For most of the 20th century, shoes were just shoes. They covered your feet and after a certain amount of features 
they did add more comfort especially while playing sports. But then beyond that every other features were just frills. They didn’t make a difference in terms of your ability to play. Right?
While the above may be factually accurate, in the winter of 1985 changed how we saw shoes, especially sneakers. It wasn’t a commodity anymore, it was that extra layer, the subtext of basketball that made you wonder “Is it the shoes that make him such a great player?” Read our latest guide about the best all terrain shoes.
This was a question that helped us determine who we hero worshipped. Shoes were what gave our heroes that extra layer. Johnson and Larry Bird became Converse, George Gervin represented Nike and until Jordan took on the “Air” and defined it. Read our complete guide about the best rocker bottom shoes.
History of Air Jordan’s
It has just been thirty three years since Michael Jordan’s shoes touched the basketball court. He wore it for Nike for the first couple of months and then with the help of his agent and designer created a sneaker game that has now become as important as basketball itself.
Before its release, NBA players used to wear black and white shoes with some color. The idea was to focus more on team than star power. That changed when Nike signed up Michael Jordan to wear a pair of black and red shoes. The NBA informed him that he couldn’t wear those shoes and this was used by the company to spark a conversation. They came to be known as “Revolutionary shoes”.
Their popularity grew with the myth that they were banned and that created a shift in conversation. Nike’s genius “Unbanned” marketing strategy made them a popular commodity, even among the more disenfranchised neighborhoods. Everybody now wanted a pair of Jordans, sneakers through which Nike was able to break into the basketball market.
For many people, buying a pair of Jordan’s became synonymous with the idea that dreams can come true which bought into the concept of the Big American Dream as well. Overtime Jordan’s helped create a culture even within the brand of Nike and furthermore created a culture and a subculture within sports and commerce. Although they have just been around for three decades, they are already on their way to becoming timeless and relevant.
What makes Jordan’s unique
- Instead of looking for mindless revamps, the company listened to athletes and kept what worked while making meaningful changes which were based on priority.
- They have been able to remain significant by working on their design, innovation and performance.
- They annually release something new while still numbering it so keeps it connected to a si
ngular item, something that Apple is still trying to accomplish with the iPhone. - It has stayed unapologetic and true to its nature, believing strongly in not reinventing the wheel.
- It maintains advanced technology and lets performance be the leading force behind its designs.
Air Jordan’s have come to define sneakers and each one is accompanied by a memorable story. Here are a few unknown facts about the Air Jordan.
20 Things you might not know about Jordans
- Initially Michael Jordan wanted to pair up with Adidas and was willing to switch in case they were able to match Nike’s offer. They weren’t.
- The first Air Jordan logo was created in the moment.
- Michael Jordan refused to wear the initial version of the Air Jordan’s that were black and red, claiming that those were the devil’s colors.
- When the Jordan’s were being created and tested, Jordan was still a newbie and there was much skepticism about who would buy shoes priced at such a high price point.
- Air Jordan II were the first shoes not to carry the Swoosh design, separating design from logo for the first time.
- Jordan II were the first shoes to be made in Italy and brought an added layer of luxury to sports products as well as an element of pop culture.
- Designer Tinker Hatfield’s elephant print and Moore’s jumpman logo are what kept Jordan onboard for Air Jordan’s even though the initial deal had only signed him till 1988. Michael Jordan’s father had to convince him that they had his best interest at heart.
- Air Jordan V were the first shoes to feature the 3M material and Hatfield designed the tongue to make it look flashy under strobes and light, complementing Jordan’s rising rock star fame.
- Even though Michael Jackson suffered an injury while playing a second game against Magic and Company wearing his Vis, when asked whether he wanted to change his shoe, he instead said “give me the pain.”
- Space Jam gave birth to a new yet risky advertising campaign known as “Hare Jordan” where the advertisement took six months to make and cost 1 million dollars, ultimately the risk paid off.
- Even after Jordan left the NBA to pursue basketball fulltime, Hatfield continued to design Jordan shoes because of which the Jordan legacy lived on.
