The Best Jordan Releases of All Time
Since the release of the first Air Jordan sneaker in 1985, the brand has become convoluted with basketball culture and sneakerhead fashion. The Jordan line has produced countless iconic designs, but which shoes are truly the best of the best? In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 Jordan shoes of all time.
Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” – 1985
The Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” is widely considered to be the greatest Jordan sneaker of all time. Released in 1985, it was the first Air Jordan shoe to hit the market, and it set the standard for what a basketball sneaker should look like. Featuring a bold colorway of white, black, and red, the Chicago 1 was famously worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. To this day, the shoe remains a fan favorite and a must-have for any sneaker collector.
Air Jordan 11 “Concord” – 1995
The Air Jordan 11 “Concord” is another iconic sneaker that has stood the test of time. Released in 1995, it was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature patent leather, and it quickly became one of the most popular basketball shoes on the market. The shoe’s sleek black and white colorway, combined with its futuristic design elements, made it an instant classic. It was also famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1996 NBA Playoffs, when he led the Chicago Bulls to their fourth championship in six years.
Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” – 1988
The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” is widely regarded as one of the most important sneakers in the history of basketball. Released in 1988, it was the first Air Jordan shoe to be designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield. Featuring a bold black and gray colorway with cement print accents, the Black Cement 3 was worn by Michael Jordan during his MVP season in 1988. The shoe’s iconic design and premium materials have made it a must-have for sneaker collectors and basketball fans alike.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred” – 1989
The Air Jordan 4 “Bred” is another classic sneaker that has stood the test of time. Released in 1989, it features a black and red colorway that has become synonymous with the Jordan brand. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its visible air unit and plastic wing eyelets, made it an instant hit among sneakerheads. The Bred 4 was also famously worn by Michael Jordan during his “Shot” game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 NBA Playoffs.
Air Jordan 5 “Grape” – 1990
The Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is a unique sneaker that has become a fan favorite over the years. Released in 1990, it features a white leather upper with purple and teal accents. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its shark teeth midsole and reflective tongue, made it an instant hit among sneakerheads. The Grape 5 was also famously worn by Will Smith on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” cementing its place in pop culture history.
Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” – 1991
The Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” is another classic sneaker that has become a fan favorite over the years. Released in 1991, it features a black and infrared colorway with a unique design that was inspired by Michael Jordan’s love of cars. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its visible air unit and reflective detailing, made it an instant hit among sneakerheads
Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” – 1997
The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” is a shoe that has become legendary in basketball lore. Worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, it is said that Jordan was suffering from a severe case of the flu and nearly passed out during the game. Despite his illness, he scored 38 points and led the Bulls to a crucial victory over the Utah Jazz. The shoe’s black and red colorway with gold accents, as well as its unique stitching pattern, have made it a fan favorite and a must-have for sneaker collectors.
Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game” – 1997
The Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game” is another iconic sneaker that has become a fan favorite over the years. Released in 1997, it features a white leather upper with black and red accents. The shoe was famously worn by Denzel Washington’s character in the movie “He Got Game,” adding to its pop culture status. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its holographic “panther eye” logo, have made it a must-have for sneaker collectors.
Air Jordan 7 “Bordeaux” – 1992
The Air Jordan 7 “Bordeaux” is a unique sneaker that has become a fan favorite over the years. Released in 1992, it features a black and gray upper with bordeaux-colored accents. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its neoprene inner bootie and geometric detailing, made it an instant hit among sneakerheads. The Bordeaux 7 was also famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, adding to its iconic status.
Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” – 1993
The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” is a bold sneaker that has become a fan favorite over the years. Released in 1993, it features a black and gray upper with aqua-colored accents. The shoe’s unique design elements, including its criss-cross straps and chenille Jumpman logo, made it an instant hit among sneakerheads. The Aqua 8 was also famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1993 NBA Playoffs, adding to its iconic status.
In conclusion, the Jordan brand has produced countless iconic designs over the years, but these 10 shoes stand out as the best of the best. Each shoe has a unique design and a rich history that has helped to cement its place in sneaker and basketball culture. From the first Air Jordan to the bold Aqua 8, these shoes are a must-have for any sneaker collector or basketball fan.