23 Best Jordans Of All Time By Release Dates (2024

Ever since Michael Jordan sported that first pair of Nike sneakers back in 1984, playing for the Chicago Bulls and just starting to get people’s attention as basketball’s next big star, Jordans have been capturing the imagination of sneaker wearers around the world

Contents hide

1 What makes Air Jordans so unique?

2 How technically advanced do you want your Michael Jordan shoes to be?

3 Which Jordan shoe is the most popular?

4 What is MJ’s favorite Jordan shoe?

Either way, you’ll be aware that (a) the man plays basketball like no one else on Earth and (b) he takes footwear seriously

Today, there are 35 different Air Jordan models available, not counting countless colorways, collaborations, limited editions, and retro Jordans

From 90s street style staples and on-court speed-optimized kicks to high-fashion collabs, there are Jordans out there for every mood, taste, and event

We’ve put together a list of what can be considered the most iconic, popular, innovative, high-performing, and generally best Jordans of all time by release dates

These are the luxury sneakers that have made the footwear line the runaway success it is today

The Michael Jordan shoes that have basically defined sneakers as we know them in the 21st century

The OG Air Jordan was the very first Nike shoe to be sported by MJ on the court and the only one you’ll find with the Nike Swoosh—two reasons why it’s indisputably one of the best Jordan shoes in existence

The Air Jordan I is the shoe that not only started the obsession with Air Jordans that continues today but also created a major controversy when its black and red color combination broke the NBA’s 51% white regulation regarding sneakers

A top pick if you’re all about the authentic details, this model is also available as a pair of low-top Jordans

PS: A luxury take by Dior on this iconic basketball sneaker, the limited edition Dior Jordan 1 sneakers (dubbed by fans as the ‘Diordan’) are one of the most expensive Air Jordans ever sold at retail price ($2,200)

PPS: See also our lookbook to style Air Jordan 1s like a true sneakerhead

Air Jordan III: Released in 1988

This was the first design by Tinker Hatfield, athlete and architect turned sneaker taste-maker

Hatfield started as he meant to go one with this eye-catching sneaker, dropping the Nike Swoosh logo and adding elephant print panels, black and white uppers, and, of course, the now iconic Jumpman Logo

The sneaker felt fresh and futuristic when it was first released in the late 80s and continues to be at the vanguard of sneaker design today

Another game-changing, risk-taking, and ground-breaking design, the Air Jordan XI found its way onto the court back in May 1995 as part of the NBA playoffs and quickly became a pop culture favorite after starring (alongside MJ) in the cult classic sci-fi animation Space Jam

Its release in the black-and-white Concord colorway infamously led to fights and riots across America as people tried to get their hands on a pair

The model is also available as a pair of low-top Jordans

One of the most popular iterations of the model right now is the 11 Cool Grey

Check our lookbook to see how to style the Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey

Another pair of Air Jordans to feature on the big screen, the Air Jordan IV starred in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing

These were the first pair of Air Jordans with a global release, cementing the shoe’s superstar status

The Pure Money all-white colorway, in particular, was one of the most popular Jordan shoes ever when it was released in 2006

(See also our lookbook on the trendiest way to style the Air Jordan 4 )

Air Jordan VII: Released in 1992

This was the first J to be released as part of the Jordan brand rather than Nike (hence the lack of exterior Nike branding and Air window)

It can be seen to symbolize the start of MJ’s career as a businessman as well as being the world’s best basketball player

With these Air Jordan VII sneakers on, MJ repeated as an NBA champion, Finals MVP, and MVP, and helped the USA secure gold at the 1992 Barcelona summer games

The Black Infrared colorway, in particular, is one of the most popular Jordan shoes ever released

Air Jordan XII: Released in 1996

These are the sneakers Michael Jordan wore during the famous 1997 Flu Game where he managed to score no less than 38 points while suffering from a bad case of flu

No wonder these are considered some of the best Jordan shoes ever made

Taking inspiration from a WW2 Mustang fighter jet, the Air Jordan V is as fierce, determined, and uncompromising as MJ himself

The sneaker features smooth leather and nubuck, mesh side panels, and shark-tooth shapes on the midsole

The fact that these sneakers were worn by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air probably also contributed to making them fan favorites and some of the most popular Jordans around today

Consider the elegant Air Jordan II one of the line’s most luxurious models

It was the first of all Michael Jordan shoes to use deluxe details such as faux-lizard skin, for example, and features brogue-like perforations and Italian craftsmanship, lending it some serious upscale panache