- Michael Jordan didn’t take it well when he was not consulted for the design of Jordan X. Hatfield had added a strip of leather across the toe, a new addition which Michael Jordan didn’t like and ask to be removed. He even jokingly said that he’d pay for the difference, if the shoe didn’t sell. Jordan’s version of the design took off.
- Hatfield also drew inspiration from a lawn mower as well as its protective layer for the Jordan’s functionality. Jordan’s were also known for their functionality for a reason.
- Jordan brand had to redo its marketing strategy for Jordan XIX’s because Michael is afraid of snakes.
- When held up under black light, Air Jordan XXI’s reveal a special message that illuminates.
- XX3 onwards the Jordan design team took a different approach to how they designed their shoes. They helped make the shoes thinner and slimmer so they would fit an athlete’s foot even better. This would reduce the number of adhesives needed in order to keep a sneaker together. This strategy was to shape Jordan shoes
future. - Air Jordan’s were released on Saturday’s so that students wouldn’t skip school to purchase them.
- Before Air Jordan’s, the main shoe endorsements were conducted by Tennis players.
- The Jordan brand to this date represents 58% of the entire global basketball shoe market.
- The shoe made so many appearances in pop culture e.g. Fresh Prince of Bel Air that they had to release the shoes in Fresh Prince colors.
Nike has had a lot of brand ambassadors and big sports names that it has associated with but very few can compare to the legacy left behind by Michael Jordan, even more than a decade after his retirement (his third and final so far), the King of Sneakers.
Their combination of minimalism and flash, functionality and funk, formal yet street make Jordan’s an investment that many ardent fans believed in. Even thirty plus years on, the legacy of the shoes lives on because they have been tried and tested by the best. If Michael Jordan would prefer the pain of his injury to changing his shoe, who are we mere mortals to disagree? One can only applaud Nike for their brilliant marketing campaign that has made Jordan’s relevant for as long as they have.
TOP 15 BEST JORDAN SHOES IN 2022
| Picture | Name | Feature | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture | Name | Feature | Price | Rating |
 | 1. Air Jordan 11 Retro | stylish and aesthetically appealing | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “Concord” | comfortable and protect the foot | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | 3. Jordan Air Generation 23 | Metallic D-rings | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. Jordan Men’s Ultra Fly 3 | 100% Authentic | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. Jordan Men’s DNA LX Basketball Shoes | Lightweight foam midsole | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 6. Nike Men’s Air Jordan XXXI | FlightSpeed technology | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 7. Air Jordan 13 Retro “History of Flight” | soft and smooth | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 8. Nike Hyperdunk | Phylon midsole | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 9. NIKE Men’s NFS Jordan 5 Am Mid-Top Basketball Shoe | bounce on the heel | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | 10. Jordan Mens Trainer Prime Black Anthracite | Foam padded insole for cushioning | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 11. Jordan Men’s Future Basketball Shoe, Anthracite | Asymmetrical lacing system | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 12. Nike Jordan Spizike | Obermaterial Leder und Synthetik mit Mesh Seitenteile für | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 13. Nike Jordan Men’s Jumpman Pro Quick | Reaktive Air-Sole-Einheit in der Ferse | $$ | 4.0 |
 | 14. Jordan Men’s Air 11 | Great cushioning | $$ | 4.0 |
 | 15. Jordan Men’s DNA LX | flexible support and breathability | $$ | 3.9 |
1. Air Jordan 11 Retro
Design and Build
The Air Jordan 11’s are retro, funky and functional. They are made from leather and synthetic materials such as 
Nubuck. Also known as the Heiress, Black Stringray, this premium sneaker was released in 2017 and is a luxuriant and elegant colorway for women. It features an all-black upper with stingray texture on the signature mudguard. It also includes a smoky semi-translucent outsole with metallic gold details in order to complete the look. The overall traction is solid as it has rubber traction pods located in the heel as well as the forefoot. The clear sections of the shoe are nice and sticky and hold up on well-maintained courts.
