Every Air Jordan Model, Ranked and Explained: The Complete List by Number

As the very first Air Jordans, this iconic sneaker brought fashion and function to the court and changed the game forever. In fact, the sneaker world might as well be tracked by pre-AJ I and post-AJ I. The shoe almost didn’t happen, though. MJ originally wanted to take his talents and innovative ideas to adidas, but that deal didn’t work out. Their loss became Nike’s gain when Jordan inked his deal for his first shoe.

When did Jordans come out first? 1985! These shoes became the standard in which many basketball shoes were made. Engineered with the player at the center of the design, the AJ I featured traction, Air pockets and additional ankle support. The design was noticeable when Jordan scored 63 points in a playoff game with the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to call MJ “God in basketball shoes.”

“The Devil’s Shoe,” as Jordan called them, were not exactly the most attractive, but they were perfect sneakers to play with unique colorways. Buzz about the sneakers began the minute Jordan stepped on the court for the very first time wearing them. He was reportedly fined $5,000 every game he wore them because they did not meet the NBA uniform code. But Jordan and Nike were onto marketing gold. The original black and red colorway earned the sneaker the nickname “Banned” and arguably started hype culture.

This was the first Nike shoe not to showcase the legendary Swoosh but featured Wings in the middle of the tongue to pay tribute to His Airness.

These Jordans were made in Italy and had a sleeker, more minimal design than its predecessor and strived to give wearers even more comfort with polyurethane cushioning. In the AJ II’s first two months, they were only sold in 30 stores in 19 cities. The shoe came in only two colorways compared to the Air Jordan I’s 20, and a low and high top version were available.

Though this version didn’t have the same on-court marketing as its predecessor, the AJ II made a splash on the pop culture scene. In 1986, the character Dewayne Wayne in the first season of “A Different World” wore high and low top AJ IIs in multiple episodes, giving them a crossover appeal and making Jordans not just a game piece but a fashion statement.

It was during this “Virus Game,” as it’s now known as, that the Air Jordan IIIs debuted.

Jordan and Nike were at a crossroads during this period. Although his success with the shoemaker was unparalleled, he wondered if he should let his contract end and take a chance with his brand elsewhere. It didn’t help that two major Nike figures who were important in signing Jordan had left the company.

Designer Tinker Hatfield came on board, which turned out to be one of the best leaps of faith Jordan and Nike took. Hatfield’s design reimagined the traditional look of the Air Jordan collection, making the Air unit visible. It also added the legendary Jumpman symbol, which became the official logo for the brand. This shoe, which blended the benefits of both a high top and low top sneaker, followed the AJII design by not including the Nike Swoosh. It instead added a Nike Air logo.

Marketing the AJ III was not a problem since Jordan wore it during the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. Legendary director Spike Lee also reprised his role from the comedy-drama film “She’s Gotta Have It” to film what is now one of Nike’s most successful ad campaigns, the “Mars and Mike” commercials.

Hatfield brought the same visible Air unit and ankle support from the AJ III but placed the Jumpman on the back and added mesh to give the look of flying – and to give Jordan’s feet more breathability. The sneaker blended style and substance with two lace locks on both sides. The AJ IV gave Jordan and other players the option of more than 15 ways to lace their sneakers for a more personalized fit.

Just because you owed a pair of these shoes didn’t mean you had skills, though. Director Spike Lee again partnered with Nike and made the IVs a focal point in commercials and in the comedy-drama film “Do The Right Thing." Big Daddy Kane also wore the shoes in the now-famous “Limo with Friends” photo.

Like a shark treats the ocean when it sets its sights n its prey. Function, not just style, was a huge factor when Hatfield designed the AJ V. The silhouette introduced an asymmetrical collar made to sculpt the ankle while still giving Jordan the support he needed to bring the Bulls to victory. This shoe also introduced lace locks to create extra friction between the laces at your ankle for a nice snug fit.

All of the AJ V colorways sold well. But, it wasn’t until a kid from West Philly showed up in Bel-Air on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” wearing a pair of AJ Vs in the White and Grape Ice colorway that this sneaker reached the height of its popularity.

Hatfield delivered by smoothing out the toe and giving it a pop of luxe by placing two holes on the tongue and one on the back, reminiscent of a car spoiler. He added more rubber to the soles so players wouldn’t slip on the basketball court. This shoe was also the last time Hatfield used the visible Air unit.

