Sneaker culture has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, and at the forefront of this revolution stands the Air Jordan brand. Born from a collaboration between Nike and basketball legend Michael Jordan, Air Jordans have transcended their original purpose as performance basketball shoes to become iconic symbols of style, status, and personal expression. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular Jordans of all time and take a look into their history, design elements, and cultural impact.
The Birth Of Air Jordan
The Air Jordan story began in 1985 when Michael Jordan, a rising star in the NBA, signed a five-year endorsement deal with Nike. The first Air Jordan 1 was released that same year, setting the stage for a sneaker revolution. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that Air Jordans truly became iconic. Tinker Hatfield, a talented architect turned designer, made a bold move by removing the Nike Swoosh from the shoes and replacing it with the now-famous ‘Jumpman’ logo. This decision transformed Air Jordans from mere athletic footwear into a cultural phenomenon and must-have fashion statement.
Top 10 Most Popular Jordans
Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 most popular Jordans and their release years:
| Rank | Model | Release Years |
| 1 | Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ | 1985, 1994, 2013, 2015 |
| 2 | Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement’ | 1988, 1994, 2001, 2008, 2011, 2018 |
| 3 | Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ | 1990, 2000, 2008, 2013, 2020 |
| 4 | Jordan 4 ‘Bred’ | 989, 1999, 2008, 2012, 2019 |
| 5 | Jordan 11 ‘Concord’ | 1995, 2006, 2011, 2018 |
| 6 | Jordan 6 ‘Black Infrared’ | 1991, 2000, 2010, 2014, 2019 |
| 7 | Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Pine Green’ | 2018, 2020 |
| 8 | Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘UNC’ | 2018, 2020 |
| 9 | Jordan 11 ‘Bred’ | 1995, 2001, 2008, 2012, 2019 |
| 10 | Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘What The’ | 2019 |
Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’
The Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ is the sneaker that started it all. First released in 1985, this model has been re-released several times, with the most recent being in 2015. The Chicago colorway, featuring a white and black leather upper with red accents, is instantly recognizable and deeply associated with Michael Jordan’s early career with the Chicago Bulls.
What makes the ‘Chicago’ so special is its simplicity and historical significance. It’s the shoe that Michael Jordan wore during his rookie season, defying NBA regulations with its bold colors. The popularity of this model skyrocketed after the release of “The Last Dance” documentary series, making it a holy grail for collectors. With prices reaching around $4,000 for a pair, the Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ is not just a sneaker – it’s a piece of basketball and fashion history.
Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement’
The Air Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement’ is a game-changer in the world of sneakers. First released in 1988, this model marked Tinker Hatfield’s debut as the lead designer for the Air Jordan line. The Black Cement colorway features a black leather upper with elephant print overlays, a visible Air unit in the heel, and the Jumpman logo on the tongue.
What sets the ‘Black Cement’ apart is its innovative design elements. The elephant print was a first for sneakers, adding a unique texture and visual interest. The 2018 retro release, which coincided with Michael Jordan’s 55th birthday, brought back the original ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel, a detail that hadn’t been seen since 2001. This attention to original details makes the ‘Black Cement’ a favorite among sneaker purists and newcomers alike.
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Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’
The Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design. Originally released in 1990, the most recent retro version hit the market in 2020 to celebrate the silhouette’s 30th anniversary. The ‘Fire Red’ features a white leather upper, a black midsole with red “shark teeth” accents, and a translucent outsole.
What makes the ‘Fire Red’ special is its perfect balance of bold design and wearability. The shark teeth midsole design, inspired by WWII fighter planes, gives the shoe a aggressive, speed-inspired look. The 2020 retro version stayed true to the original, including the ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel, making it a hit with both longtime fans and new collectors.
Jordan 4 ‘Bred’
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Bred’ (short for Black and Red) is a classic that never goes out of style. First released in 1989, this model has seen several retro releases, with the most recent being in 2019. The ‘Bred’ features a black nubuck upper with cement grey accents, a visible Air unit in the heel, and red detailing on the tongue and outsole.
