Every sneakerhead and sneaker collector remembers their first Air Jordan sneaker. It’s a big moment in every person’s life because of the high esteem and regard we sneakerheads have for Nike’s Air Jordan brand and signature line. Not only is the Air Jordan line typically more expensive than other shoes, they are also a lot more iconic. For example, I was absolutely in love with the Air Jordan XI “Concord” the moment I saw MJ rocking that beautiful design versus the Orlando Magic in the Playoffs. And that Nike Phone ad was incredible. I wanted a pair so bad in ‘96 but couldn’t afford them.
4 years later, I got my first pair of Air Jordans back in 2000. I was a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and the Air Jordan XI “Concord” was coming back after the original release in 1995. I was not missing out this time. My buddy who worked at Foot Locker held me a pair until I could pick them up that weekend in late October. I was so excited to finally own my first Jordan. And not just any Jordan – the Air Jordan XI, one of the best Jordan shoes of all time.
I still have that pair 23 years later. The rubber sole is yellow and starting to peel, but all in all they’re still in pretty good shape. That is a pair of Jordan basketball shoes I can never see myself parting with because they hold a special place in my heart. I just wish I had saved the box. Back then, most of us didn’t realize that we should keep the boxes along with the shoes. I will never make that mistake again.
These days, it can be difficult to sift through all the websites and figure out which Jordans to buy if you haven’t been keeping up. And keeping up is tough because there seems to be a new release every other day. Unless you are on social media and the major websites keeping track of every release, you’re going to fall behind.
Best Jordan Shoes
Basically, there are 3 categories of Jordan shoes: Performance, Retro, and Lifestyle. Players in the NBA still wear the newest Air Jordan model, which is currently the Air Jordan 38. Jordan Brand also has dozens of signed athletes that wear other signature models, including Jason Taytum, Luka Doncic, and Zion Williamson.
Though few NBA players wear retro Jordan sneakers anymore, they are still popular for the general public. They typically sell out quickly, though there are a few sleepers that are sitting on shelves and worth copping.
Finally, Jordan Brand has been dipping their toes more and more into lifestyle silhouettes in recent years. These shoes are great for everyday use off the court.
Here’s a breakdown of the best Jordan shoes for performance, retro style and lifestyle. You should always get some comfy Air Jordans for your kid because it’s the right thing to do. Air Jordans are cool.
Performance
These are the shoes the pros are wearing right now. Top of the line, best in the business footwear that will help you move your best on the basketball court and prevent you from injury. Jordan Brand typically utilizes Formula 23 foam and Zoom Air in their shoes. You can find each silhouette in both bold colorways and more subtle silhouettes. It’s up to you how you want to model your game after – a quick, agile player like Jayson Tatum, or a power forward like Zion Williamson. Either way, Jordan sneakers are designed for the greatest athletes in the world and therefore are the best performance basketball shoes.
Air Jordan 38 ($200)
Since the first release in 1984, the Air Jordan has been the premier basketball sneaker in the NBA. Nike has always ensured the Air Jordan featured the newest technology so that MJ and those after him performed at their best.
We are all the way up the to Air Jordan 38 now in 2023, and the latest model continues to impress athletes and sneaker weartesters. A low-to-the-ground Zoom Air strobel is arguably the best cushioning on the market. Designed by Joel Greenspan, the AJ38 is inspired by MJ’s patented step-back jumper. There is also an innovative new X-plate, which helps the athlete move and propel like no other sneaker.
Luka 2 ($130)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic burst onto the NBA scene back in 2018 at the age of 19 and quickly became a star in the League. During his second year in the League, Doncic signed a deal with Jordan Brand in December of 2019. His first signature shoe – the Luka 1 – released in 2022 at a retail price of $110.
His new shoe, the Luka 2, is $20 more. There is a flexible plate for support, and you get the same Formula23 foam and a busier upper, but not much more. If anything, the first Luka shoe was a bargain at only $110. This is definitely a solid option but the additional $20 may be a bit too much as they are already going on sale.
Tatum 1 ($120)
Jayson Tatum was drafted third in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics behind Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. That selection has definitely worked out well for the Celtics, as Tatum has become a superstar in the League. Eyeing the potential of the young Tatum, Jordan Brand signed the rising star in 2019. His first signature shoe, the Tatum 1, released this year.
