The world of sneakers is constantly evolving, but there’s one brand that has stood the test of time: Jordan. From basketball courts to fashion runways, Jordans have become a cultural icon and a symbol of style and athleticism. With so many designs over the years, it’s hard to keep track of which ones are the most popular.
During the rookie year of Michael Jordan he signed a 5 year contract with Nike for 2.5 million in US dollars which was three times more than any other player in the national basketball association (NBA). Nike released their Jordan shoes in the year 1985 with an aim of making about 3 million US dollars in the first three years but they were stunned when they found out they had made about 126 million US Dollars in just one year.
The NBA policies stated that 51% of the shoe must be white in colour Or else the player has to pay a fine of 5000 dollars. Nike saw this as an advertisement strategy and designed Michael Jordan Shoe with the colour of the Chicago Bulls which is red and black with only 23% of the shoe being white in colour. They said that this would attract attention as Michael Jordan was wearing multi coloured shoes and breaking the rules of the NBA while the fine would be paid by the Nike company itself.
The strategy of Nike worked incredibly well as they were considered as an iconic brand and was later regarded as groundbreaking in part due to its defiance of NBA regulations. On 9th September 1997, Nike and Michael Jordan introduced the Jordan brand which has today built a sustainable business model by creating the Jordan Air Shoes and other apparels which are sold world wide and are one of the best in the Market. In 2022 alone, Jordan Brand brought in $5.1 billion to Nike. Of that, a reported $150–256 million went directly to Michael Jordan under his deal with Nike.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 most popular Jordans ever made! Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just looking for some inspiration for your next sneaker purchase, this article is sure to satisfy your craving for all things Jordan!
Air Jordan 1
When it comes to the most popular Jordans, it’s hard not to put Air Jordan 1 at the top of the list. First released in 1985, this shoe was designed by Peter Moore and worn famously by Michael Jordan. The AJ1 is known for its high-top silhouette and bold colorways that revolutionized basketball footwear.
The Air Jordan 1 has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade with collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Off-White designer Virgil Abloh. With each collaboration bringing new designs and styles to the iconic sneaker, there’s something for everyone when it comes to AJ1s.
One reason why Air Jordan 1s are so popular is their versatility both on and off the court. They can be dressed up or down depending on your style preference, making them a great addition to any sneaker collection.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jordans or just getting into sneakers, you can’t go wrong with an Air Jordan 1.
Air Jordan 3
Air Jordan 3 is a classic sneaker that has stood the test of time. It was first introduced in 1988 and designed by Tinker Hatfield. The sneakers were an instant hit among basketball enthusiasts and sneakerheads, making them one of the most popular Jordans ever.
The Air Jordan 3 features a unique design with elephant print detailing on the toe cap and heel, along with Jumpman logos on the tongue and back heel. These details set it apart from previous models and established it as an iconic piece in Jordan’s line of footwear.
One notable aspect of this shoe is Michael Jordan wore Air Jordan 3s during his legendary dunk contest victory in 1988. This unforgettable performance helped elevate both MJ’s career as well as these shoes’ status forever.
Over the years, we have seen various colorways released for this sneaker, including some limited edition collaborations with designers such as Justin Timberlake or atmos Tokyo.
Despite being over three decades old, Air Jordan 3s remain incredibly popular today – proving that classics never go out of style!
Air Jordan 4
Air Jordan 4 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sneakers in Michael Jordan’s signature line. Originally released in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and featured four colors for the first time ever.
The shoe’s unique design includes a visible air unit at the heel and plastic mesh on both sides for added breathability. The Air Jordan 4 also introduced “winged” eyelets that made it easier to tighten up your laces and provided better support during gameplay.
One of the most noteworthy features of this sneaker is its durable leather upper, making it perfect for basketball players who need a shoe that can withstand heavy use on court.
Over the years, several colorways have been released, but some of the most popular include “Bred,” “Military Blue,” and “Fire Red.” These retro releases continue to be highly sought after by sneakerheads and fans alike.
In recent years, collaborations with brands like Off-White have brought new life into these classic kicks. All in all, Air Jordan 4 has proven itself as a timeless piece of footwear history that will always remain relevant among sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
Air Jordan 5
The Air Jordan 5 is one of the most iconic sneakers from Michael Jordan’s signature line. Created by legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, this shoe was released in 1990 and features a unique design that drew inspiration from World War II fighter planes.
One of the standout features of the Air Jordan 5 is the translucent outsole, which gives it a distinctive look. The shoe also has a visible air unit in the heel for added cushioning and support.
Another notable feature is the tongue, which has reflective material that adds an extra pop to your outfit when hit with light. Additionally, the lace locks provide a secure fit while adding another element to its overall aesthetic.
