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The Best Air Jordans That Every Sneakerhead Should Own
Nearly forty years since it first landed on basketball courts and store shelves, the Air Jordan remains one of Nike’s marquee trainer lines
As trainer trends come and go, the Air Jordan line prevails. Whether it’s the unwavering dedication to high-quality materials or the lasting appeal of its namesake that keeps people interested, it’s hard to be sure, but what we can confirm is that a Jumpman purchase is always a good idea (even if some of the colourways are, to put it politely, questionable. Air Jordan 1 ‘Volt’, we’re pulling on our sunglasses and looking at you).
But before you set off to clumsily grab any old pair, we’d like to make sure you know that there are certain silhouettes more likely to elicit nods of approval from passers-by than others. We're talking about models such as the ageless Air Jordan 1, the angular Air Jordan 6 and the roadman special, the Air Jordan 4. Here, we will confirm which Michael Jordan-approved kicks qualify as a slam dunk, right after we ensure you’re acquainted with the Nike-engineered sneaker line by filling you in on the all-important history.
What is Air Jordan?
Air Jordan is a basketball-focused sneaker and apparel line produced by Nike, originally inspired by and created for sports icon Michael Jordan (when you find a spare eight hours or so, check out Netflix's Last Dance documentary to get a true sense of how impactful a decision that was). Since 1985, Air Jordan shoes have been shopped, sported and collected by millions of basketball enthusiasts and sneakerphiles across the globe. Yet to own a pair? Don’t worry: it’s never too late to jump on the bandwagon.
Did Michael Jordan design Air Jordan sneakers?
It’s a common misconception that Michael Jordan is responsible for designing the Air Jordan line when, in fact, the shoes were originally designed for the athlete, not by him. Interestingly, MJ initially despised the design of the Air Jordan 1 as he feared they made him look clownish. Never has a man been so quick to swallow his words.
How many Air Jordan models are there?
There are currently 37 silhouettes that are part of the official Air Jordan canon, many of which are available in different heights (Low, Mid and High). Howbeit, there are also several spin-offs that fans keep on their radar, including the Jordan Why Not kicks designed in collaboration with LA Lakers hero Russell Westbrook.
Which Air Jordans should you pick up?
Now that we’re assured that you’re equipped with some basic knowledge about the Air Jordan line, it’s time to bring nine silhouettes every serious sneakerhead should own to your attention.
The best Air Jordans
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OGA Ma Maniére
Air Jordan 1 debut date: 1985
Air Jordan 1 retail price: £135-£170
Where to buy the Air Jordan 1: stockx.com
There’s no Jordan more foolproof than the OG silhouette: the AJ1. And the most coveted colourway right now is the burgundy and sail pair designed by Atlanta-based sneaker boutique A Ma Maniére. We mean, just look at that vintage-inspired cracked leather upper – it speaks for itself.
Air Jordan 2 debut date: 1986
Air Jordan 2 retail price: £190-£205
Where to buy the Air Jordan 2: offspring.co.uk
The Air Jordan 2 is currently in its element thanks to Nike’s collaborators’ piqued interest in the silhouette. Most recently, family-owned Parisian boutique Maison Château Rouge reworked the AJ2 in a way that paid homage to its vibrant neighbourhood, one locally known as Little Africa. The result? An orange and sail sneak brimming with cultural references.
Air Jordan 3 debut date: 1988
Air Jordan 3 retail price: £180
Where to buy the Air Jordan 3: farfetch.com
It should come as no surprise that Tinker Hatfield’s first crack at an Air Jordan shoe is just as popular today as it was when it debuted in the late ‘80s. Grab yourself a pair today – preferably in the still-relatively-new ‘Muslin’ colourway – and never look back.
Debut Date: 1989
Air Jordan 4 Retail Price: £180
Where to Buy the Air Jordan 4: stockx.com
The Air Jordan 4 has recently been espoused by the millennial and Gen-Z tastemakers of the world; so, in short, it’s cool again. Look no further than the recently-released ‘Military Black’ pair that can be styled with just about anything.
Debut date: 1990
Air Jordan 5 retail price: £175.00-£190.00
Where to buy the Air Jordan 5: endclothing.com
Sturdy, seriously chic and generously padded, the Air Jordan 5 is the real deal; the kind Love Islanders would describe as the “full package”, if it was to ever stumble into the villa. ‘Green Bean and Flint’ is our current top pick when it comes to AJ5s, primarily because it’s surprisingly accessible.
Air Jordan 6 debut date: 1991
Air Jordan 6 retail price: £180
Where to buy the Air Jordan 6: nike.com
Without meaning to get too carried away, the Air Jordan 6 is a Cubist masterpiece – a court-ready trainer to rival Picasso’s ‘The Weeping Woman’ or Salvador Dali’s ‘Cubist Self Portrait’. Thus, the early ‘90s model deserves a place on your shoe rack, preferably in the fuss-free ‘Midnight Navy’ colourway that dropped just a few weeks ago.
Air Jordan 7 debut date: 1992
Air Jordan 7 retail price: £180
Where to buy the Air Jordan 7: nike.com
The Air Jordan 7 is an if-you-know-you-know kinda kick, which is exactly why it's one of our top picks. And although we’re usually inclined to pick up pairs of Air Jordan 7s that capture the zeitgeist of the 90s – say the AJ7 ‘Hare’, or the ‘Bordeaux’ – it’s the soft, calm, pastel-hued ‘Shimmer Sapphire’ that we’re all about.
Air Jordan 11 debut date: 1995
Air Jordan 11 retail Price: £170
Where to buy the Air Jordan 11: stockx.com
Everyone’s a fan of the Air Jordan 11, sneaker aficionados, basketball players and fashion insiders included. Boost your chances of prompting envious glares by opting for the ‘Cool Grey’ 11s – a colourway that’s been heavily sought-after since it was re-released last year.
Air Jordan 13 debut date: 1997
Air Jordan 13 retail price: £180-£190
Where to buy the Air Jordan 13: nike.com
There are ample reasons to invest in a pair of Air Jordan 13s, but our favourite has to pivot around the fact that its muse is the black panther. As in the melanistic leopard, not the Wakanda-born superhero. Into it? Check out the latest 13 to leap out of the Jumpman factory: the uber-masc ‘Navy’ colourway.
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