15 Best Jordan Sneakers of All Time—Period

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FEW NAMES echo as profoundly as Michael Jordan’s in the world of iconic footwear. His legacy all started in 1985, when Jordan revolutionized the concept of athlete endorsements and partnered with Nike to design and launch basketball shoes that soon left an indelible mark on both the sneaker world and pop culture. From the groundbreaking Air Jordan 1 to the cutting-edge designs of newer releases, each pair of Jordan shoes is culturally significant and tells a chapter of Jordan’s storied career, from his rookie season to "The Last Dance".

But the best Jordan shoes should boast more than just recognizable designs or cultural impact: they are also known for their performance-enhancing technologies and overall athletic prowess. With cushioning systems, responsive midsoles, and adaptive traction patterns, the best Jordan shoes will empower players to compete on the court’s hardwood floor as well as provide average Joes like us with lasting comfort for walking on the pavement during extended daily wear.

Below, in our guide to the best Jordan shoes, we’ll navigate iconic models and updates wherein technology, artistry, and history converge to solidify their place in the pantheon of sneaker greatness. Including retro sneakers, golf shoes, and casual shoes, we’ll discuss anything from innovative materials and athletic performance to the iconic design and history-making moments associated with each pair of Jordan sneakers. Whether you're lacing up for a pickup game or elevating your streetwear fits, these are the 15 best Jordan shoes you can actually get online at a fair price.

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Air Jordan 1 Mid

SHOP AIR JORDAN 1 LOW

The Air Jordan that started it all, and is inarguably the most iconic Jordan of all time—period. Introduced in 1985, the AJ1 marked the beginning of the collaboration between Nike and the young, rising star in the NBA. In an era when most basketball shoes looked conservative and muted, the Air Jordan I came into the scene looking all flamboyant with a high-top silhouette and bold colorways. But what truly set the AJ1 apart was its tech innovation: the now iconic Air-Sole cushioning unit in the midsole which offers game-changing comfort and support for athletes.

Nike’s latest remix on AJ1 maintains the iconic look that ballers and sneakerheads everywhere will recognize, but it is updated with modern materials to riff on the 1985 on-court sensation. For instance, the upper is made with leather and textile to feel more supportive, the toe-box is perforated to let your feet breathe, and the rubber outsole now has a basketball-specific traction pattern to boost grip on the court's floor. But don’t forget the time-tested performance of the midsole: the lightweight Nike Air cushioning provides support and impact absorption.

Although the new colorways are nowhere near as iconic or sought-after as the "Bred" and "Chicago", the MJ spirits are still there for sure in these new tones.

Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2

Another fun fact about the AJ1 is that Michael Jordan was fined $5,000 each time he wore the model on the court because of the NBA's strict uniform policy. That, of course, only fueled the popularity and cult status of the sneaker. That is not to say the Air Jordan 1 is all style and no substance—as previously established, the cushioning in the midsole meets the athletic standards. But that’s not enough, even in the redo of AJ1 above. Hence, Jordan introduced the CMFT model—short for, obviously, “comfort”—which is a thorough upgrade that’ll really make you want to wear it every day.

Overall, the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 feels comfortable even for long hours on your feet, and the upper and toe are both made in suede to be able to break in easily while conforming to the shape of your feet. No doubt the wearability is improved. But the performance is just as robust if not more: the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 still has the Formula 23 foam for added underfoot cushioning, and the Zoom Air unit in the midsole absorbs impact while providing energy return.

Overall, the fit feels extra cozy and lets wearers score 100% on both comfort and performance on or off the court.

Air Jordan 3 Retro

Next to the Air Jordan 1, the AJ3 is perhaps the second most iconic: released in 1988, it is the first model of the line to be designed by Nike’s legendary designer, Tinker Hatfield, and it is the first Air Jordan to don the Jumpman logo. As for the model’s court history, MJ in fact was considering leaving Nike, but after seeing Hatfield’s design, he knew he’d better stay and make history with the AJ3. Later, MJ won his first MVP award in these Jordans, and the rest is history.

Really, the AJ3 was like nothing anyone had seen before on the court when MJ wore it in 1988, and its future as a streetwear icon was surely secured as soon as it was released. This updated version is both a throwback and an upgrade. It has all the classic style motives of the OG AJ3: elephant-print panels at the toe and heel, Jumpman logo branding, a visible Air unit in the heel, and TPU lace eyelets. But the performance is spiced up now with a plush foam midsole that provides stable cushioning and ankle support, an Air-Sole unit in the forefoot for energy return, and a circular traction pattern in the rubber outsole for enhanced traction.

Look-wise, this is truly the best retro Jordan style. Made with a leather upper in the wild elephant print, it’s easy to style and easy to stand out.