The AJ VI was larger than previous releases due in part to the small and big screens. Audiences saw the sneaker in the movie “White Men Can’t Jump” as well as episodes of “Seinfeld.” That propelled sales and made these a fashion staple. The AJ VI was also the last time Nike used “Mars and Mike” commercials.

This solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time and earned him a spot on the USA Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. The team brought home a gold medal.

Wanting something new and fresh, Hatfield searched for inspiration everywhere and found it with Nike's newest release, the Huarache. He left off the visible Air unit and famous Nike Swoosh, letting Jordan's brand be the main focus. He also was influenced by an Afro-pop poster, which prompted the colorways.

This shoe was the first not to fall under the Nike Basketball umbrella but instead marketed as its own Air Jordan entity. The Air Jordan VII brought Bugs Bunny and Jordan together in “Hare Jordan” ad campaigns. That partnership encouraged the “Hare” colorway and name.

Once the regular season was over, Jordan joined the East in the 1993 All-Star Game, where the Air Jordan VIII “Aqua” made its on-court debut.

Tinker convinced Nike that the Air Jordan brand could stand alone, and the brand eventually agreed. All Nike branding came off of the sneakers and box. That bold move paid off for Jordan and Nike upon the sneaker’s release.

Removing the Nike branding allowed Hatfield to play around with the design. The three colorways were something people had never seen before. The sneaker also featured durabuck leather uppers, an Air-Sole, Huarache inner sleeve and anti-inversion cross-straps (aka bunny ears).

Commercials for the AJ VIII were different this time around, too. Jordan, meanwhile, continued his partnership with Bugs Bunny for ad campaigns.

It was right after Jordan announced his first attempt to retire from basketball following the death of his father.

The Air Jordan IX was released during the 1993–1994 season. While they were not on the feet of Jordan during the regular season, other players represented the sneaker well. A few Player Editions (PE) were created for athletes, including Kendall Gill, Penny Hardaway and Mitch Richmond.

Hatfield was once again tasked with designing the sneaker. He and Nike felt that the shoe should encompass all that Jordan accomplished during his time as a Chicago Bull. He grasped the idea that Jordan was a global phenomenon and added a “Rising Sun” with the Jumpman logo right in the middle above the number 23. Jordan may not have ever worn these shoes on the court, but they live on in bronze as part of “The Spirit” statue.

It also was one of the sneakers that dropped during his short-lived minor-league baseball career.

In March 1995, Jordan shocked the world and returned to the Bulls just in time for the playoffs. Through the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Jordan rocked the AJ X. Nike and Hatfield understood that the AJ Xs were supposed to represent the final chapter in His Airness’ on-court career. Though they were able to make a sneaker that captured the essence of Jordan’s legacy, they weren’t exactly able to create one that Jordan himself liked.

So, a new sneaker was designed just before the second colorway came out. The first colorway, "Steel Grey," had an extra leather toe cap, but Jordan wanted a cleaner approach. Nike and Hatfield went back to the drawing board and removed the extra leather.

Created while Jordan was playing baseball, the Jordan XIs were waiting for the star when he returned to the Bulls with another record-breaking season that included a 72-win championship for the 1995–1996 season.

The AJ XI silhouette welcomed Jordan back to the NBA when he wore a prototype at the beginning of Chicago’s second-round series against the Orlando Magic in 1995. The structure of the shoe was made to be more lightweight than previous sneakers. This included a ballistic mesh upper, more durable than past styles, along with a cordura nylon (or cordura mesh) material to maintain strength despite its elasticity.

During the playoffs, Hatfield revealed the preliminary design for the AJ XI to Jordan, who wore them on the court against the wishes of Nike and the designer. The hype surrounding the prototype forced Nike to mass-produce it, which would help make it a renowned sneaker.

MJ predicted the silhouette was so elegant that it would be easily paired with all types of clothing, including suits, thanks to shiny patent leather mudguards. The prophecy came true when Boyz II Men wore AJ XIs during their 1996 Grammy Awards appearance. Jordan also wore these kicks during the filming of “Space Jam,” in which previous Looney Tunes ads culminated in a 100-minute movie. From helping Bugs Bunny outscore aliens to helping Jordan score the best record in basketball history, the Air Jordan XI has undeniably earned its place in sneaker and pop culture.