Uses and Capabilities
The cushioning is made from lightweight Phylon and a full length Air Unit. The cushion itself is solid and while it is not as soft as the original version, it is still better than many other Air Jordan sneakers because of its impact resistance and helps maintain consistent performance throughout while still being able to maintain a decent court feel with one’s forefoot. Patent leather and ballistic nylon mesh is used for the upper and some split grain leather is also used at the heel. They fit true to size, however those with wider feet might want to get half an inch larger than their actual size.
Additional Features
The mesh wraps around the foot perfectly and the lockdown is great all the way up the shoes. The material is well ventilated, keeping your foot breezy and the Carbon Fiber helps add a lot of support to the entire base of the foot. This makes the overall fit of the shoe excellent as it provides the user with the reassurance they would require. It looks good, feels good and plays even better. It protects your ankles and knees during a game and the fit is good, protecting it from any heel slips. The technology used in the shoe supports the games, and they are a nice, no frills addition to one’s wardrobe.
Pros
- They fit perfectly.
- They have great traction.
- Their materials add to the comfort of playing.
- They are easy to keep clean.
- They are stylish and aesthetically appealing.
Cons
- The ventilation isn’t as great as other shoes in the Jordan line.
2. Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “Concord”
Design and Build
Classic Concord is made with leather and is not like the IU version. This was first released at the time Michael 
Jordan won in the Championship League. Initially when it was released, it was much funkier, this version is much cleaner cut. Carbon fiber and mid sole creates a softer look, closer to the 2000 retro version, which adds comfort. Creasing means comfort plus a full time air unit, a ballistic mesh and nylon lacing, plus the tongue logo. It is true to size, but one can get a half size larger for a comfortable look and it is also available in a variety of sizes.
Uses and Capabilities
The shoes come with embossed logos all over the shoe and the size label is a part of the box with no perforated edges. The bottom has the Nike sticker which shows authenticity no matter the buyer. The contents include the full drawer, everything within the box. The paper is a metallic silver which enhances the look further. There is also a Nike instruction card which teaches one all they need to know about wearing the shoes. It comes with a shoe crease which helps protect it and inside the shoe you have the sock liner or insole.
Additional Features
The stitch work on the Jumpman is different from previous versions, similar to Metallic five’s. There is no overlapping of stitch work. Then there is ballistic mesh on the side and there is foam padding inside, different from older versions which was yellower, now the padding is blue. The reason for blue foam for the padding is so that the yellow color doesn’t bleed out over time otherwise the mesh would eventually yellow as well. The smooth leather backing is stiff yet soft. It has a tow camp plus a jump man at the bottom with a carbon fiber texture to it.
Pros
- They fit perfectly.
- They are snug and work well while walking.
- They are comfortable and protect the foot.
Cons
- Buyer has to be careful about the seller and where they purchase it from.
3. Jordan Air Generation 23
Design and Build
This one is a new take on an old classic as it features the tooling from Air Jordan 12, the midfoot strap from the 20 
and the ankle strap from the 20 as well. The reason for this is that the straps are meant to be breathable while still providing added comfort. It also uses lightweight textile on its upper layer and its carbon fiber shank plate also further enhances its stability. Its outsole is translucent yet comfortable. It features one air unit on the front and holds up extremely well on the court. Its textile and leather upper is engineered in order to increase its breathability.
Uses and Capabilities
Its wide and stretchable straps create a more customizable feel because they fit just right while their metallic D rings create more of a premium look. Its internal foam pods also enhance the comfort while the encapsulated Air-Sole forefoot unit is lighter and has cushioning which is more responsive. The rubber outsole also increases its traction. The most notable addition in the Jordan Generation is the large mid foot strap as well as the ankle straps that tighten the ankle construction. The upper is simple other than that because it has a unibody of mesh upper as well as a synthetic leather toe-box.
