From hardwood to street, here are the best Jordan shoes. In this article, you will find out about the famous Air Jordan line, its history, and why Jordan shoes are the most popular choice for sneakerheads.
Few sneakers have made such an impression on the world of sportswear, basketball, and culture as the legendary Air Jordans. The basketball shoe line was created in 1985 as an unprecedented partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan himself and has since been a statement of both quality and extravagance.
The Air Jordan sneakers are currently taking the highest places in the basketball sneaker scene. The releases of the basketball shoes continue to be a hit with sneakerheads all over the world. The retro and newly-released Air Jordans continue to enjoy massive popularity with the fans of the sneaker line.
Whether you are a basketball sneaker connoisseur or a curious newbie in the sneaker scene, you should not miss the chance to collect at least a few of the legendary kicks. The Air Jordan basketball shoes have since secured their place in culture and history, both in the world of sneakers and in sports in general.
From the NBA finals to sneaker history and street culture, the most popular Jordan sneakers have achieved legendary status. However, for those of you who want to complete their Air Jordan collections, here are six styles that you should not miss.
The Evolution of the Air Jordan Legacy
The story of the Air Jordan began when Nike decided to sign rookie sensation Michael Jordan in 1984. Few could imagine that this decision would make the brand not only the most popular sports clothing company but also create one of the most influential athletic clothing lines of all time.
Every following release of Air Jordans included various improvements to the previous models, gathered the most renowned faces from the sportswear world, Peter Moore and Tinker Hatfield, pioneers of the first Air Jordan, who shared their knowledge and experience in the field of basketball shoes, and told legendary stories about the creation of this shoe design.
Thanks to Jordan retro shoes, today, basketball fans have an opportunity to enjoy their beloved sportswear and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of basketball history and culture.
Air Jordan 1 (1985)
The Shoe That Started It All
The Beginning of Basketball's Greatest Sneaker Legacy
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Air Jordan 1 High 'Chicago' 1985 |
The Air Jordan 1 was the first shoe to debut the signature Jordan brand in 1985.
It was designed by Peter Moore and featured a striking color blocking style with the Wings logo. The famous Bred colorway was the result of Nike changing the colors as the NBA objected to the initial design. This shoe became one of the most desired in history due to its popularity.
Despite being banned, the Air Jordan 1 became even more popular than before.
Four decades later, the Air Jordan 1 continues to be one of the most popular Jordan models, available in multiple color options, including the highly sought-after Chicago, Bred, Royal, and Shadow.
Why It’s Iconic
- First-ever Jordan
- Designed by Peter Moore
- Featured Wings logo “Banned” marketing campaign
- One of the most popular lifestyle sneakers of all time
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Air Jordan 3 (1988)
The Sneaker That Saved Jordan Brand
The Game Changer
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The Original 1988 Air Jordan 3 ’True Blue’ |
Many sneaker historians would say that the Air Jordan 3 is the most important Jordan to ever hit the shelves.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ3 provided many details that are now incorporated by today's Jordans, including visible Air, elephant print, premium leather, and the Jumpman logo.
The Air Jordan 3 played a big part in the signing of Michael Jordan to Nike, and is one of the main reasons why the Jordan brand is what it is today.
The White Cement, Black Cement, Fire Red, and True Blue colorways of the Air Jordan 3 are some of the most iconic Jordan retro sneakers of all time.
Why It's Iconic
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield
- First visible Air unit
- First elephant print
- First Jumpman logo
- Michael Jordan's favorite silhouette
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Air Jordan 4 (1989)
A Global Icon Is Born
The Air Jordan That Took the Brand Worldwide
Made with mesh upper panels, wing insert eyelets, and a more secure low-top fit, the AJ4 still had a sense of style to it, making it comparable to any other basketball shoe at the time of its release.
But the Air Jordan 4 received an additional boost when MJ hit “The Shot” to ice the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs.
The Air Jordan 4 also made a cameo appearance in Spike Lee’s movie Do the Right Thing, which helped propel it to icon status.
The Breds, White Cements, Military Blues, Fire Reds, and Black Cats are some of the most sought-after colorways to date and represent one of the best Jordan sneakers ever made.
Why it’s an iconic Air Jordan:
- First globally released Air Jordan
- Historic “The Shot” game-winner
- Starred in Do the Right Thing
- One of the most recognizable Jordan designs
- Balances lifestyle and performance
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Air Jordan 5 (1990)
Inspired by Fighter Jets
Bold Design Meets Championship-Caliber Performance
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Jordan 5 OG Grape (1990) |
The Air Jordan 5 introduced one of the boldest designs in the history of basketball shoes.
The design was inspired by airplanes used in World War II, so shark-tooth midsole graphics, 3M reflective tongues, and translucent soles were among the surprising features that set it apart from other Air Jordan models.
The shoes also became associated with one of Michael Jordan’s greatest scoring performances in NBA history: a 69-point game against Cleveland.
Meanwhile, the Air Jordan 5 gained a different kind of fame, thanks to actor Will Smith, who starred in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” TV show and always wore the sneakers.
Why It’s Iconic
- Reflective 3M tongue
- Shark-tooth midsole
- Designed after fighter aircraft
- Associated with Michael Jordan’s 69-point game
- Starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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Air Jordan 6 (1991)
The First Championship Shoe
Where Michael Jordan Became a Champion
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Jordan 6 OG Infrared Black (1991) |
The Air Jordan 6 comes from one of the most memorable eras in basketball history.