Fighting a sickness that included dehydration and exhaustion, Jordan managed to persevere and score 38 points and seven rebounds – along with five assists – on the way to a crucial series-shifting win.

A women’s boot from the 19th century inspired the first concepts for the AJ XII, but more global influences would stand out on the sneaker. The Imperial Japanese flag from WWII was a major influence with its white background and red sun with light radiating from it. The sunbeam pattern inspired Hatfield, and soon, “rays” were stitched down the sides of the shoe’s silhouette. As always, Jordan wanted the best-performing kicks he could get, so Tinker created a shoe with a Zoom Air unit. The carbon fiber midfoot plate was carried over from the AJ XI, and the sneaker donned a modified herringbone pattern for improved traction on the hardwood. The tech in this shoe was so good that some of Jordan’s teammates wore them on the court.

The Air Jordan XII was the first shoe Jordan released on his own and came in a simple Jumpman box instead of the Nike box of previous releases. Jordan was still a part of the Nike brand, but this separation allowed him to become the businessman we know today.

The sneakers helped him break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record by scoring double-digits for the 788th consecutive game.

When Hatfield began designing the Air Jordan XIII, he was inspired by the sleek form and aggressive physique of a black panther. Jordan was dubbed the Black Cat due to his feline-like moves on the court — stealthy, carefully planned and intimidating. Hatfield created a sole that bears a huge resemblance to a panther’s paw. He also brought back the carbon fiber plate and Zoom Air and paired them with an unconventional hologram playing on the panther metaphor. Blending these elements in the design created what many think is one of the lightest sneakers on the market. The dimpled upper is a reflective silver that hadn’t been seen on previous sneakers, and the black suede wraps around the ankle and side panels to create a distinct visual texture. The Infrared on the outsole added an extra pop of color to the sneaker.

The AJ XIII got its time in the Hollywood spotlight when it appeared in the Spike Lee film “He Got Game.”

Jordan laced them up and wore them to lead the Chicago Bulls to victory.

The classic colorway of the AJ XIV first hit the floor during Jordan’s 1998 season, his last NBA Championship. Low-profile Zoom Air units at the forefoot and heel worked to let air out through the sides — preventing humidity and sweat buildup in the shoe. The design took inspiration from one of Jordan’s favorite cars, the Ferrari 550 M. This was the first Air Jordan to feature metal-tipped laces. The AJ XIV had seven Jumpman logos on each sneaker, the same number of the shoe release.

Jordan didn’t start his last game in the AJ XIV but instead waited until he made his last shot. Demand for them then skyrocketed.

Hatfield created a sleek, all-black design, taking inspiration from a rocket-powered X-15 hypersonic jet plane. As the fastest jet ever created, Hatfield strived to translate that performance into the sneaker. The Air Jordan XV was the first Jordan shoe to feature a woven upper, with Kevlar mesh material across the upper half of the shoe. The tongue that comes out toward the toe of the shoe was supposed to be reminiscent of Jordan’s signature tongue-out habit while playing, but many sneakerheads disliked that feature. Zoom Air cushioned the heel and forefoot, and an external heel counter locked the foot in.

Players such as Ray Allen, Mike Bibby and Michael Finley wore these sneakers. As one of the most disliked Air Jordans, the AJ XVs saw sales that paled in comparison to their earlier counterparts.

Without him on board, many customers were not impressed by the release and design. That doubt made them wonder if the Air Jordan sneaker era was over.

Wilson Smith III was brought in to design the AJ XVI. Using Hatfield’s blueprint, Smith brought back the clear rubber sole (AJ V, AJ VI and AJ XI). The shoe also featured patent leather (AJ XI). Though Smith didn’t use any new technology in the sneaker, he did use ballistic mesh to keep them breathable, a sole with a blend of visible blow-molded Air in the heel and Zoom Air in the forefoot for a blend of impact protection and responsiveness. The clear outsole supplied plenty of grip on the court, ensuring performance was a key factor for the shoe.

The return of patent leather saw people wear these shoes to formal events like they did with the AJ XI. This sneaker also saw the return of Jordan! In the 2001–’02 season, he came back to the game to play for the Washington Wizards in a pair of AJ XVIs with a “Ginger” colorway.

