So you grew up always wanting a pair of Air Jordans and now you’ve finally got the “adult money” to start a mini collection? If you’re in the market for some of the most iconic shoes in sneaker history, it can be intimidating. There are over 39 Air Jordans to choose from—with tons of colorways each.

If you’re wondering where to begin, hopefully, this beginner’s guide to Air Jordans will help you out a little and steer you in the right direction. We’ll look at some key aspects you need to know as a first-time Jordan buyer.

Of course, we’ll start with a brief history of the brand to pay homage before jumping directly into the most popular Nike Air Jordan silhouettes and some of the notable colorways for each of them.

(A Brief) History of Air Jordan

Jordan Brand was founded in 1985 by Michael Jordan and Nike. It started as a sub-brand of Nike, focusing on basketball shoes and apparel. Jordan’s popularity and success as a basketball player quickly propelled the brand to iconic status.

The Air Jordan 1, released in 1985, was the first signature shoe for Jordan and became an instant classic, known for its bold colorways and innovative design. This shoe was banned by the NBA for violating league uniform rules, further fueling its popularity and desirability.

Over the years, Jordan Brand has expanded its product line to include not only basketball shoes but also apparel, accessories, and even lifestyle footwear. The brand has collaborated with numerous designers, artists, and cultural icons, creating limited-edition releases that are highly sought after by collectors.

And thus, Jordan Brand has become synonymous with athletic performance, style, and cultural influence. It continues to be a dominant force in the sneaker and apparel market, captivating fans and athletes around the world.

If you haven’t watched it already, the movie Air (2023) is an amazing retelling of the Jordan Brand origin story.

A Guide to the Most Popular Air Jordan Shoes

As mentioned earlier, with so many silhouettes in the Air Jordan discography, it can be confusing on where to start—which is why we’re cutting the fat and narrowing it down to just the five most popular silhouettes in Jordan Brand, and their notable colorways. Starting with the foundation—none other than the Air Jordan 1.

Air Jordan 1

Peter Moore’s design for the Air Jordan 1 was a calculated amalgamation of Nike’s basketball heritage. Yet, this deliberate borrowing didn’t diminish its individuality. The upright posture and classic paneling provided a sturdy foundation for the bold, Chicago Bulls-inspired color-blocking and visual narratives. The AJ1’s outlaw mystique, fueled by the carefully crafted “Banned” mythology, has become a cornerstone of sneaker culture.

Released in a myriad of colorways and iterations, including a specialized golf version, the Air Jordan 1 has transcended its original purpose. Moore’s design was a stroke of genius; it captured the essence of Michael Jordan’s athletic prowess and redefined the aesthetics of basketball.

(Some) Iconic Air Jordan 1 Colorways

Air Jordan 3

In 1987, the future of the Michael Jordan-Nike partnership hung in the balance. The underwhelming reception of the Air Jordan 2 had cast a shadow over the collaboration. As the pressure mounted to deliver a game-changing design, Nike took a bold gamble: they entrusted a rookie designer, Tinker Hatfield, to lead the charge. Hatfield, previously a corporate architect at Nike, had only one sneaker design under his belt.

Hatfield not only exceeded expectations with the Air Jordan 3, but he also convinced Jordan to renew his contract with Nike. The mid-cut silhouette was a masterpiece of form and function, and the introduction of Visible Air technology, borrowed from the Air Max runner, revolutionized sneaker design. Inspired by Jordan’s flamboyant style, the iconic Jumpman logo and the distinctive “elephant print” elevated the shoe to a cultural phenomenon.

The Air Jordan 3 marked a turning point for Jordan’s career and Nike’s sneaker empire. Jordan earned his first MVP award, and the iconic Spike Lee campaign featuring Mars Blackmon cemented his superhero status. To this day, the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3 remains a coveted grail for sneaker enthusiasts, symbolizing the pinnacle of Hatfield’s design genius and the enduring legacy of the Air Jordan franchise.

(Some) Iconic Air Jordan 3 Colorways

Air Jordan 4

After the Air Jordan 3’s stratospheric success, Tinker Hatfield was on a roll. He doubled down on innovation with the Air Jordan 4, a sneaker that looked like it came straight from the future. Rubber sidewall netting and those iconic ankle-wrapping “wings” gave the shoe a futuristic, performance-driven aesthetic. With the AJ4 as a canvas, Tinker’s knack for turning sneakers into pop culture icons was on full display.

Collaborations with brands like UNDEFEATED, Levi’s, and KAWS have turned the Air Jordan 4 into one of the most coveted sneakers on the planet. This silhouette is a testament to Tinker Hatfield’s vision and the enduring appeal of the Air Jordan franchise.

(Some) Iconic Air Jordan 4 Colorways

Air Jordan 5

Tinker Hatfield, ever the visionary, saw Michael Jordan’s aerial acrobatics as nothing short of fighter jet maneuvers. Inspired by WWII fighter planes, the Air Jordan 5 roared onto the scene with a menacing aesthetic. Jagged shark teeth lined the midsole, while a towering tongue added a touch of aggressive flair. The shoe also introduced groundbreaking design elements like reflective 3M tongues and translucent “icy” soles, setting the stage for future Air Jordan models.

The AJ5’s cultural impact was undeniable. Its prominent placement in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the ongoing Mars Blackmon campaign propelled the shoe to stratospheric heights. It was a sneaker that not only dominated the court but also captured the hearts and minds of a generation.

(Some) Iconic Air Jordan 5 Colorways

Air Jordan 11

The Air Jordan 11 is often hailed as the pinnacle of Jordan sneaker design. Legend has it that Tinker Hatfield was mowing his lawn when inspiration for the iconic silhouette struck him. The glossy patent leather, a nod to Jordan’s desire for a tuxedo-worthy sneaker, perfectly complements the sleek ballistic nylon upper. Beneath the surface, a revolutionary carbon fiber shank provides unparalleled support.

The “Concord” colorway, with its pristine white upper and sleek black patent leather, is arguably the most iconic Jordan 11 of all. The 2011 retro release of the “Concord” ignited a frenzy that has yet to be matched. Riots and chaos erupted at malls across America, a testament to the shoe’s cultural impact.

(Some) Iconic Air Jordan 11 Colorways

Conclusion

And there you have it—you now have a general overview of some of the most popular Jordan silhouettes and colorways to grace the feet of thousands upon thousands of sneaker aficionados and regular folk alike for decades. There is, of course, far more to learn and explore within the Air Jordan discography—from Frankenstein creations like the Jordan Spizike to newer Jordan silhouettes like the Jordan 39.

The important thing is, have fun and don’t shy away from asking questions. If you’re interested in checking out the Air Jordan discography on SNKRDUNK, just click the button below!

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