Additional Features
The best feature visually is the Icy Sole of the Air Jordan bottom, enough to send chills down your competitor’s as you make your way through the court. The internal foam further adds to the comfort and security of the model. The carbon fiber shank plate further increases the stability while the Air-Sole forefoot unit adds to its cushioning. It is available in black and metallic gold, a classic construction with classic colors that aren’t trying too hard – simple, understated, cool. They weigh 17 ounces which are two ounces heavier than other shoes but not something one can noticeably feel.
Pros
- They are aesthetically appealing.
- They are great to use around the court.
- They have great traction and modularity.
- They provide great support and stability.
Cons
- The design is narrower.
- They are uncomfortable to drive in.
- They are stiff to start.
- They can cause arch irritation.
4. Jordan Men’s Ultra Fly 3
Design and Build
The show is available in white, black, grey and red colorways. The engineered mesh makes up most of the upper 
which does not have shroud. It has fuse overlays as well as a rubber tooth which is used to wrap up the lateral side. The tooling is the same and has a rubber outsole which also features a sharp herringbone pattern which is hidden underneath a Phylon midsole which also carrying with it a Zoom Air Unit in its forefoot. Instead of where the shroud is there is something similar to a rubber tooth which offers lateral support at the forefoot.
Uses and Capabilities
The shoe is designed with a forefoot synthetic shroud. The shoe is simple black and white with a huge 23 logo on the outside, which serves as a shout out to the one and only Michael Jordan. It also has a durable herringbone traction underfoot as well as a less bulky feel because the shoe is lower cut. The cushioning is done with the Zoom Air Units in the forefoot and heel. These are further imbedded in to the Phylon midsole. This shoe is very different in design from the Ultra Fly 2 where the compression creates an excellent fit.
Additional Features
The design takes clear inspiration from the early 2000 models while still maintaining its modern and contemporary edge. The “23” on the side catches attention as it is on the lateral side of the heel since it’s wrapped underneath towards its outsole. The Phylon helps add to its stability while the rubber outrigger creates more lateral side support. The durable rubber outsole also has a multi-directional traction platform and it is built for the two way player. It has a combination of speed, response as well as lockdown. The synthetic forefoot shroud also creates a sleek forefront lockdown.
Pros
- The shoe is comfortable.
- It is modern and aesthetically appealing.
- It is made with the consumer’s comfort in mind.
Cons
- The traction of the shoe can be improved.
5. Jordan Men’s DNA LX Basketball Shoes
Design and Build
The DNA LX are basketball shoes with fly knit constructions that merge both support and breathability into one. The 
synthetic leather quarter panel also increases support and is increasingly lightweight. The foam midsole also delivers more flexible cushioning. The TPU eyestays are inspired by the Jordan heritage and create further lockdown. The sculpted traction pattern also creates a basketball inspired design. The heritage look has a lofted, Jordan specific Flyknit upper construction while it’s lacing system locks in the shoes very well. The flexible foam outsole helps keep them light on their feet as well.
Uses and Capabilities
These shoes can be sported by shorts or casual pants and the low top is versatile and gives full dimensions and can be worn by dress clothes for all kinds of occasions. The low top sneaker is smooth due to the heel loops which are available in a rounded-lace lockdown system. It is available in a wide range from 7 to 18. Its width is D medium. One of its most notable features is its triangular shaped low top borrows from the Jordan 32’s appeal especially due to its TPU eyestay twist. The midsole tooling project also has a jagged design which is a contrast to the soft Flyknit upper.
Additional Features
The Jumpman logo is positioned at the insole, outsole as well as the lateral side of the ankle overlay. It also makes use of a foam midsole that works very well for lightweight cushioning. The treads underneath it also show a pattern that is evidently inspired by basketball. The colors include black/white/black, cargo khaki/sail, black/white/gym red and black/sail as well as copper flash. It also has a supportive synthetic leather quarter panel and a flexible foam combination midsole/outsole. The traction pattern exists on the outsole and it is especially coveted due to its hoop performance technology.
Pros
- They fit true to size.
- They are made from excellent quality materials.
- They are incredibly comfortable.
- They are edgy in their look.
- They are breathable and well ventilated.
Cons
- They settle better for people with narrow feet.