Smith created the Air Jordan XVII with a removable midfoot strap, Zoom Air units in the sole, lace locks and a carbon fiber midfoot sheath. He drew inspiration from Jordan’s Aston Martin, jazz music and the basketball star’s love of golf. The sneaker was the first to be released with the Tuned Air system, a full-length shank plate and a TPU heel stabilizer. The original release came with a steel case and an interactive CD. The sneakers also featured lace eyelets on the upper so that the shoelaces could be arranged to spell out XVII.

Jordan did well in his comeback with the Wizards, making history as one of only a few players to record 30,000 points in an NBA career. The AJ XVII was one of the most popular “post-retirement” sneakers.

Air Jordan Senior Footwear Designer Tate Kuerbis spearheaded the design, drawing inspiration from the luxury and craftsmanship of Italian dress shoes and the sleek, streamlined body style of Formula 1 race cars. His goal was to create a basketball sneaker worthy of royalty. MJ’s 18th signature shoe was released in three original colorways, including White/Varsity Red and White/Sport Royal, both of which were made of premium full-grain leather.

The Black/Sport Royal colorway played more to the luxury side of the brand. Crafted in rich nubuck suede, this model came with a hand towel, shoe brush and “driver’s manual.” An exclusive slide-out package emblazoned with a die-cut No. 18 was also included. The AJ XVIII boasted a Zoom Air cushion that ran the full length of the shoe, and a second Zoom Air bag sat atop the first in the sneaker’s heel. The shoe also featured F1-inspired carbon fiber components in its midsole and heel area of the upper. Air vents on both sides of the Air Jordan XVIII’s collar and a racing boot-style rubber heel were reminiscent of F1 racers.

On the night of his last NBA game with the Washington Wizards, Jordan donned a pair of Air Jordan XVIIIs and then sank the final 15 points of his career.

He modeled the Air Jordan XIX after the most poisonous and intimidating snake in the world, the black mamba.

The sport of fencing also influenced the overall aesthetic of the Air Jordan XIX. A fencing mask inspired the shroud that replaced the sneaker’s traditional lacing system. The shoe featured a lightweight Phylon midsole, full-length Zoom Air unit, double-stacked traditional Air unit in the heel and strong carbon fiber support shank. Tech-Flex technology, which was almost exclusively used in automobiles up until now, was introduced. It was the first time a basketball shoe had the braided sleeve material that improved airflow, increased flexibility and more evenly applied pressure on a player’s feet for a better fit.

The final product was a strikingly bold basketball shoe that emulated the intimidating and powerful message sent by the black mamba and Jordan’s skills on the court.

With MJ no longer in a position to represent his brand in the arena, longtime Jordan brand athlete Carmelo Anthony and ballers Jason Kidd, Ray Allen and Gary Payton took the Air Jordan XIX to the court.

It was unlike any other, with a trumpet-inspired, non-traditional floating ankle strap, nubuck and patent leather upper and more than 200 laser-printed icons that told an illustrated history of Jordan’s life and legacy.

A toolbox with “Pops” on it remembered Jordan’s late father. The 1976 Monte Carlo with a young Jordan in the back seat was inspired by his mother, who would take him to work while he was grounded. The characters “44DT” honored David “Skywalker” Thompson, one of Jordan’s most influential role models.

The Jordan XX also featured the numbers “85” and “05” pressed into the heel of its upper to commemorate the year the sneaker was released and Jordan’s birth year. The 69 dimples on the midsole represented His Airness’ highest-scoring game, and an asymmetrical toe cap was reminiscent of those found on motorcycle racing boots to protect riders from dangerous toe drags.

Technically, the AJ XX was just as groundbreaking as it was aesthetically pleasing. The sneaker was the first to utilize Independent Podular Suspension (IPS) technology, which delivered targeted support to key areas of the foot. Other performance-enhancing components included an impact distribution plate, vented interior lining and attached midfoot strap for superior lockdown.

The sneaker’s upper was made of rich, full-grain leather or high-quality suede, depending on the colorway. This was the first in a five-shoe run that did not include a lace-hiding midfoot strap.

The AJ XXI featured a grill-like ventilation system along the lower portions of each side and in the forefoot region to allow for superior airflow and breathability. It also boasted an elegant, ultra-comfortable, diamond-quilted inner bootie. An extended heel counter also provided improved ankle support, while a multidirectional traction pattern yielded maximum grip and traction. An evolved IPS system offered wearers the opportunity to choose between Zoom Air or Encapsulated Air pods.

