“Air” Jordan. His Airness. Black Cat. These nicknames, bestowed upon him by fans across the globe, only hint at the man’s multifaceted legacy. One thing remains constant: his dominance on the hardwood. Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan transcended the sport to become a global icon.

Jordan’s rise to prominence started during his college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he showcased his exceptional talent and led the Tar Heels to an NCAA championship in 1982. His unforgettable game-winning shot in the NCAA title game instantly etched his name in basketball lore.

Michael Jordan repping the University of North Carolina

In 1984, Michael Jordan entered the NBA draft and was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls. From the outset, he demonstrated his unparalleled athleticism, breathtaking skills, and an unrivaled competitive spirit. Jordan’s impact on the game was immediate, earning him Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan amassed numerous accolades, including six NBA championships, five regular-season MVP awards, and ten scoring titles. His unparalleled athleticism, unmatched work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure earned him the monicker “Air Jordan”.

MJ debuting the Chicago 1s

Beyond his on-court prowess, Jordan’s influence transcended basketball. His charisma and marketability propelled him into a global phenomenon, leading to lucrative endorsements and iconic partnerships, most notably with Nike, resulting in the creation of the Air Jordan brand.

Michael Jordan’s impact on basketball and popular culture is immeasurable. His legacy as a seminal athlete, cultural icon, and global ambassador for the game continues to inspire generations, solidifying his place as one of the most influential figures in sports history. 

MJ adding another championship to his accolades

As we celebrate Michael Jordan’s 61st birthday on 17 February, let’s take a look at 23 of the most coveted Air Jordan colorways from Number 23 (or 45):

A streetwear legend reimagined with the late Virgil Abloh’s signature touch, this sneaker pushes boundaries.

The UNION x Nike Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir” channels vintage vibes with black suede, hidden tongue tag, and filled-in wings for a stealthy yet premium twist on a classic.

Supreme elevates the iconic Air Jordan 5 silhouette with a sandy camo makeover, making it a coveted grail for the box logo fanatics.

Black, white, and icy. The 2018 Concord 11s are a timeless masterpiece.

Sunsets over Colombia land on the iconic Air Jordan 3, courtesy of J Balvin’s vibrant collab.

Slam into your sneaker game with the fiery red Air Jordan 6 Retro “Slam Dunk,” celebrating the iconic manga with 3M details for off-court flair.

Skatepark to slam dunk, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” merges iconic design with grippy performance for a limited edition that’s both stylish and shred-ready.

Starfish orange pops on this iconic high OG, commemorating MJ’s gravity-defying dunk.

Clean white heat meets gold accents and OVO branding for a luxurious twist on the iconic silhouette.

Crisp white meets luxurious burgundy in the A Ma Maniére x Nike WMNS Air Jordan 12, a fresh take on a classic with elevated details.

The UNION x Nike Air Jordan 2 “Rattan” is so fresh, it’ll make you want to trade your concrete jungle for a bamboo forest.

The Air Jordan 6 “UNC” brings Tar Heel pride to your feet, straight from MJ’s alma mater.

Trophy Room’s Air Jordan 7 honors the “greatest game never seen” with MJ’s legacy and metallic gold glory.

Off-road-inspired olive accents meet classic AJ1 Low in Travis Scott’s women’s-exclusive “Medium Olive” collab.

The “Red Cement” reimagines the iconic “White Cement” with fiery red speckle for a bold statement.

OG construction meets a clean University Blue makeover, making the Air Jordan 1 High OG a collector’s dream and a streetwear staple.

The Travis Scott x Nike Air Jordan 6 “British Khaki” boasts earthy suede, glow-in-the-dark details, and utilitarian pockets for a unique take on the iconic silhouette.

This limited-edition Air Jordan 1 Low celebrates the Year of the Dragon with premium materials and a Jumpman charm for good luck.

The Air Jordan 1 Low gets a triple threat makeover with Travis Scott, fragment design, and Nike’s iconic Swoosh.

Forget glass slippers, these “Soft Pink” Jordans are the real fairy tale footwear.

Travis Scott flips the script on the iconic “Mocha” colorway with a buttery “Reverse Mocha” AJ1 Low, accented by hits of red and vintage details.

Classic elegance meets street-ready edge in the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Jordan 5 “Dawn,” a women’s exclusive bathed in ethereal hues.

Celebrate 35 years with a twist. The “Bred Reimagined” brings OG vibes with premium materials.

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, keep it locked to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App too and don’t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you would like to cop a pair, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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