Air Jordan XXXVII Low

As the latest Jordan model, the Air Jordan 37 is every bit as good as its inspirational source, the Air Jordan 7, if not better. The tongue and overall upper design take on the outer of the AJ7, but the performance of the AJ37, trust us, is superior by a large margin, thanks to the model’s innovative, modern technologies.

Designed for hoops, the AJ37 uses double-stacked Zoom Air units in the midsole to provide as much energy return as possible so you can start, burst, and stop like a piece of cake. Additionally, there’s the new Formula 23 foam cushioning in AJ37 that feels thick and provides support for bouncing right back after you crash land. What’s more, the upper comes with a shank that holds tight onto your ankle—sans the weight—to keep your feet always in the shoes so you’ll never slip.

All in all, for takeoffs or landings, the AJ37 is specifically built to accommodate your speed and all sorts of hops you perform.

Why Not .6

This particular Jordan model is less Michael Jordan and more Russell Westbrook: it’s the sixth and latest iteration of Westbrook's signature basketball shoes. As such, it turns up the heat on all three factors needed for peak performance on the court: support, stability, and speed.

For support, these Jordans feel explosive with the Zoom Air unit that provides nice bouncy cushioning. For stability, the model has a midfoot plate that runs through the shoe to keep wearers surefooted, an interior bootie that makes sure the shoes never slip off as you are in action, and a herringbone outsole that provides traction to every step.

For speed, the energy-returning midsole helps players generate bursts of velocity, and the lightweight upper feels airy but still sturdy to never slow you down; more importantly, the rubber outsole is wrapped nearly up to the midsole to ensure stability when your speed goes from 0 to 100. Looking as good as it performs too, the Why Not .6 lets you stand out on the court, do quick bursts of speed, as well as stop on a dime with ease.

Nu Retro 1 Low

This Jordan model is a fun one, full of collegiate varsity flair and retro-ness. Overall, the design is inspired by the original look of the AJ1 low-top. The “Nu” stands for “new,” meaning the style, especially the side look, is upgraded to look modern, such as the Air Jordan Wings on the side panels, or the mini Jumpman logos.

Another thing that’s “nu” about this model is that it’s equipped with a custom encapsulated Air unit on the bottom heels that uses the Nike Air technology to absorb impact and provide cushioning with each step, making these retro sneakers ready for your everyday treks. The low-cut collar is also cushioned and comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear these Jordans all day long.

And these low-tops are super versatile to style and easy to dress up or down with. You can rock them with jeans, shorts, skate fits, joggers—they don’t miss.

Max Aura 5

Most Jordans on this list are great as sports shoes, but this one is fantastic as sports shoes. Inspired by the high-scoring Air Jordan 3, these shoes are meant for all that you can and will do on the court, but are also versatile and style-appropriate enough to wear off the court.

Loaded with modern technologies and materials over a classic silhouette, the Max Aura 5 is pumped with springy Nike Air cushioning in the midsole so you can walk, run, skate, or dribble on the court and still feel fresh and comfy on the feet. Better yet, this cushioning will absorb impact and distribute your weight throughout the length of the shoes, meaning you seriously can wear them all day long.

If you’re quick on the foot, the Max Aura 5 has some sturdy plastic support around the heel to provide stability as well, plus an outsole that offers everyday traction. All in all, the Max Aura 5 is made for fast-paced lifestyles, and the signature style is bold but still easy and versatile to style with.

ADG 4

MJ himself admits to playing 36 holes of golf nearly every day, so it’s safe to say that he’s probably as fantastic on the basketball court as he is on the golf course. Hence, a pair of Jordan golf shoes is worth considering if you’re also a weekend warrior. In fact, the Jordan ADG 4 is described by Nike as “a request from MJ himself,” wherein retro Jordan flair meets the classic golf shoe look. The leather upper is soft, supple, and easy to break in but still sturdy and stable enough to ground your feet as you swing. Same with the rubber sole which has an integrated traction pattern that gives you the high-functioning grip and traction you need on—and off—the course, on a variety of surfaces.

Moreover, these Jordan golf shoes are lightweight with heavy-duty cushioning from the midsole’s foam, known as Nike React™, that not only turns every step into spring energy return but also offers support.

Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low

One of the most legendary Jordan models gets a modern, comfort-oriented remix for everyday and lifestyle wear. But first, some history: the OG AJ11 signifies MJ’s return to basketball after a year in baseball; but interestingly, the AJ11 was designed by Hatfield with no promise of Jordan’s return.

The OG model sports a clean-cut design, a unique lacing system, a leather mudguard, and a translucent outsole. This modern upgrade now puts that familiar profile on top of Zoom Air's responsive cushioning and lightweight foam for all-day-long, every-step comfort. In fact, the collar and tongue are both padded to make you want to wear the new AJ11 24/7. With an upper that now comes with perforations throughout for breathability, your feet will stay cool and dry in these kicks too.