With these nods to high-end fashion (and a higher price tag), this exclusive sneaker was one of the first to straddle the worlds of sportswear and the red carpet

The Air Jordan II can definitely be worn with a tux and is also available as a pair of low-top Jordans

Apparently, the sneaker was inspired by Michael Jordan’s Porsche 911 and the star won his first championship title with a pair of these ultra-cool creations on his feet, making it hands-down one of the best Jordan shoes of all time

Air Jordan XIV: Released in 1998

Many of the best Js were inspired by top-of-the-range vehicles, including the Air Jordan XIV, which draws on the shape and style of MJ’s Ferrari 550M

The most popular colorway of this model is the Last Shot, a black-red combo immortalized when MJ wore them for his winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals

Air Jordan XIII: Released in 1997

If you’ve watched Netflix’ The Last Dance, then you’ll definitely recognize the Air Jordan XIIIs—the shoes Michael wore for most of the 1997-1998 season

In the black and red Bred colorway, in particular, the XIII is one of the most popular Jordans ever

Air Jordan XVI: Released in 2001

The most notable and intriguing feature of the XVI is the removable gaiter, lending these Michael Jordan shoes a vibe that is at once technical and trendy, fashion-forward and functional

With Michael Jordan now President and part-owner of the Washington Wizards, the XVI was specifically conceived of as a sneaker that could be worn both on the court and in the boardroom

Air Jordan VIII: Released in 1993

One of the most characterful sneakers in the Michael Jordan shoe line-up, the VIII is chunky, defiant, and daring

With a chenille tongue graphic and twin straps that cross over the laces, the AJ VIIIs are most definitely a 90s-style sneaker and a winning choice for anyone seeking something a little different

Look out for the low-top version of the VIII, released in 2003

Air Jordan XVIII: Released in 2003

One of the most traffic-stopping and attention-grabbing sneakers of all times, the XVIII was worn by Jordan during his final farewell in Washington in 2003

It featured a driving shoe heel—another reference to the star’s penchant for ultra-fast cars—and came with a towel, brush, and driver’s manual

Definitely a pair of sneakers that no one will forget for a while

It was around this time that the Air Jordan style took a turn towards the kooky and quirky, drawing on all sorts of offbeat and bizarre references

The XV was the last sneaker to be designed by Tinker Hatfield and while MJ never actually wore it on the court, it remains a notable addition to the footwear line

The AJ IX was released during a period when MJ was taking his first of three breaks from basketball, trying his hand at minor league baseball instead

It also references MJ’s growing global influence, with different languages—including Japanese and Swahili—on the outsoles, and words such as dedicated, independence, freedom, and force—all part of the Michael Jordan ethos

Air Jordan XVII: Released in 2002

Created to mark the much-anticipated return of MJ to basketball for the 2001-2002 NBA season as part of the Washington Wizards, the AJ XVII initially made waves on the sneaker scene for its elevated price tag—the highest of all Jordans ever

It was also inspired by jazz music, drawing parallels between the genre’s improvisational qualities and MJ’s own ability to ad-lib on the court, and originally came in a metal briefcase with a CD-ROM

Air Jordan XIX: Released in 2004

All Jordan shoes are known for pushing the boundaries of sneaker design with creative and innovative spins on what we all thought a basketball shoe should look like

Apparently influenced by the black mamba snake, it’s definitely got one eye on the style horizon with its braided sleeve in place of laces

There’s also a carbon fiber support shank and full-length Zoom Airbag with a traditional Air unit in the heel, making these some of the most comfortable and best Jordan shoes around

Released in celebration of a 10-year partnership between MJ and Nike, as well as commemorating MJ’s temporary retirement from basketball to join the MLB, the AJ X is notable for its lightweight and clean-lined design and combination of leather, nylon, and Zoom Air cushioning

A newer but no less celebrated edition to the AJ line, the XX8 was endorsed by Russell Westbrook, the basketball superstar known for his flashy dunks and explosive style

This is a show-stopping sneaker that takes no prisoners style or function-wise with its never-before-seen boot-high casing or ‘shroud’ (partly inspired by military combat boots) and responsive design with a flexible yet supportive upper and solid traction

Given that it was the same number he wore on the court, the 23rd model in Michael Jordan’s shoe line was always going to be extra special

