Sneaker fans love to argue. Favourite player. Best dunk. Greatest Air Jordan. But ask them to pick the best colourway for every Jordan model from 1 to 13 and suddenly things get serious. Michael Jordan launched his first signature shoe with Nike in 1985 at age 21, and the line hasn’t slowed down since. Some colourways built their status through on-court moments, others through pure style. Think the ones everyone still hunts decades later. We pulled together the standouts across the first thirteen Jordans, weighing popularity, history, and how good they actually look on your feet. Ready to see if your pick made the cut?
Air Jordan 1 High “Bred”
This Air Jordan 1 colourway represents the very origin of the Air Jordan line. Despite not being the actual sneakers that Michael Jordan was fined for wearing back in 1984 (the Air Ship holds that title), Nike’s outstanding ad campaign has made these black and red sneakers synonymous with the NBA legend’s story of defiance. Although most of us are now aware of the real background behind the “Bred” colourway, this Jordan 1 design still has a lot of appeal and significance among sneakerheads.
Air Jordan 2 “Chicago”
The Jordan 2 may be a divisive model in the Jordan lineup, but any lover of the shoe will recognise the significance of the “Chicago” colourway. This design was famously worn by Michael Jordan during his 1986-1987 season with the Bulls, with the most memorable moment being his first All-Star Slam Dunk contest in 1987. The shoe has a clean white upper with hints of black and red that have made it the most iconic original colourway in the AJ2 lineup. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 2 colourways.
Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”
The sheer number of re-releases and “re-imaginings” this classic colourway has received over the years only serves to highlight just how beloved it is. The “Black Cement” AJ3 has been a staple of sneaker culture since its 1988 debut, and like all the best Jordan colourways, it has its own Jordan-related magical moment. More specifically, these shoes were notably worn by MJ when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in the late ’80s. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 3 colourways.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred”
The iconic Bred look will always be a favourite among sneakerheads, and the Air Jordan 4s’ take on the popular colourway is no exception. The combination of black, grey, and red on this particular silhouette has made them a sought-after item among sneakerheads worldwide. You can’t like Jordans without owning an Air Jordan 4, and this Bred design is without a doubt the silhouette’s holy grail. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 4 colourways.
Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic”
The Black Metallic Jordan 5s worn by His Royal Airness during the 1990 NBA Playoffs are among the most stylish sneakers in the Air Jordan lineup. And these shoes, with their black nubuck uppers, shiny silver tongues, and translucent outsoles, are still a must-have for every sneakerhead who remembers Michael Jordan dominating the court while wearing them. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 5 colourways.
Air Jordan 6 “Infrared”
Another timeless black and red Jordan colourway that continues to be a fan favourite is the Air Jordan 6 “Infrared”. Michael Jordan wore the shoes when he won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls in the 1991 Finals. Since then, its black nubuck uppers and Infrared accents have been synonymous with Michael Jordan’s memorable on-court moments. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 6 colourways.
Air Jordan 7 “Bordeaux”
Of the five original Air Jordan 7 colourways that were introduced in 1992, this “Bordeaux” design is unquestionably the most distinctive. The shoes feature a muted black and grey base with bright geometric patterns on the tongue and outsole. But the fact that MJ famously wore these sneakers at the 1992 NBA All-Star Game probably makes them even more memorable for fans. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 7 colourways.
Air Jordan 8 “Aqua”
The ‘Aqua’ colourway is the star of the Jordan 8 lineup. Maybe because of its time on the floor on Michael Jordan’s feet during the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, when he put on a show with thirty points, or perhaps because of the premium nubuck upper, tri-tone accents on the chenille Jumpman, and midsoles that have an iconic ’90s vibe. It doesn’t matter why you love them; they are a must-have. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 8 colourways.
Air Jordan 9 “Johnny Kilroy”
One of the more unique designs from the Jordan Brand has to be the Air Jordan 9 “Johnny Kilroy”. For those who may not be familiar, the sneaker is named after Michael Jordan’s alter ego from a series of hit commercials from 1994 and offers some unusual design details. In addition to the shoe’s bold black, silver, and red combo on the upper, the heel noticeably replaces the tongue’s iconic “Air Jordan” marking with the name “Johnny Kilroy” and Jordan’s iconic #23 at the heel with the #4. It is a step outside the box for the Jumpman Label, but one that many fans fully embraced. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 9 colourways.
Air Jordan 10 “Shadow”
While the ‘Shadow’ AJ10 lacks the championship pedigree of some of the other colourways on this list, its classic grey suede and black leather uppers create a stealthy, understated look that’s difficult to ignore. Add in a hint of red on the heel and outsole and you’ve got one of the most memorable AJ10 looks to date. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 10 colourways.
Air Jordan 11 “Concord”
Many would consider the “Concord” to be one of the best Air Jordan 11 colourways, if not the greatest shoe ever created. The design combines clean white uppers with shiny black patent leather mudguards and an icy blue outsole underneath. Jordan wore the colourway during the 1995–96 season and the playoffs, and any sneaker associated with Mike’s winning legacy is about as iconic as it gets. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 11 colourways.
Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”
This famous black and red AJ12 is named after Michael Jordan’s legendary performance in the 1997 NBA Finals when he rounded up 38 points, 7 boards, 5 assists, and 3 steals despite suffering from flu-like symptoms. Even without the backstory, the black leather uppers, textured varsity red mudguards, and bold branding accents make this colourway stand out among the Air Jordan 12 lineup. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 12 colourways.
Air Jordan 13 “Bred”
The classic black and red Air Jordan 13 colourway, also dubbed “Bred” as a play on words, has been a fan favourite since its debut in 1998. The shoe’s upper is made of black quilted mesh and tumbled leather, with striking red suede extending to the Phylon midsole. This AJ13 colourway is among the most famous from Michael Jordan’s career, as it was worn during his final championship season with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. Learn more about the best Air Jordan 13 colourways.
