When the Air Jordan 2 hit shelves in 1986, it wasn’t a must-cop sneaker. But over time, it’s earned dimmed respect. The Italian craftsmanship was sleek; the luxury was unanticipated. The AJ2 has remained a cult favorite in the Jordan line, even as Jordan Brand seems to largely ignore it. With so many colorways released, it is no easy task to choose the best, so here is a ranking of the 15 greatest Air Jordan 2 sneakers of all time.
1. Air Jordan 2 “Black History Month”
The AJ2 ‘BHM’ honors Black History Month with a stunning design that draws from the tradition of African Kente cloth. Black leather is used for the upper, but it is far from a monotonous colorway: there are the vibrant patterns in Kente cloth style, red and blue accents, and, most importantly, a truly eye-popping multi-colored outsole.
2. Off-White x Jordan 2 Low “White Red”
The Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “White Red” caught everyone’s attention in 2021 with its deconstructed, yet classic, vibe. It flipped all expectations and, instead, delivered a true opposite of what many have in mind when thinking of an Air Jordan 2. Clean white leather houses the upper, contrasting with the aged, almost crumbling-looking midsole underneath for a vintage take that isn’t being served in many other sneaker models these days.
3. Air Jordan 2 “Iron Purple”
The AJ2 Retro Iron Purple is made special by a mix of nubuck, leather, and eye-catching animal print. Light lavender is set against dark concord, while red branding adds a pop of color. Purple laces tie it all together, and the orange speckling on the outsole provides some fun contrast.
4. Doernbecher x Air Jordan 2
The J2 holds a special place in sneaker history as the first Air Jordan featured in Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. Released in 2007 and crafted by Sheridan Brenton at Portland’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the shoe boasts eye-popping black and yellow accents and a freaky green paisley-patterned upper. The sneaker is made all the more special by a verse from the Bible (Proverbs 8:28) that’s been embroidered on the sneaker’s tongue.
5. Air Jordan 2 “Legends of Summer”
The “Legends of Summer” is one of the most coveted sneakers in history. Designed for Justin Timberlake’s 2013 tour with Jay-Z, this exclusive all-red edition is made of suede and metallic snakeskin, with glossy quarter panels and a clear rubber outsole. Its bold mix of materials and striking appearance make it a standout in sneaker culture.
6. Air Jordan 2 x A Ma Maniére
A Ma Maniére x AJ2 reimagines luxury with an upper of Sail suede and a black midsole that features a lizard skin print in a texture most reptiles would envy. These kicks are a fit for any king walking the Earth.
7. Just Don x Air Jordan 2 “Beach”
The AJ2 Retro Just Don is a high-end sneaker that has a quilted leather build and an eye-catching beach/metallic gold-university red colorway. Released in January 2016, the sneaker is a collaboration between Don C and Jordan Brand.
8. Air Jordan 2 Retro “Wing It”
If you’re looking for a sneaker that is a classic and a timeless design, go for the Air Jordan 2 Retro Wing It. Released in March 2016, it sports a clean, sleek look, with an upper that is white and black, accented by a bold wing pattern.
9. Air Jordan 2 Retro Decon “Sail”
The “Sail” AJ2 Retro Decon is a minimalist sneaker suitable for daily use. Its construction is from supple suede, featuring perforated toeboxes for extra breathability. It arrives in a consistent, clean Sail color that manages to work with just about any casual fit. See more special Air Jordan 2 colorways here.
10. Air Jordan 2 “White/Varsity Red/Black”
And finally, here is the OG Air Jordan 2. Featuring a white leather upper with hits of red and black, it was a departure from the typical sneaker aesthetic of the time, showcasing a more refined, sophisticated look. But Michael Jordan wasn’t the biggest fan of the sneaker. As someone who owns a pair, I can vouch for the shoe and the colorway.
11. Air Jordan 2 “Black Cement”
It may surprise you that Jordan Brand only recently added the “Black Cement” colourway to the Air Jordan 2 lineup, given how well the iconic black, grey, and red combo fits the silhouette. The design was actually made to celebrate the Air Jordan 3’s 35th anniversary in 2023. But even if it is not one of the silhouette’s OG looks, it is definitely one of its finest.
12. Eminem x Air Jordan 2 “The Way I Am”
Since there’s rarely anything Eminem touches that doesn’t turn to gold, we shouldn’t be surprised that his Jordan 2 collab is nothing short of epic. The pair was created to celebrate the rapper’s book release in 2008 and features handwritten lyrics across the collar and mudguard. As with most of the rapper’s sneaker collaborations, this pair was extremely limited, with speculations circulating that just 313 pairs of these exist.
13. Air Jordan 2 QF “Black White”
Forget prints and patterns. Sometimes, all a silhouette needs to draw attention is a simple yet well-executed black and white colour scheme. The Air Jordan 2 QF “Black White” delivers this with a combination of black faux lizard-skin and nubuck uppers plus white piping along the edges. Simple but stylish.
14. Air Jordan 2 Premio “Bin 23”
This Air Jordan 2 look was one of the first shoes to drop in Jordan Brand’s Bin 23 collection, marking the beginning of a series of premium sneaker releases that would follow. The design features a Dark Cinder leather upper with faux-lizard panels and a black rubber outsole underfoot. Of course, the shoe is also sealed with the Bin 23 red wax seal and has limited-edition numbering on the tongue.
15. Air Jordan 2 Low “Mike Bibby” PE
Mike Bibby’s private collection boasts some of the best Player Exclusive sneakers the league has ever seen. Added to that list is a white and purple Jordan 2 from his time with the Sacramento Kings. The shoe was one of the baller’s favourite game sneakers in 2004, and we can’t really blame him. To see more amazing Air Jordan 2 sneakers, visit: 23 Jumpman Street