The ‘Bred’ 4 is iconic for several reasons. It’s the shoe Michael Jordan wore when he made “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA playoffs. The design, with its unique wing-like lace supports and mesh panels, was groundbreaking for its time. The 2019 retro release stayed true to the original, including the ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel, making it a must-have for Jordan fans and sneaker enthusiasts.
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Jordan 11 ‘Concord’
The Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’ is often cited as one of the greatest sneakers of all time. First released in 1995, the ‘Concord’ features a white mesh upper with black patent leather overlays, a carbon fiber spring plate, and a translucent outsole. The contrasting white and black colorway gives the shoe its name.
What makes the ‘Concord’ special is its groundbreaking design. The use of patent leather was a first for basketball sneakers, giving the shoe a formal, dress shoe-like appearance that could transition from the court to formal events. Michael Jordan famously wore these during the 1995 NBA playoffs, adding to their mystique. The most recent retro release in 2018 was met with massive excitement, cementing the ‘Concord’ 11’s place in sneaker history.
Jordan 6 ‘Black Infrared’
The Air Jordan 6 ‘Black Infrared’ holds a special place in Jordan lore as the shoe Michael wore when he won his first NBA championship in 1991. Originally released that same year, the ‘Black Infrared’ features a black nubuck upper with infrared accents, a visible Air unit in the heel, and a translucent outsole.
The ‘Black Infrared’ is beloved for its sleek design and historical significance. The shoe’s design was inspired by Michael Jordan’s Porsche 911, evident in its streamlined silhouette and heel tab designed to resemble a car’s spoiler. The most recent retro release in 2019 brought back the original ‘Nike Air’ branding, much to the delight of sneaker purists.
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Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Pine Green’
A more recent addition to the Jordan pantheon, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Pine Green’ was first released in 2018, with a second version following in 2020. This colorway features a white tumbled leather upper with black and pine green accents, following the popular ‘Black Toe’ color blocking pattern.
What makes the ‘Pine Green’ stand out is its fresh take on a classic silhouette. The pine green color offers a bold alternative to the more traditional red and blue colorways, appealing to those looking for something different while still maintaining the classic AJ1 look. Its popularity among Boston Celtics fans has also contributed to its status as one of the most sought-after recent Jordan releases.
Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘UNC’
The Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘UNC’ pays homage to Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. Released in 2020, this model features a white tumbled leather upper with UNC blue accents and the iconic elephant print on the toe and heel.
The ‘UNC’ 3 stands out for its clean colorway and its connection to Jordan’s roots. Originally created as a player exclusive for UNC students, the public release was met with great enthusiasm. The combination of the beloved AJ3 silhouette with the UNC colors creates a sneaker that’s both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to a wide range of sneaker fans.
Jordan 11 ‘Bred’
The Air Jordan 11 ‘Bred’ (Black and Red) is another iconic model in the Jordan lineup. First worn by Michael Jordan during the 1996 NBA playoffs, the ‘Bred’ features a black mesh upper with patent leather overlays, a white midsole, and a red translucent outsole.
The ‘Bred’ 11 is revered for its sleek design and its association with one of Jordan’s most successful seasons. The contrasting black and red colorway is instantly recognizable, and the patent leather gives the shoe a premium look. The most recent retro release in 2019 was highly anticipated, with many considering it one of the greatest Air Jordans ever made.
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Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘What The’
Rounding out our top 10 is the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘What The’, released in 2019 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the AJ4. This unique sneaker combines elements from four iconic AJ4 colorways: ‘White Cement’, ‘Military Blue’, ‘Fire Red’, and ‘Black Cement’.
What makes the ‘What The’ AJ4 special is its bold, mismatched design. Each shoe features different colors and patterns, creating a sneaker that’s a true conversation starter. While it may not be for everyone, its limited release and distinctive look have made it highly sought after by collectors and Jordan enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The top 10 most popular Jordans of all time represent not just the evolution of a sneaker line, but the growth of an entire culture.
These sneakers have transcended their original purpose as basketball shoes to become icons of fashion, collectors’ items, and cultural touchstones. Whether you’re a longtime sneakerhead or new to the world of Jordans, these ten models offer a glimpse into why Air Jordans have maintained their popularity for over three decades.
Jordans are more than just shoes – they’re a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the power of innovative design.