For $10 less than the Luka 2, you can get Jayson Tatum’s first shoe which features Zoom Air in the forefoot plus wrap-around foam. The Zoom Air unit is visible on the bottom of the sole which looks really cool. It’s something Jordan Brand should be marketing more for those interested in tech.
Zion 3 ($140)
Just like MJ, Zion Williamson signed a sneaker deal before he even stepped on an NBA court. In 2019, after playing one season at Duke, Zion signed with Jordan Brand for $75 million. I actually had a chance to meet him at the launch event for the Air Jordan 34. From the very beginning, Jordan Brand believed Zion was the next big thing in the League. At the price point of $140, the Zion 3 is more expensive than the Tatum 1 and Luka 2.
This shoe features a drop-in midsole with Formula 23 foam and Zoom Air in the forefoot. This sneaker is very responsive and supportive, yet lightweight for big men like Zion Williamson. The days of big bulky Max Air units seem to be long gone, with even the big guys wearing low-cut, ultra-responsive shoes.
Retro Style
Michael Jordan is the king of retro footwear. No other NBA player comes close to the popularity of Air Jordan retros over the years, and for good reason. Michael Jordan is the best player and most influential basketball player in sports history, and we still all want to be like Mike. From the Air Jordan I to the AIr Jordan XIII, there are still plenty of models to choose from online and in stores. And, the great thing is they don’t sell out immediately. So you can stroll into your local sneaker store, find that pair you’ve been looking for on the wall, and cop them easily.
Air Jordan XI ($230)
Arguably the greatest basketball sneaker of all time, the Air Jordan XI was designed by Tinker Hatfield ironically when Michael Jordan was retired from basketball. Jordan asked Tinker to design a basketball shoe he could wear with a tuxedo, and this is what Tinker came up with. He reviewed the iconic design with Jordan while he was still retired before coming back to the NBA in ‘95. Jordan started wearing the XI during the playoffs in ‘95 without the permission of Hatfield. But, what was he going to say to the GOAT? The fact that Jordan rocked them early made them even more special. Since then, the XI has been one of the most beloved basketball sneakers of all time.
Air Jordan I ($180)
This is the one that started it all, and the Air Jordan 1 is still one of the most popular sneakers almost 40 years later. Every year I wonder if people will get sick of the Air Jordan 1, and every year Jordan Brand keeps pumping them out and people keep buying them. Of course, there are plenty of reasons why the Air Jordan 1 is so popular. Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player ever, and so his first sneaker is the most iconic. Also, we are in a fashion cycle where the Air Jordan 1 looks great with pretty much every silhouette. Men, women and kids can all rock the Jordan 1 fairly effortlessly.
Air Jordan II Low ($150)
Widely recognized as one of the ugliest Jordan sneakers, the Air Jordan II has enjoyed a renaissance the past few years. Jordan Brand seems to be pushing them as an alternative to the more popular Jordan sneakers with some very solid colorways. For example, the new Air Jordan II “Origins” comes in a sleek black/fir/cement grey colorway that would’ve looked amazing on the court if MJ had the chance to wear them back in the day. Though the Air Jordan II is one of the least popular Air Jordans, it’s still an original model that MJ rocked. Every serious sneakerhead should have at least one pair of Jordan II’s in their collection.
Air Jordan III ($210)
Tinker Hatfield saved Nike by designing the Air Jordan III. Michael Jordan was not happy with the AJ 2, and talked about leaving Nike after his contract was up. In comes a young Tinker Hatfield with one of the newest, boldest designs anyone had seen at that time. They looked great on Michael’s feet, and MJ was back on board with the Brand.
This was the first Air Jordan model to feature a visible Air-Sole unit, and is considered one of the greatest sneaker designs in sneaker culture history. Jordan Brand is still cranking out Air Jordan III’s every year. The Air Jordan III “Fear” is a great option, along with the toned-down white/cement grey/midnight navy colorway. Whether you’re copping a pair for yourself or someone on your gift list, you can never go wrong with this classic.
Air Jordan IV ($210)
As popular as the Air Jordan III is it’s successor, the Air Jordan IV. With its unique design netting pattern on the side panel and tongue and the spoiler on the back heel, the Air Jordan IV was even more unique on the court than the Air Jordan III. MJ had some special moments in the Air Jordan IV, including hitting “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. The Air Jordan IV Craft “Olive” is currently available in elegant earth tones that look great with jeans or chinos. Just like the Air Jordan III, the Air Jordan IV is an OG Air Jordan that everyone should own a pair of.