6. Nike Men’s Air Jordan XXXI
Design and Build
The Air Jordan’s weight 343 g and are low top shoes which are available in nine plus colorways. They fit true to size 
and have Flyweave, Zoomair and Flightspeed technology. The flyweave makes up the forefoot while the synthetic leather makes up the heel area. It has a very comfortable upper which is perfect to play in and the transition between the Flyweave and synthetic leather is exquisite, creating a snug and comfortable fit while still providing breathability as well as enough freedom in the front to move around. With the freedom there is also structure as the back area helps provide support and keeps the back area locked in.
Uses and Capabilities
The Zoom Air cushioning makes the user fully appreciate the total Air technology. One can see and even feel the Air Units popping through the midsole which is why they are able to get a quick response without any delay. This feature works exceptionally well for guards and players who are quick on their feet. It works well for all kinds of players because they have great impact protection especially at the heel area, and have great response as well as a bouncy ride. Despite that, they still help maintain the court’s solid feel as well as mobility, creating a versatility unique to Air Jordan XXXI.
Additional Features
These shoes are ideal for slim footers, while a wide footer can still wear them, in order to have a comfortable experience they should have ½ above their regular size. However, for some users they may feel that a tighter shoe provides better support and a better lockdown in the heel as well as the forefoot area. It provides excellent support especially because of its ankle extensions which provides extra support and lockdown during a play. The containment could also be a result of the narrow construction. The traction is somewhat inconsistent but its premium materials and cushioning can help soften that one feature, more than making up for it with the rest.
Pros
- It has been made from premium materials.
- It has full length zoom cushioning.
Cons
- Its traction is inconsistent.
- The synthetic leather heel can cause pain when worn for a while.
7. Air Jordan 13 Retro “History of Flight”
Design and Build
The Air Jordan 12 have been nicknamed Alternate as well. These shoes at the time of their release were samples and 
were mainly used by collectors. The quality is in between plush and stiff, it’s consistent throughout in terms of quality. There is tumbled leather towards the lower part of the shoe with dimples up top all done in white. Gloss overlay runs through the midsole and there is a hologram towards the back of the shoe. It has hints of red and silver on a white surface. It features a white leather upper, red is spotted on the liner, on the tongue and the outsole. It is also accompanied by black laces with metallic silver accentuated with the Jumpman branding.
Uses and Capabilities
The perforated leather exists at the tongue and the Jumpman is made with metallic silver. The side panels feature nice material quality and the colorways are fresh, looking even better with the premium materials used for its construction. It has dual Zoom units that create lightweight cushioning and a Phylon foam midsole in order to increase comfort even further. It is made from full grain leather that creates more support while the hidden lacing system creates more of a lockdown. The full grain leather upper provides both comfort as well as support. The heel as well as the forefoot of the Zoom Units create a low profile as well as responsive cushioning.
Additional Features
The rubber outsole pods create maximum traction as well as flexibility. They are the epitome of classic Jordan’s dressed in a white, red as well as metallic colorway. The details further include silver branding as well as black lacing, making them an ideal show to wear to dress up or dress down during the summers. Its main features are its tumbled leather upper, the red detailing on the inner liner as well as the rubber outsole. These were released in 1997-1998 and are considered among the best Air Jordan’s designed ever and were an inspiration from Jordan’s nickname “Black Cat”. The outsoles resembled the paws of a panther and are the only Air Jordan’s to feature a hologram.
Pros
- The quality is very consistent.
- The leather feels soft and smooth.
- It is sold with a pair of white laces, in case the black isn’t working for you.
- It offers comfort with its sock lining and fits true to size.
- It has a wide range of sizes.
Cons
- It runs the risk of turning yellow with prolonged use.
- They are not easy to acquire.
8. Nike Hyperdunk
Design and Build
These shoes have been around since the 2008 Olympics and are known as Nike’s “ultimate” team show which means
they work well no matter what the position of the player is. It has Lunar, Zoom as well as React cushioning on it. Nike has additionally added Flywire, second generation Flywire, mesh, knit, as well as fuse on its uppers. Now there is a 2018 version available and it does not fall short on expectation. The Hyperdunk has excellent traction due to its multi-directional pattern that look like they could be soundwaves. It creates coverage in many directions all the pattern looks more linear than it does lateral.