Additionally, we love how the fabric wraps the top of the foot for more stability, and how the rubber outsole provides even more traction and durability in areas where they’re needed the most. These features come together to make the AJ11 a great pair of walking shoes, for slow strolls or running for your life.

Series ES

Not every Jordan model is or needs to be so hardcore and beastly on the court. The Jordan Series ES, for instance, is a pair of casual everyday kicks that can be dressed up or down easily. Built for everyday wear and comfort, the Jordan Series ES has a sporty low-cut silhouette with velvety suede and smooth leather in the upper and a rubber sole that offers circular tread for enhanced grip and durability—a design inspired by MJ's backyard battles with his older brother Larry.

Additionally, there's a cushioning system that helps emphasize comfort during walking, and the upper uses stretchy triangular panels so it can be easily broken in to accommodate wide feet, as well as triangular cutouts to optimize airflow and keep your feet cool and dry. All in all, it’s still athletic and great for swinging on the fence.

Jumpman MVP

Created to celebrate MJ's legendary first 3-peat championship run, the Jumpman MVP took design elements from the Air Jordan 6, 7, and 8 while looking completely one of a kind with leather, textile, and nubuck details on the upper for a fuller, more textured look, almost beckoning wearers to do the same: honoring a legacy while building your own.

To be specific, the tongue top and the outsole design reference the AJ6 while the boot-like lining pays homage to the AJ7. As for the molded heel detail, that comes from the AJ8. On its own, the Jumpman MVP has the Nike Air-Sole unit that provides lightweight cushioning, a lace-up closure that provides a secure fit, and a heel loop that makes getting it on and off easier. It’s not as performance-driven as the models it took inspiration from, but still nonetheless an excellent pair of Jordans if you wear them as lifestyle, casual everyday sneakers.

Air Jordan 13 Retro

MJ wore AJ13 during the 1998 NBA Finals—AKA "The Last Dance”, or Jordan's final year with the Chicago Bulls. In fact, the Nike Air Jordan 13 even sold for a record $2.2 million at Sotheby’s. This Air Jordan 13 Retro brings back that iconic model with all its classic details like the quilted overlay, sculpted midsole, and holographic eye, but is updated with performance such as the Phylon midsole that provides energy return in the forefoot and heel, and the rubber outsole pods that are strategically placed to increase flexibility with every step as well as grip on a variety of surfaces.

Overall, this pair lets you sport the OG AJ13’s paw-like sole and signature hologram on the upper that resembles the eye of a panther while being supported by tech-backed materials that’ll hopefully give you Michael Jordan's cat-like reflexes.

Jumpman Pro Quick

First released in 1997, Jordan’s Jumpman Pro is a model that deserves some more love and recognition: it holds a pivotal role in the chronicles of Air Jordan sneakers as the inaugural release under the newly established Jordan Brand. This momentous step came as a result of Michael Jordan and Nike deciding to create a dedicated brand for all Air Jordan products. This modern remix of the Jumpman Pro throws it all the way back with an iconic court-inspired design, a touch of nostalgia, and heritage materials.

Featuring a Nike Air-Sole unit in the heel, the Air Jordan 7 Retro provides better cushioning sp wearers will get classic style with modern comfort, and the solid-rubber outsole not only reiterates the shoe's authenticity but also ensures unwavering traction on the basketball court’s smooth hardwood floor (or just the pavement in your neighborhood).

Air Jordan 7 Retro

Michael Jordan secured his second straight NBA Finals championship and even an Olympic victory with the Air Jordan 7. Meticulously designed to mirror the original Air Jordan 7 that graced his feet during historic victories, this redo lets the wearer channel the spirit of Michael Jordan's glorious era. It uses the full-length Nike Air technology to cradle your everyday step with feather-light cushioning to elevate your comfort, and the upper combines real and synthetic leather alongside textile materials and perforated detailing to enhance durability.

Our favorite part of these, however, is the retro “White Infrared” colorway that reimagines the iconic OG color scheme from the Air Jordan 6; and the molded '23' patch on the heel is a nod to Jordan's legendary jersey number.

Luka 2

As basketball shoes, the Luka 2 is built to enhance your skills like step-backs, side-steps, and quick-stop action. But with such a performance-minded design overall, we found that this is truly the most comfortable and supportive Jordan model for all kinds of athletic activities. First, the stacked midsole is extra cushioned and has a firm but still comfy underfoot support that keeps you grounded but also flexible, offering both stability and responsiveness as you shift or walk back and forth on the court. It even offers lateral support to up the energy return and side-to-side stability.

Up top, the Luka 2 also delivers support and stability with a sturdy cage that wraps around the entire upper to ensure your feet stay securely in place no matter the movement. But despite this 360-degree support design, the Luka 2 is incredibly light in weight and breathable, meaning that you can wear it both on and off the court, for a variety of sports or even workouts where cushioning, flexibility, and stability are needed.

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