Designed after Michael Jordan's own Porsche 911, early samples of the AJ6 included sculptured panels, reinforced heels, and a revolutionary pull tab at the back of the shoe for easier cleaning and entry.
But most importantly, the Air Jordan 6 was the shoe that MJ wore when he won his first-ever NBA Championship in 1991.
This made the AJ6 even more popular, as well as setting new standards for basketball footwear.
Black Infrared, Carmine, Maroon, and Sport Blue colorways of the Air Jordan 6 are some of the most sought-after Jordans to ever be made.
Why It's an Iconic Jordan
- First championship sneaker
- Porsche design inspiration
- First molded heel pull tab
- One of MJ's best-ever Finals
- Timeless colorways still being released
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Air Jordan 11 (1995)
Luxury Meets Performance
Luxury, Performance, and Championship Greatness
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Jordan 11 OG Concord (1995) |
There aren’t many sneakers that could stand in the same sentence with the legendary Air Jordan 11s.
When MJ made his return to the NBA in ’95, the Air Jordan 11 was the first basketball shoe to ever feature patent leather.
It had a luxurious appearance, but underneath it, it had the competitive spirit needed for it to help him win another 72-win season and a second NBA title.
The Concord, Bred, Space Jam, Cool Grey, and Legend Blue colorways are always initial-release desired Jordans that fly off shelves during retro releases.
The Air Jordan 11 is widely considered by many to be one of the best classic Jordan sneakers for various reasons.
- First-ever patent leather basketball shoe
- Laced up during the 72-win season
- Worn in Space Jam
- Was a part of another NBA title
- Always sells out during retro releases
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Which Air Jordan Is the Most Popular?
It is hard to say which single Air Jordan represents the best of the best, as it mostly comes down to personal preferences, but there is no doubt that these six sneakers have remained in the hearts and collections of sneakerheads for a reason. Check out the list below to see which Air Jordans made it to the top 6:
| Rank | Model | Original Release | Legacy |
| 1 | Air Jordan 1 | 1985 | Started the Air Jordan legacy |
| 2 | Air Jordan 3 | 1988 | Introduced Jumpman & Visible Air |
| 3 | Air Jordan 4 | 1989 | Global cultural icon |
| 4 | Air Jordan 5 | 1990 | Fighter jet inspiration |
| 5 | Air Jordan 6 | 1991 | MJ's first championship |
| 6 | Air Jordan 11 | 1995 | Luxury meets performance |
Why Air Jordans Remain the Most Wanted
Why do you think the Air Jordans have remained one of the most popular and sought-after sneakers of all time? Well, it is mostly because of the creative process of every particular Jordan sneaker, which was undeniably unique in terms of its extraordinary design, materials, and connection to Michael Jordan’s legacy. The shoes’ continued popularity is also due to their limited availability, legendary colors, and iconic look. Moreover, every sneaker lover can find something they like in every new Jordan retro release as well as in every line of previous years.
That is because they were all made to highlight the best parts of the game of basketball and remind people of the legendary
contribution to this sport. Therefore, it is not a surprise that they remain such a huge star in the culture of sneaker enthusiasts, basketball players, and trainers.
Build Your Air Jordan Collection
From vintage retros to the newest releases, Tops & Bottoms is the place to shop for authentic Jordan retro shoes, Air Jordan basketball sneakers, and everything else related to your favorite Air Jordan collection. Whether you are looking to expand your sneaker collection with another sought-after pair of Jordan sneakers or just shop for the first-ever Jordans, you are sure to find something that suits you and helps you keep up with the latest Air Jordan trends at Tops & Bottoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What Air Jordan is the most popular?
The Air Jordan 1 is the most popular because it has been around the longest and has had the retro design endure the test of time.
2) What Air Jordans are the best for everyday wear?
It would have to be either the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, or the Air Jordan 4.
3) Why are Jordan retro shoes so popular?
It’s the fact that they announced colorways and designs that the legend himself wore and turned into a massive hit.
4) What Air Jordan did Jordan wear when he won his first championship?
The Air Jordan 6 was the shoe that Jordan wore when he won his first-ever championship in 1991.
5) Why is Air Jordan 11 so popular?
They became popularized for their patent leather uppers, the legend, and the Space Jam movie.
6) Are Air Jordan basketball shoes good to play in?
Most of the retro Jordans are viable for play, but some were made for the court, and the latest releases were made for the court.
7) What Air Jordan retro is the best for a beginner?
The best Air Jordans for a beginner would be either an Air Jordan 1 retro, Air Jordan 3 retro, or Air Jordan 4 retro.
8) What makes Air Jordans different from other basketball shoe companies?
They have an exclusivity and cultural appeal to them, but they also have performance to back it up.
9) How can I build an Air Jordan collection?
Building an Air Jordan collection can be expensive if you are a rookie in the scene, so it would be best to start with the best-selling Jordans and get the popular colorways. You can purchase your retro Jordans at Tops & Bottoms USA and look through their vast collection of men’s and women’s Jordans.
10) Where can I buy an Air Jordan retro?
You can buy the authentic releases of Jordan, the coming releases, and the retro Jordans at Tops & Bottoms USA.
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