Uses and Capabilities
It is solid and while it allows the player to stop quickly, it provides a smooth transition because of its soft rubber as well as spaced out pattern. No matter what kind of floor surface it is worn on, there are no instances of slipping or skating. The pattern is set wide and pushes both dirt and dust out, which makes its outsole incredibly reliable to wear on court. The Zoom air cushioning remains the best to date and these shoes bring it to the heel and lay it on thicker. The heel unit is 14mm thick and the forefoot is almost the same. It is also made of Phylon but that is a much softer make up, which provides the shoe with better compression and rebound ability.
Additional Features
Initially, the foam takes the brunt of the initial landing force and compresses until the Zoom Unit takes over and creates a stiffer response and then a spring to the next move. The show’s upper has strategic foam backing and has a hit of leather at the heel cup. The midfoot saddle is made from smooth nylon and has more of a stretch than the rest of the shoe but somehow also provides some compression around the arch. The ankle collar has dense memory foam padding which join perfectly with the rest of the shoe. The heel padding helps lock the foot down and the shoe remains true to size.
Pros
- They fit true to size.
- They look sharp and are comfortable.
- They can be worn to suit any fashion trend.
Cons
- The quality of materials could be improved.
9. NIKE Men’s NFS Jordan 5 Am Mid-Top Basketball Shoe
Design and Build
The Jordan 5 am weigh 322 g and have Zoom Air and Dynamic Fit technology. They are mid top shoes and are made 
of six plus colorways. Ideally they fit down half a size. The shoes are soft, light and have excellent flexibility with zero restrictions while still creating great support for one’s foot. It is available in a handful of color schemes. These shoes are ideal for anyone who likes to get an early start to the day. They are also reasonable priced and represent those the market that have always wanted the shoes but they were just outside their means.
Uses and Capabilities
The shoes feature perforated leather, flywire embedded by the midfoot as well as air units. The color scheme comes in blue, black, white as well as light retro. Whether it is being used on a court or as an accessory/fashion statement, the bran is known worldwide. The six time NBA championship winner Michael Jordan adds credibility to the brand, making it one of the finest basketball goods in the world. The 5 AM is a unique show which helps the wearer look stylish as he hits the high street. The Nubuck leather further adds to the durability as well as support of the shoe.
Additional Features
The synthetic midfoot overlaps helps add lateral stability as well lockdown. It has a 5/8 height collar which further creates a supportive feel while ensuring that the ankle can move around naturally. It also has perforations throughout the upper part of the shoe which further adds to its breathability. Its animal print connects with the celebration of the Air Jordan’s 30th anniversary. The Max Air Unit at the heel units cushions any tough or rough surfaces. The solid rubber also further creates durability and traction.
Pros
- It has a wide and comfortable tongue.
- The texture is smooth and velvety while the interior is soft.
- There is bounce on the heel.
- It provides great shock support.
- The backs are low which makes them comfortable to wear while walking compared to high backs.
Cons
- One has to buy half size up in order for the shoe to fit well.
10. Jordan Mens Trainer Prime Black Anthracite
Design and Build
The Jordan Men’s Trainers are made of rubber and have a synthetic sole. They are made from soft and durable 
synthetic uppers and are also full-length sneakers. The Dynamic Fit Neoprene has an inner sleeve and has a foam padded insole for cushioning. It is lightweight as it has cushioning in both the midsole as well as outsole unit. There are rubber pods on the hell and forefoot as well as triangular flex grooves. It is responsive, supportive and used by many of the top basket ballers today. The shoe’s mid top collar further enhances its comfort and support.