The Air Jordan XXI was also unique in that it had a surprise message hidden inside the circular indent on each shoe. When exposed to black light, the unscrambled text read AUTHENTIC so owners could easily identify counterfeits.

So when Edwards began designing the Air Jordan XXII, he chose the equally dangerous F-22 Raptor as his muse.

Angular elements on the Air Jordan XXII’s leather and suede upper symbolized the fighter jet and MJ's shared ability to execute sharp offensive and defensive maneuvers. Zigzag stitching above the midsole mimicked the stealth pattern used to make the F-22 Raptor virtually invisible to enemy radar, while a highly reflective camo panel on the sneaker's heel honored the military origins.

The battle-ready AJ XXII also featured a diamond-shaped heel counter that armed players with maximum ankle armor — the best protection of any Jordan to date. Like the collection's two previous models, the Air Jordan XXII's IPS system came with interchangeable Zoom Air-sole and Encapsulated Air pods, which were visible through the shoe’s translucent, chevron-patterned outsole. A titanium shank plate in the midsole completed the sneaker’ arsenal of game-changing tech.

The message was clear: These Jordans were hand-crafted for combat.

That meant the 23rd Air Jordan shoe had to be a masterpiece worthy of the legend himself. Hatfield was up for the task and took point on the project alongside Mark Smith.

Incredible personal detailing throughout the AJ XXIII included Jordan’s autograph on the toe box and an intricately stitched upper inspired by the player’s DNA. The sneaker featured Jordan’s thumbprint in the traction pattern on the outsole and on the inside of the shoe's tongue.

The Air Jordan XXIII delivered unprecedented comfort with its dual-density, foam-padded heel that conformed to a player’s feet. It also featured the Phylon-surrounded Zoom Air sole unit and the carbon fiber and acrylic midfoot support shank. An advanced IPS system characterized by three pillars in forefoot and heel provided an additional layer of cushioning. The Air Jordan XXIII employed environmentally friendly construction techniques and materials, including recycled Nike Grind rubber. This became the first Jordan shoe created under Nike’s Considered sustainable ethos.

After the NBA retired His Airness’ jersey number, the Jordan brand discontinued using a conventional naming system. This was the last shoe that used it. Twenty-three pairs of Titanium edition AJ XXIIIs were released in 23 locations across the globe in January 2008 to generate hype about the sneaker’s worldwide release. The next month, Carmello Anthony, Chris Paul and Ray Allen debuted the Air Jordan XVIII during the NBA All-Star Game.

The basketball shoe’s style took cues from the sport of fencing, whose participants’ defensive skills and calculated moves paralleled MJ’s. Metal mesh on the tongue and a sword strike-inspired traction pattern on its outsole most obviously referenced those fencing’s influences. The shoe included a pleated satin and polishable panache leather upper, which spoke to the gentlemanly nature of the sport.

A newly designed Jordan logo debuted with the sneaker, and the letters J.O.R.D.A.N. were displayed and viewable whether upside-down or right-side-up. A holographic, jewel-like Jumpman was also featured on the shoe’s upper, referencing His Airness’ gemstone-esque precision. The Jordan collection’s 24th shoe offered a comfortable ride with its breathable, moisture-wicking lining, Achilles-hugging foam inserts and articulated forefoot Zoom Air unit. A blown glass-inspired TPU chassis provided solid structural support.

Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT), a new feature, facilitated maximum forward propulsion. Team U.S.A. and Team Jordan amputee sprinter April Holmes helped develop APT, which mimicked the responsiveness of her running prosthetics.

The Jordan 2009 was the second crafted under Nike’s Considered sustainable ethos, with recycled rubber on its outsole and environmentally preferred Prime Asia leather on its upper. Pleating the satin on the sneaker’s upper also reduced the amount of material used and wasted.

See-through TPU windows on the sides of each Air Jordan 2010 mimicked MJ’s ability to see past his opponents and toward the next play.

A transparent outsole previewed the full-length Zoom Air unit. Modeled after those used in Nike running shoes, the Zoom unit was bottom-loaded, providing players with a low-to-the-ground feel for explosive reactivity off the court. The collar was asymmetrical, with its inner side shorter than its outer side, which added a layer of protection against ankle injury. An independent forefoot cover made of a single leather panel facilitated natural flexibility for better overall performance.