Over time, this sneaker has been re-released in various colorways and collaborations with other brands like Supreme and Off-White. Whether you’re rocking them on or off-court, there’s no denying that Air Jordan 5s are an essential part of any sneakerhead’s collection.
Air Jordan 6
The Air Jordan 6 was first released in 1991 and designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield. This sneaker features a unique design with a rubber tongue, spoiler-inspired heel tab, and visible air unit. One of the most popular colorways is the “Infrared” which features black suede and infrared accents.
Another notable feature of the AJ6 is its association with Michael Jordan’s first NBA championship victory in 1991. He wore these sneakers during that season and famously hit “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo while wearing them.
Aside from their historical significance, the Air Jordan 6 has been re-released several times over the years in various colorways including “Carmine,” “Sport Blue,” and “Maroon.” It remains a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts due to its unique design elements and association with MJ’s early success on the court.
The Air Jordan 6 is an iconic sneaker that continues to be celebrated by fans around the world for both its style and history.
Air Jordan 11
Air Jordan 11 is a timeless classic that has become one of the most popular Jordans in history. It was first released in 1995 and remains an iconic shoe even today. The design was a new direction for Michael Jordan’s signature line, featuring patent leather and a sleek look.
The Air Jordan 11 had significant cultural influence outside of basketball because it was featured in Space Jam, a movie starring Michael Jordan alongside Bugs Bunny. Since then, it has been seen as an essential part of sneaker culture and streetwear fashion.
The shoe also differs from other Jordans due to its low profile design, making it more versatile than many other high top models. Fans love this feature since they can wear them on or off the court with ease.
The Air Jordan 11 remains one of the most sought-after shoes ever produced by Nike due to its combination of unique style and practicality.
Air Jordan 12
The Air Jordan 12 was released in 1996 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This sneaker has a unique design that takes inspiration from the Japanese Rising Sun flag. It features a leather upper, metal eyelets, and carbon fiber shank plate for support.
One of the most iconic colorways of this shoe is the “Flu Game” edition, which Michael Jordan wore during game five of the NBA Finals while he had flu-like symptoms. The shoes have become part of basketball folklore as MJ led his team to victory with an incredible performance.
Another popular version is the “Taxi” colorway, featuring a black and white upper with gold accents on the lace loops and Jumpman logo.
In recent years, there have been collaborations with artists like Drake and Public School New York that have breathed new life into this classic silhouette.
The Air Jordan 12 remains one of the most popular Jordans due to its sleek design and memorable moments in basketball history.
Air Jordan 13
The Air Jordan 13 was first introduced in 1997 and became an instant hit among sneakerheads. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the shoe’s inspiration came from Michael Jordan’s love for fast cars. The iconic “panther paw” design on the outsole is a nod to MJ’s nickname, “Black Cat.”
One of the most notable features of the Air Jordan 13 is its holographic bubble located near the ankle. This unique detail adds an extra pop of style to an already sleek silhouette.
Aside from its looks, the AJ13 also offers top-notch performance capabilities. Its Zoom Air technology provides cushioning and support during high-impact activities like basketball games or intense workouts.
Over time, this classic model has been released in various colorways and collaborations with other brands. From the original black and red “Bred” colorway to more recent collabs with designer Don C., there are plenty of options for any sneaker enthusiast looking to add some AJ13s to their collection.
It’s not hard to see why the Air Jordan 13 remains one of Nike’s most popular sneakers even after all these years.
Air Jordan 14
The Air Jordan 14 was first introduced in 1998 and quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique design. The shoe was inspired by Michael Jordan’s love for high-performance cars, which is reflected in the sleek lines and overall shape of the sneaker.
One notable feature of the Air Jordan 14 is the Jumpman logo on the heel, which is one of the largest logos ever used on an Air Jordan sneaker. Additionally, the shoe features a comfortable Phylon midsole and Zoom Air cushioning for added support while playing basketball.
The original colorway of the Air Jordan 14 was black and red, famously worn by MJ during his final season with the Chicago Bulls. However, over time there have been numerous other colorways released that have become just as popular among sneaker enthusiasts around the world.
If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional basketball shoe that pays homage to one of basketball’s greatest players, then look no further than the iconic Air Jordan 14.
Air Jordan 15
And there you have it, the top 10 most popular Jordans of all time! Each shoe has its own unique style and story, making them timeless classics in the sneaker world. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan of the brand, these sneakers are must-haves for anyone looking to rock some fresh kicks.
From the iconic Air Jordan 1 to the sleek Air Jordan 15, each shoe represents a different era in Michael Jordan’s legendary career. These shoes not only showcase his on-court dominance but also his influence on pop culture and fashion.
And with new releases constantly dropping from Jordan Brand, it’s clear that MJ’s legacy will continue to live on through his iconic sneakers. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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