Being at the vanguard of the industry, many Air Jordan releases have become highly anticipated affairs. Albeit ironically, it’s their pedigree that has been carrying their momentum since the brand’s inception almost 40 years ago. Save for the debut of the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack and the retrofitting of the Air Jordan 4 into the AJ4 RM, much of Jordan Brand’s best releases remain retros.

There are no first-time collaborators this year, but returning ones, like Nina Chanel Abney (AJ3) and Travis Scott (AJ1), still brought something unique to their creations. A Ma Maniére (AJ3) and J Balvin (AJ3) continue to employ the familiar hallmarks of their brand, and they continue to be well-received—for better or worse.

There isn’t a consensus on the best release this year, with the general discourse around them being divisive and surprising. Some shoes that were predicted to sell out, didn’t, and some shoes that weren’t, did. Yet, all of them found a place on the palette of someone who loves the culture.

Forgive us if your pick was left out of the list. If you think they’re good, they’re good. With that said, let’s reminisce together…

The best Air Jordans of 2024—in no particular order:

Travis Scott x Nike WMNS Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG
“Canary”

These days, nothing elevates the quintessential Air Jordan 1’s profile higher than a Cactus Jack imprint. Collaborations on the silhouette have been deemed some of its best, backed by the high prices of most Travis Scott x Air Jordan partnerships on the secondary market.

By now, the partnership has some established hallmarks, such as the earthy tones and Mad Max-esque aesthetic. Thus, this release may have caught many off guard with its uncharacteristically vibrant palette. Later, it’s ascertained as an homage to the blue and yellow of Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina—the alma mater of His Airness.

Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro
“Industrial Blue”

Also known as “Military Blue”, the pair was an early buzzmaker arriving during the first half of 2024. As one of the original four colorways of the 1989 release, the colorway will always get the favor of the most OG basketball fans and collectors. The release commemorated the AJ4’s 35th anniversary, and the “Industrial Blue” Collection—comprising similarly colored footwear, apparel, and accessories—chaperoned its arrival.

Nina Chanel Abney x Nike WMNS Air Jordan 3 Retro OG SP
“Bicoastal and Malachite”

Easily, one of the most creatively audacious iterations of the Air Jordan 3, Nina Chanel Abney employed her artistry to great effect. There are hardly any iterations that so boldly relinquish neutral colors and allow green (a color that Michael Jordan supposedly hates because of the Celtics) to be the most dominant. It went from a typically accent color to a centerpiece.

Nigel Sylvester x Nike Air Jordan 4 RM SP
“Driveway Grey”

Perhaps one of the most divisive pairs to arrive this year, the Air Jordan 4 RM was ushered into public attention through a collaboration with Nigel Sylvester. Not many understood what the change was for, especially for such an iconic and beloved silhouette. They nonetheless sold out upon release, so do with that what you will. The fascination for the “Bike Air” logo on the heel was universal. A detail MJ himself had approved of, as revealed by Nigel Sylvester.

Trophy Room x Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG
“Sail and Varsity Red”

There was much anticipation leading up to its release, way before the pair’s concept was even revealed. On Full Size Run, Marcus Jordan explained that the shoes drew inspiration from a legendary 1986 Fleer card and a 1984 Sports Illustrated photo featuring a Bulls-clad MJ rocking the “Black Toe” AJ1. But Trophy Room may still be haunted by the ghost of its past antics. Many online comments alluded to the backdooring controversy during their last high-profile release.

A Ma Maniére x Nike WMNS Air Jordan 3 Retro OG SP
“Black and Flat Pewter/While You Were Sleeping”

It’s easy to distinguish an A Ma Maniére shoe from its contemporaries. One is the austere color palette; the other is the usage of different materials. Every pair is imbued with elements of luxury, such as its velvet interior. The uniformity of their catalog may be tiresome to some, but if AMM did something different, there would be another thing to complain about. Just let AMM be AMM, though they should tap into Nike’s wider archive, a bottomless cookie jar.

J Balvin x Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro SP
“Rio”

A follow-up to the “Medellín Sunset,” the pair is the namesake of J Balvin’s son, Rio. The direct alternate to its predecessor while maintaining the hallmark gradient motif on the heel. There are many reasons to be like the pair, resulting in its placement on this list. It’s for the fans of the AJ3, the Colombian artist, or simply, its design. It’s not for everyone, but for those who do, do.

Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro
“Black Cement”

Legend. Michael Jordan. Spike Lee. 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. Elephant print. Tinker Hatfield. Saved Jordan Brand—the rest is history. Close to OG construction.

Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack / CJ1 T-Rexx
“Black and Dark Mocha”

Colloquially, they’re called the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack but officially released as the CJ1 T-Rexx. Would it still be a Sneaker of the Year contender if not for Travis Scott? Hype does play a role in perception, and La Flame may be the Rasputin of sneakers. As bizarre a metaphor as that is, he has convinced the world that his shoes are the “Highest in the Room”.

Whatever the case, the alliterated JJJ is the first original silhouette born out of their enduring and extremely successful union, carrying the design DNA of their entire joint catalog.

Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack / CJ1 T-Rexx
“Sail and Dark Mocha”

This “Sail and Dark Mocha” colorway fuses the old and new, the familiar and novel. The Jordan Jumpman Jack is contemporary, with plenty of inspiration from its predecessors. It taps into many of its beloved signature motifs, such as the reverse Swooshes and the Cactus Jack branding, while integrating new components like the forefoot strap. Add the “Reverse Mocha” palette, and you get a pair brewed to perfection.

---

Honourable Mentions

Pending Release
December 2024

---

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter

More SNKRDUNK Features:
Don’t Sleep on Kyle Tan—Singapore’s Resident “Mr. Snorlax”
SANGACIO: The “Nyu” Standard in Sneaker Design
Hype Shoes vs. Affordable Doppelgängers from the Same Brand
3 Huge Hacks To Grab the Best Shoe Deals
Best Sneaker Deals of the Year: 5 Key Dates You Can’t Miss!