A Carolina blue insole looked back to Jordan’s college years as a Tar Heel, one of several personal details subtly included in the Air Jordan 2010 design. The quote “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed” was scribbled across the length of the basketball shoe’s midsole.

The Jordan 2010 was a milestone release for the brand because it celebrated a quarter-century of success and introduced a new face to the shoe’s marketing campaign: Dwayne Wade. He switched his contract from Converse to Nike to become the frontman for Air Jordan performance footwear.

Designers Luedecke and Tinker Hatfield equated the system to an arsenal and the players to warriors choosing their weapons before combat. One midsole, the blue "Quick" option, was designed for guards who required the reactivity delivered by Zoom Air. This insert yielded a lower-to-the-ground feel for max speed and maneuverability. The second midsole, the red "Explosive" insert, came equipped with an Encapsulated Air better suited for power players whose playing style required softer cushioning.

To help wearers choose the “flight” that was best for their individual needs on the court, the AJ 2011 came packaged with a “Quick” midsole in the left shoe and an “Explosive” midsole in the right.

The sneaker could be further customized with NikeID, a service never before offered with an Air Jordan release. The AJ 2011's sleek exterior was made with polished patina leather that could be buffed to reveal subtle changes in color, accented by a constellation-inspired texture pattern reminiscent of Jordan’s rise to superstardom. A mesh inner bootie, complemented by a dynamic lacing system, made the AJ 2011 breathable and snuggly fit. The sneaker’s multidirectional patterned outsole, which resembled elephant hide, delivered ultimate traction for precision cuts and quick stops.

Though many critics were less than impressed by the sneaker’s overall look, its performance was undeniable. In fact, the Air Jordan 2011 has become revered as the best Jordan shoe since the release of the AJ 23 for its superior attention to detail and innovative technologies.

An evolved version of the AJ 2011’s interchangeable “Quick” and “Explosive” insoles, the AJ 2012 came with three midsoles and two swappable inner booties.

With six possible bootie/midsole combinations to choose from, players could tailor their performance footwear to complement their strengths and weaknesses. A high-collared sleeve equipped with a Velcro tightening strap provided players with superior ankle stability, while a regular-height bootie facilitated low-to-the-ground flexibility.

The midsoles included a “Fly Through” model, which featured a full-length encapsulated Air sole and a “Fly Around” version that utilized a Zoom Air unit in the heel. The third midsole, the “Fly Over,” featured a combination of both technologies, with Zoom Air in the forefoot region and an encapsulated Air unit in the heel.

The Air Jordan 2012 piloted the Flight Carbon Plate, a supportive shank made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. Flywire supplied additional structural support. Scratch marks throughout the AJ 2012’s nubuck and full-grain leather upper referenced Jordan’s “Black Cat” persona. Surprisingly, the shoe featured elements from 1930 to 1940 fashion footwear. Zoot suits, wingtip patches and pinpricks were part of the influence and design.

Stealth was the concept behind the sneaker’s sock-like, zippered shroud, which designers Hatfield and Herald modeled after special-ops combat boots.

Once unzipped, the stretchy fabric sheath, made of protective Scholler Swiss material, gave way to a familiar basketball sneaker silhouette and mesh upper. The folded-down sides of the shoe bore the numbers “2” and “3” to honor MJ and the tongue featured a traditional Jumpman logo.

The Jordan XX8’s appearance was met with a love-it-or-leave-it mentality. No matter the sentiment, the shoe was unanimously praised for its skill-sharpening technologies, including the industry’s first Jordan Flight Plate and a Dynamic Fit security system.

The Flight Plate – a Pebax moderator plate above the shoe’s Air units – compressed and redistributed energy off the forefoot and heel Zoom bags. Dynamic Fit straps beneath the shoe’s midsole operated in tandem with the shoe’s lacing system for unheard-of lockdown. Jordan chose Russell Westbrook to debut the Air Jordan XX8. Like the shoe he championed, Westbrook went on to prove there was more to his game than meets the eye.

Strongly influenced by Italian tailoring techniques, the AJXX9’s performance-woven upper was composed of a single layer of material that decreased the overall weight of the sneaker and improved airflow. The Jordan XX9 was the lightest Jordan shoe released in the brand’s history.