The ultimate sneaker for die-hard MJ fans, the stitching is meant to represent Michael Jordan’s DNA pattern and you’ll also find the player’s thumbprint embossed on the rear and his autograph on the toe

Air Jordan XX: Released in 2005

Designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Jordan Brand, the AJ XX represents nothing less than MJ’s life story in sneaker form

Air Jordan XXXV DNA: Released in 2020

The final sneakers on our list are also some of the wackiest, weirdest, and most memorable Michael Jordan shoes of all time, somehow evoking both the spirit of a fighter jet and 90s retro Jordans at the same time

The XXXV DNA features the brand’s exposed Eclipse Plate 20, which extends up into the shoe’s upper, offering energy return, stability, and cushioning

A partially exposed Zoom Air bag in the heel helps with responsiveness while high-end materials like nubuck and suede mean this sneaker wouldn’t look at all out of place with a suit for a smart-casual look

Year first release:2020Original price:$175Current market value:$210

Buyers guide: how to choose a pair of Air Jordans

Before we explore the question of which Air Jordans are best for you, first a bit of background information on this oh-so-famous sneaker

The first-ever pair of Air Jordans were released to the public on April 1st, 1985, following a partnership between Nike and now world-famous basketball icon Michael Jordan

While at this point the brand was better known for making track footwear, they were also exploring new running shoe technology and the first pair of Jordans made their debut on the court in 1984, named the Air Jordan 1s, and were game-changers from the get-go

The sneaker featured the classic Nike Swoosh logo alongside the Wings symbol

And, as the story goes, they were banned by the NBA for being red and black rather than mostly white as per regulations

Nike had to pay $5,000 per game for breaking the rules but the publicity was worth it, establishing the sneaker’s risk-taking and non-conformist reputation that endures to this day

In 1986, the Air Jordan II was released, followed by the III in 1988, at which point the Nike Swoosh was replaced with the Jumpman logo—Michael Jordan, airborne

Today, you can pick up a pair of Air Jordans for around $145 on average

MJ’s first-ever Air Jordans sold for $560,000 at auction in 2020, for example

The most expensive Jordans (and the most expensive sneakers) ever, however, are Drake’s custom OVO X Air Jordans, made of solid gold and worth $2 million

Air Jordans: design and signature style

What makes Air Jordans so unique?

Some of the features that have contributed to making Air Jordans such a pivotal part of sneaker culture include the Jumpman logo, a silhouette of Michael Jordan leaping through the air

There’s also the clear rubber sole, as originally found on the Air Jordan V, and the loop at the back of the shoe that makes it easy to get on and off

Patent leather is a common addition to many Jordans, a feature specifically requested by Michael Jordan himself

He wanted a shoe he could wear with a suit as well as on the court

Nike’s Zoom Air technology is also found in most Jordans, boosting responsiveness, decreasing pronation, and offering that quick-off-the-ground feel that top basketball players depend on

Other features you might find on Jordans include a removable shroud or gaiter—used to conceal the laces for a dressier vibe—and a carbon fiber shank plate for support and stability

With so many models on offer, it can be hard to choose the right pair of Air Jordans

How technically advanced do you want your Michael Jordan shoes to be?

If you want a pair of authentic and old-school Jordans, look for retro variations on the classics, such as the Air Jordan 1 Retro Chicago or 5 Fire Red Retro OG

The most high-performing Air Jordan at the moment is the Jordan 35, featuring the latest sneaker technology, such as an eclipse plate for high energy return, as well as a Zoom Air sole

Which Jordan shoe is the most popular?

The most popular Jordans are the Air Jordan 1s, the original Jordan shoe in the line

The top-selling Jordans include the Air Jordan 1 ‘Black Toe’, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Bordeaux, and the Air Jordan Mid Bred 1, a mid-top in a black and red colorway, originally banned by the NBA

The best Jordans to buy right now include the Air Jordan 35, introduced in 2020—a serious high-performing basketball sneaker

For street-style appeal, the best Jordans include fashion collaborations such as the Off-White x Air Jordan 4

What is MJ’s favorite Jordan shoe?

MJ’s favorite Jordan shoe is the Air Jordan 11 Concord

The Jordan shoe is known for its innovative aesthetics, including patent leather that meant MJ could wear it for formal occasions

There are many different Jordan 1 colorways on the market now and all have the same high quality as the original Jordan 1s, made from full-grain calfskin with extra cushioning and support

One of the best colorways is the Air Jordan 1 Black Toe