The legacy of Air Jordan has a long line of classic sneakers, and the Air Jordan 17 holds a special place in that history. Though we don’t see as many retro releases of the 17 as we do with some other Jordans, the rare retro that we do see keeps these unique sneakers relevant among fans and collectors. So, in honor of this sneaker’s special place in Jordan history, we present this list and ranking of the best, most sought-after original and retro colorways of the Air Jordan 17.
SoleFly x Air Jordan 17 Retro Low “Reverse Lightning”
Born from a collaboration that has given us much to adore, the 2018 Air Jordan 17 Retro Low “Lightning” by SoleFly is a limited-edition release that only offered up 2,300 pairs to the world. It pays homage to the Low “Lightning” that we have featured here before, but as is to be expected, SoleFly has infused a little twist into the mix. In this colorway, the vibrant “Lightning” yellow takes center stage and brings the energy to the upper, which is crafted from tumbled leather. The black lace collar adds a touch of luxe and is a texture we haven’t seen before on an Air Jordan.
Air Jordan 17 OG “Varsity Red”
Even though they’re legendary, we hope nobody’s getting salty about these not being top on the list. Dropped in a clean white and Varsity Red colorway, this Air Jordan 17 comes from the 2002 production line. Michael Jordan sported this silhouette during his comeback with the Washington Wizards. Besides that, the shoe has a historical level of significance because it was packed with performance features that ushered in a new era for the Jordan Brand. And if you weren’t around in 2002, you might not remember how many folks were rocking these on the court.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 17 Retro “Cool Grey”
Trophy Room, the creation of Marcus Jordan and Jordan Brand, comes together to pay tribute to the 17’s revolutionary technology and features. This gorgeous collab has a premium grey suede upper, a removable midfoot cover (also made from the same luxe suede), and black accents on the midsole, lining, and tongue. The highlight of this color scheme is a shiny metallic gold heel counter that caps off this pair of Air Jordan 17s and takes them to a place of luxury. Being the player that creates separation is one of the objectives in a game of basketball, and this sneaker does just that while offering up a unique level of texture and muted but stunning color. We absolutely love that.
Air Jordan 17+ Retro “Bulls”
On January 4, 2001, NBA history welcomed its 30,000th career point, a landmark achieved by the one and only Michael Jordan. It was a fitting night for the Washington Wizards, who faced off against the Chicago Bulls, Jordan’s former team. To mark the occasion, Nike designed a special sneaker, the Air Jordan 17+ Retro “Bulls,” a name that pays tribute to his days with that team and the kind of dominance they displayed in the 1990s. The shoe itself might just be the most luxurious-looking Air Jordan yet, with a patent-leather upper that features a dark-red crocodile print, a black nubuck tongue, and a striking white midsole. But first, a look back at the night in question.
Air Jordan 17+ Retro ‘Copper’ 2016
This isn’t the original ‘Copper’ Air Jordan 17 but a retro release from 2016. Also known as ‘Crocs,’ for its unique detailing, this shoe has a white leather upper with black crocodile skin accents on the tongue and heel. To punctuate the look, the designers added a bright blue lace lock with a white Jumpman; and they went all-in on the metallic copper treatments with hits on the eyelets, heel, and branding throughout the shoe. If you’re interested in the comfort and performance angle, the shoe has a white midsole and a herringbone patterned outsole to give you the grip you need.
Air Jordan 17 OG Low GS ‘UNC’ 2002
Faithful to the brand, Michael Jordan’s beloved alma mater, the University of North Carolina, is honored with this colorway. This low-top version of the Air Jordan 17 features an upper made from premium white leather, with a textured tumbling and micro-perforations that provide detail near the collar. Accents in University Blue are placed on the midsole, the heel stabilizer, and various design elements, including the extended inner sleeve.
Air Jordan 17 Retro “Rainbow”
A pop of pure color never goes amiss, especially on a sneaker from an iconic line like this one. If only we could get our hands on it. This unreleased prototype, originally intended for the exclusive “Rainbow” collection in 2012, was less about color and more about reimagination. The project reimagined every Air Jordan silhouette that had been made up to that point, dressing them all in a monochromatic upper with exaggerated white branding, laces, and outsoles. Sighting this show was a rare treat that gave us just a taste of the kinds of creative ideas that keep the Air Jordan line fresh.
Air Jordan 17 OG Low “Lightning”
Worn by the GOAT during his penultimate NBA All-Star appearance in 2002, the Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning,” also known as the “All-Star” edition, features a black Dynamic Fit sleeve contrasting with a pristine white leather upper. The shoe’s namesake “Lightning” accents, a vibrant shade of yellow, add a striking visual element. This shoe had the dubious honor of being the one he wore when Jordan missed a dunk after a wide-open transition pass, much to the other players’ and fans’ amusement. We love this shoe’s catchy accents, vibrancy, and unique sleeve for a snug fit.
INFINITE ARCHIVES x Air Jordan 17
Two special colorways of the Air Jordan 17 Low are set to hit the market in Fall 2025, courtesy of Jordan Brand and INFINITE ARCHIVES (IA). This collab marks the special occasion of IA’s 10th anniversary and, for the first time in this decade, brings something new and different (instead of just a colorway) to the well-worn Air Jordan 17 conversation. As said previously, the collection will include two pairs of distinct colorways of the Air Jordan 17 Low, one a sort of earthy, sleek mashup of Beach, Metallic Copper, and Black; the other a more refined, monochromatic affair in Beach, Metallic Silver, and Black. Purchase the latest Nike and Jordan sneakers here.
OVO x Air Jordan 17 Retro ‘White Valor Blue’ Sample
This unreleased Air Jordan 17 Retro OVO Promo Sample, in collaboration with Drake, is mostly white, with blue and gray accents. It has the same iconic features — removable midfoot strap, sheath, eyelet lace locks — as the original. To learn more about the Air Jordan 17: 23 Jumpman Street