The Jordan XX9’s innovative exterior also provided next-level support and unparalleled interior comfort. Added padding in the collar provided reinforced stability to prevent players’ heels from slipping during play. The shoe’s use of Flight Web technology ensured maximum lockdown with its webbed straps that surrounded the foot and incorporated with the sneaker’s laces.

An improved Flight Plate and a plaid-like traction pattern on the shoe’s sole rounded out the Air Jordan XX9’s performance-changing elements and cemented its legacy as the world’s best basketball shoe.

The result was a silhouette that looked fast and the best-performing chassis and sole patterning to hit the hardcourt to date. It was the first step toward the “next frontier of flight.”

Void of Nike branding, the surface of the sneaker featured a de-emphasized Jordan Jumpman logo on its toebox, soft jacquard patterning on its upper and an image of Africa on its tongue. The white and light blue color scheme of the debut Jordan XXX represented the blank slate and realm of opportunities the next 30 years would bring to the brand. Hatfield included cosmic-themed embellishments on the sneaker as a callout to MJ’s out-of-this-world athleticism and vision.

Structurally, the Air Jordan XXX was composed of a lightweight FlyWeave upper, a FlightSpeed plate in the midsole and Zoom Air technology. A raised Jumpman logo was on the forefoot area of the basketball sneaker’s sole, along with the Roman numerals XXX. A 3D-printed herringbone traction pattern inspired by Jordan’s quote, “Excellence is never second place,” added to the uniqueness of the shoe.

A modern-day reimagining of the basketball sneaker that set into motion the 30-plus-year Jordan legacy, the Air Jordan XXXI silhouette bore a familial resemblance to the OG anti-gravity machine but with several new generation-defining characteristics. Elements such as the AJ I’s ankle-protecting high collar and low-profile midsole carried over into the AJ XXXI’s design, as did His Airness’ first signature logo: a winged basketball beneath a banner reading “Air Jordan.” For the first time in Jordan history, the AJ XXXI incorporated the Jumpman logo near the heel and Nike Swoosh subtly woven into the Flyweave pattern.

The sneaker featured a combination of synthetic leather and Flyweave technology to facilitate better breathability and flexibility. A full Nike Zoom unit beneath a FlightSpeed plate provided players with explosive reactivity on impact softened by cloud-like cushioning. This iteration pushed the standard for future sneakers in this collection to an entirely new level.

The shoe’s masterfully crafted exterior featured a mix of molded snakeskin leather suede accentuated by an elongated, finned heel counter and exaggerated collar for superior ankle support. It was an example of luxury in design.

An exposed Flyknit upper made of high-tenacity yarn provided the sneaker with exceptional flexibility and breathability. The material’s stretch facilitated more natural motion, while its tight weave and snug fit supplied maximum lockdown. A hidden lacing system integrated into the Flyknit upper delivered additional performance-proven security.

A complete cushioning packet composed of Zoom Air units in the shoe’s forefoot and midfoot and a carbon fiber Flight Plate supported the underfoot. The sneaker’s herringbone traction pattern offered multidirectional grip for exceptional court performance.

Personal details were incorporated into the collection’s 32nd shoe, including the Italian word “Bellissimo” stitched on the inside of the tongue and red Jumpman logos on the sides of each shoe. The Air Jordan XXXII dropped on MJ Day, Oct. 18, in “Red Suede” and “Bred.”

The revolutionary system was composed of a web of polyethylene cable – the same kind found in parachutes – anchored by a mechanism in the midfoot region of the outsole. The cables were incorporated into the shoe’s inner locking system, which could then be tightened to a player’s preferred fit via an elastic pull tab on the upper.

A thin yellow and black loop on the side of the sneaker’s midfoot locking strap disengaged the FastFit system when pulled. The FlightSpeed Plate, housed in the midsole, provided state-of-the-art, spring-like cushioning to mitigate potentially harmful impact on players’ joints. A Zoom Air bag gave the sneaker added cushioning as well as helped maintain its responsiveness.

Aesthetically, the Air Jordan XXXIII mimicked the functional, uncomplicated design of NASA spacesuits, featuring exposed mechanical components and deliberately displaying user commands such as “pull here” and “eject.” Together, the forward-thinking internal components and the unique space-age aesthetics took players’ style and skills to new heights.

