a nice vintage vibe?
If you're looking for something to wear to a formal event, look for collaborations between the Jordan brand and high-fashion labels like Off-White, LA men's shop Union, or fashion stylist and blogger Aleali May.
If you want a pair of authentic and vintage Jordans, check for retro variants on classics like the Air Jordan 1 Retro Chicago or the Air Jordan 5 Fire Red Retro OG.
The Jordan 35 is the most high-performing Air Jordan, including cutting-edge shoe technology such as an eclipse plate for rapid energy return and a Zoom Air sole.