Air Jordan V ($200)
The Air Jordan V has been a consistently solid retro over the past few years, including some very well-done collabs with brands like Off-White and A Ma Maniere. It’s a shoe that looks well with an aged look to it, which is very in style right now. Michael Jordan rocked some great colorways, with the shark teeth on the side of the sole and the netting on the upper. He was getting so close to achieving his first championship with the Bulls, yet he kept coming up short. Design elements such as the reflective tongue and lace toggle help to add a lot of character to this classic model.
Air Jordan XIII ($200)
The Air Jordan XIII is one of the easiest models for Jordan Brand to retro – just keep the white uppers and swap out the other panel with a different color. This also works with a black panel. Currently, the Air Jordan XIII “Wheat” is available on nike.com. This is a colorway that first released back in 2004. In my opinion, the Air Jordan XIII is the most comfortable Air Jordan sneaker of all time. Its soft, pillowy padding inside and Zoom Air give it a responsive and cushioned ride. Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan XIII during his final season with the Chicago Bulls before retiring for the second time.
Lifestyle
If you don’t plan on doing much hooping, and you’re looking for a little variety in your sneaker game, Jordan Brand has plenty of Lifestyle models to choose from. MJ himself rocks some of these models whenever he is photographed. These are shoes the GOAT is comfortable in now. These lifestyle models are meant for everyday wear. They don’t have Zoom Air, but most of them do have Nike Air cushioning in them for plenty of comfort.
Jordan Stadium 90 ($140)
If you’re looking for a Jordan sneaker that has a retro look to it but also is a bit more comfortable and versatile, check out the Jordan Stadium 90. This silhouette is a blend of the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 5. It also looks very similar to the Air Max 1 from the heel. There is Nike Air cushioning in the heel, and a leather/synthetic leather upper. This is a shoe that is fairly understated for those who don’t want a sneaker that is too flashy.
Jordan 6 Rings ($170)
A lifestyle fan favorite – the 6 Rings is back in a classic Chicago Bulls colorway. Debuting in 2008, the 6 Rings utilizes features from sneakers worn during MJ’s championship seasons. The 6 Rings has Zoom Air cushioning for plenty of comfort, and goes well with shorts and jeans. This sneaker has always been a bit divisive among sneakerheads as the purists aren’t a fan of the combination of different models all in one. However, plenty of others love how they look and feel, and obviously Jordan Brand does too as they continue to release them.
Air Jordan Legacy 312 ($145)
The Air Jordan Legacy 312 is another sneaker that combines specific design elements from past classic models and blends them all into one. The “312” is a nod to Chicago’s 312 area code, which is where MJ played from 1984 to 1999. The Jordan Legacy 312 combines the Air Jordan 1, 3 and Alpha Force into a modern silhouette. The midfoot strap locks your foot down for extra security, and there is a visible Air-Sole unit in the heel.
Jumpman MVP ($165)
If you’re a fan of the Air Jordan VI, VII and VIII, you’ll love the new Jumpman MVP. Mixing elements from MJ’s first 3-Championship run, the Jumpman MVP is a high-quality sneaker meant to be worn off-court. You can see the obvious resemblances to the AJ7 on the side panel, along with the outsole inspiration from the AJ6. The collar and heel are inspired by the Air Jordan 8. An overall aesthetically-pleasing shoe if you love those early-’90s sneakers that MJ was rocking.
Jordan Nu Retro 1 Low ($165)
The Jordan Nu Retro 1 originally release back in 2002. Inspired by the original Jordan Wings logo, the Nu Retro 1 was bold to say the least. It had an old-school look when most people weren’t interested in that style of sneaker, and they didn’t sell very well back in 2002-03. Fast forward to today, and there are multiple new colorways along with the OG colors available. There is NIke Air in the heel, and a smooth leather upper. If you want to stand out, this is the sneaker to do it in.
Jordan System.23 ($110)
Plenty of brands are doing 2-in-1 sock/slides, and Jordan Brand was not going to be left out. With Crocs and Yeezy slides becoming so popular, Jordan added a stretch-woven bootie that you can add to the slide for cooler days. The outer shell of the System.23 is made of a thick durable foam, much like Crocs and Yeezy slides. The bootie also has an elephant print like the Air Jordan 3. This is actually a similar design process as Tinker Hatfield’s Huarache line back in the early ‘90s with an updated modernized look.