Three decades later, the Air Jordan XXXIV continued to fan the flame the AJ IV sparked. Bringing the Jordan legacy into the next generation, the sneaker focused on minimalist design and a game-changing compression/propulsion system. One of the lightest and most powerful sneakers the brand has produced to date, the AJ XXXIV weighs 13.1 ounces (a men’s size 9.)

In addition to being nearly weightless, the Air Jordan XVI features the collection’s latest performance-enhancing technology, the Jordan Eclipse Plate. This evolution of the Flight Plate restricts wearers from experiencing unnecessary side-to-side movement and functions piston-like with the AJ XXXIV’s dual Zoom Air units for maximum engagement and lift-off.

A classic herringbone outsole pattern yields optimal traction and explosiveness on the court, and a mix of highly breathable and featherlight outer materials tie together this game-changing basketball sneaker. Other details include the characters “J4 – 34, 2.89-2019” on its outsole in honor of the 30 years since the AJ IV was released. The number “23” in Morse code is on the side.

The Jordan XXXIV hit the hardcourt on the feet of basketball superstars, including Blake Griffin and Zion Williamson.

The Air Jordan 35 basketball shoe follows the revolutionary Jordan 34 silhouette and carries on the legacy of Michael Jordan’s signature sneaker line.

Gracing the feet of the next generation of NBA superstars like New Orleans’ Zion Williamson, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Washington Wizards’ Rui Hachimura, the Jordan 35 builds on the performance and style features of the Jordan shoes that came before it. The modern Jordan sneakers boast minimal structure with maximum technology. A performance shoe, first and foremost, the Jordan 35 features a culmination of 35 years of game-changing technology. Most notably, the shoe features the Eclipse Plate 2.0. The plate builds off the original 34 plate and offers Jordan brand’s most responsive cushioning platform to help unlock Zoom Air for an even more responsive heel and forefoot feel.

In the style department, the sneaker gives a nod to the 30th anniversary of the Jordan 5 with similar mid panels, tongue top design, molded foam pods around the collar and “23” block lettering on the heel. The Jordan 35 is featured in a number of colorways like Bayou Boys for Zion Williamson and Warrior for Rui Hachimura or pays homage to the Jordan lineage like the Center of Gravity (to follow the space and gravity theme seen in many Jordan sneakers) and DNA (a nod to the AJ 5 “Fire Red” colorway).

The AJ 36 borrowed heavily from its predecessors, including the sunken heel and tall tongue from the Jordan 5 and the neoprene tongue, tongue shroud and protruding heel from the Jordan 6. The inspiration behind the shoe was light — in all senses of the word. Being weightless, light on your feet and a visual feast were all priorities for the designers. And that’s reflected in the full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit attached directly to the upper. This meant no more peek-a-boo Air, but it also brought the cushioning closer to the feet for extra support.

This design also resembled an infinity symbol—you can trace it around the shoe and never pick up your finger. You’ll see that same infinity symbol motif on the outer ankle, as well. Along the laces and tongue is an oversized tongue tab featuring a classic Jumpman logo and heel tab, with a cursive scrawl reading “Thirtysix.”

A Leno-weave upper covers most of this shoe. It may seem a bit familiar; that’s because it was inspired by the Air Jordan 7 and mimics the weaving techniques of a West African basket. This mesh is lightweight, but it also features white plastic ribbon across the middle for necessary support.

Though you can’t see it, the chunky white midsole is packing Formula 23 foam encased in TPU to make every landing soft. A midfoot carbon fiber plate and forefoot Zoom Air unit offer additional launching power. As far as basketball shoes go, this is Jordan’s most advanced model yet.

The AJ 38 has the distinction as the most sustainably designed in the extensive Jordan shoe list to date, with at least 20% recycled material by weight. Other technologies contained within the shoe include a new Zoom Air Strobel unit in the heel, Flightwire system and lightweight Flyknit upper.

Not only did the shoes make an appearance in “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” but Lil Nas X wore them in his “Industry Baby” music video, and Zion Williamson sported a pair during his first game back after injury.

Now that you’ve made it through all Jordan shoes in the portfolio, you’re a bonafide Jumpman historian. Cop a piece of the legendary action by sourcing your favorite silhouettes at Hibbett | City Gear!