The Air Jordan 13 silhouette certainly stands out in the Jordan lineup—all thanks to its unique design elements. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s predatory approach, Tinker Hatfield created the iconic 1997 model to mirror the GOAT’s panther-like playing style. As such, this classic shoe boasts plenty of panther-inspired details, including paw-shaped outsoles, ‘cat eye’ logos on the ankle, and quilted uppers made to resemble the feline’s whiskers. The distinct design has lent itself to a variety of eye-catching colourways and collaborations over the years, and we’ve compiled a list of a few of the most popular and sought-after Jordan 13s to ever make their way onto the sneaker scene.
Solefly x Air Jordan 13 Retro “I’d Rather Be Fishing”
In 2022, Jordan Brand and SoleFly joined forces to create a White, University Blue, and Neutral Grey version of the iconic AJ 13 silhouette. The sneaker’s ripstop uppers, sea-like holographic logos, and elephant print accents on the insoles are inspired by Michael Jordan’s sports fishing boat aptly called the Catch23.
Air Jordan 13 “Bin23”
As part of Jordan Brand’s Premium Bin23 initiative, the Air Jordan 13 Premio “Bin 23” was made available to discerning Jordanheads back in 2010. It acknowledges Michael Jordan’s fondness for cigars with a combination of suede and nubuck in the colours Team Red and Desert Clay on the uppers. Only 1,734 pairs of these luxurious kicks were produced, each including the series’ distinctive wax seal of approval on the tongue.
Air Jordan 13 “Bred”
The “Bred” Air Jordan 13 holds a special place in the history of Michael Jordan’s NBA career, more specifically during his ‘Last Dance’ season. The black and red colourway perfectly represents the Chicago Bulls’ colours and will forever be tied to MJ’s final championship run with the team.
Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game”
Jordan Brand’s popular “He Got Game” colourway got its nickname after being featured in Spike Lee’s 1998 film of the same name on none other than the feet of Denzel Washington. The sneaker has tumbled leather uppers in black and white, a red and white outsole, and the signature green hologram on the ankle. Details on the Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game” are available.
Air Jordan 13 “Chicago”
These elegant Jordan 13s in a White, Black, and True Red colourway honour Michael Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls. The design has white leather uppers and red suede accents, which are finished with a black outsole below. Details on the Air Jordan 13 ‘True Red’ (a.k.a Chicago) are available.
Air Jordan 13 Retro “Black Cat”
Inspired by MJ’s “Black Cat” moniker, Jordan Brand debuted this stealthy colourway for the Jordan 13 in 2017. The sneaker has an all-black design with suede and mesh uppers, plus matching rope laces. However, the holographic “cat’s eye” logo at the ankle maintains its distinctive look.
Air Jordan 13 “Flint”
The “Flint” Jordan 13s were one of the original colourways released back in 1998, featuring a combination of navy blue mesh, grey suede, and white leather that has become a fan favourite over the years.
Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs”
The GOAT’s 1998 NBA All-Star Game performance and his sixth championship run made this classic colourway of the Jordan 13s one of the most sought-after in the lineup. The shoes have a black leather upper, a bright yellow circular logo on the tongue, and white and red soles to finish things off.
Air Jordan 13 “Ray Allen” PE
If there were a Hall of Fame for Jordan athletes who wore the best player-exclusive sneakers, Ray Allen would undoubtedly be a first-ballot selection. Yet his Air Jordan 13 “Ray Allen” PE is still one of the most memorable. The sneaker was created to commemorate Ray Allen’s achievement of being the NBA’s all-time three-point shooting lead and features a white and green colour scheme reminiscent of the Boston Celtics team colours. The pair was released in minimal quantities in 2011 and has sold for a pretty penny on resale sites since then.
Air Jordan 13 “Christopher Wallace”
Jordan Brand and the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation collaborated to release 23 limited-edition Jordan 13s in 2023. The design was crafted in honour of what would have been the late rapper’s 45th birthday and featured a checkered flannel design on the inner lining, Notorious BIG’s lyrics on the back of the tongue, and his face embroidered on the front.
Air Jordan 13 “Wheat” (White)
Every Jordan model has a non-OG colourway that became an instant classic, and the “Wheat” colourway is that for the AJ13. The silhouette’s combination of white tumbled leather and wheat suede keeps things classy and refined. It’s hard to deny just how good these sneakers look.
Air Jordan 13 “Court Purple”
The Jumpman’s “Court Purple” and black colourway is popular across a variety of the brand’s models, but it arguably looks best on the Jordan 13. The shoe sports black leather uppers, matching quilted sections, and a splash of purple suede to round things out.
Air Jordan 13 “Grey Toe”
The Jordan 13 “Grey Toe” steps up the simple white and red Chicago-inspired colourway with a strip of grey extending from the toe to the tongue. This colourway was actually first a sample for the Air Jordan 13 ‘Chicago, but didn’t make the final cut. It may not be an OG colourway, but it has an extra sporty look that caused some hype when it dropped in 2014.
Air Jordan 13 “Obsidian”
The “Obsidian” colourway is one of those versatile AJ13s that every fan of the model needs in their collection. It’s not a hype buy, just a classic and clean look that can be easily styled.
Air Jordan 13 “Altitude”
Another predominantly black Jordan 13 colourway that sneakerheads love is the “Altitude” design. The shoe features an all-black leather upper, a tonal pebbled overlay, and hints of Altitude Green on the branding and outsole. See more exclusive and unique sneakers at 23 Jumpman Street.