Uses and Capabilities
The sneakers have Flywire cables with laces which help create a locked-down fit and the inject Phylon towards the mid sole add to its cushioning which makes the shoe easy to walk around in. This iteration is different from earlier versions as it has a weather textile upper in black along with anthracite detailing as well as branding. It works particularly well in the winters due to its durable upper as well as sock liner that is similar to a towel i.e. helps the feet remain warm even in the coldest of wintry months. The rubberized upper enhances its durability and endurance and the terry cloth lining makes sure that feet remain warm and cozy in the iciest of months.
Additional Features
While they have a toned down colorway, they have not skimped on their detailing at all as the textured upper had stitched panels along the sides. It also has its signature mudguard as well as the Jumpman branding at the tongue, throat, midfoot as well as heel. They were upgraded and use durable canvas with certain design elements for extra warmth e.g. a nubuck panel along the midsole. The laces integrate with Flywire cables which provides lockdown and support while the mesh upper increases the ventilation and breathability. The triangular flex grooves help the shoe move along with the foot.
Pros
- They are good looking shoes.
- They are comfortable.
- They are easy to take on and off because of the Velcro straps.
- They fit true to size.
Cons
- They are difficult to keep clean.
11. Jordan Men’s Future Basketball Shoe, Anthracite
Design and Build
The Jordan Future basketball shoes are among the most revolutionary, they help rewrite the story of one of the 
greatest shoes on the planet. The Fastfit closure helps lock the foot in while the Flightspeed technology helps with propulsion. The woven textile upper provides support while still remaining lightweight. The lacing system is asymmetrical and provides the best kind of lockdown. The Phylon midsole further provides cushioning as well as comfort. It was designed by Tate Kuerbis and features futuristic performance features due to the lacing system and also comes with a full length Zoom Air Bag.
Uses and Capability
It is available in a bunch of colorways and keeps in mind one of the main features of basketball i.e. flight. Now Jordan’s innovation deals with helping athletes with their take off. The new Fastfit entry comes with a tightening and release system. Its inspiration comes from the flight utility and its form comes from visible technology which is then integrated with design elements of the Air Jordan III. The New Fastfit system helps create the ultimate lockdown support. It has a knit textile upper which is them combined with the carbon reinforced Flightspeed plate as well as Zoom Air Unit which helps reduce the overall weight while still increasing its overall propulsion.
Additional Features
It is crafted from a wide range of quality, premium materials including leather and mesh. The Jumpman logo is present on the tongue and there is additional adorning along the heel. It has different editions available in the market but all of them have a few things in common, one being the black styling along with its textile mesh, synthetics as well as leather construction. The highlights are multicolored patterns on the tongue overlay and insole. The accents change depending on the edition being released, making these a stylish addition to one’s wardrobe.
Pros
- They are stylish.
- They are comfortable.
- They have advanced features that make them excellent on the court.
Cons
- They require maintenance.
- They are difficult to keep clean.
12. Nike Jordan Spizike
Design and Build
The Spizike shoes are synthetic and made of leather. They are inspired by the director Spike Lee and then recreated 
after the legendary line up of Jordan III, IV, V, VI and XX. They feature a durable upper and also have elephant prints along the overlaps. They have the same features as the iconic Jordan elements of sleek look as well as comfortableness. It has a variable lace up system along with a midfoot strap. The dimensions are 12 x 9 x 5 inches. It comes in different colorways but most of them mirror the classic colorways of Air Jordan’s past.
Uses and Capabilities
The shoe has a nubuck build as well as a canvas mudguard. The shoe helps keep the design simple, clean yet cutting edge. It has black on black along with red trim along the logo, pulltabs as well as the outsole. The hybrid sneaker was originally released in 2006 and the design pulls from Air Jordan’s silhouettes from the past. These shoes were made to show appreciation to Mars Blackman and Spike’s part in how successful Air Jordan’s was quite important. The Spizikes are available in many colorways and it has plenty of models available in different colors as well as additions.
Additional Features
Whether you hate them or love them, these are the shoes that the Jordan fusion experiment love the most. Since they ended up doing very well, Nike decided to release them all over. What these shoes do is borrow from traits of six other models i.e. elephant prints, wings to hold laces in place, side panel meshes, overall silhouettes and even the eyelets. They are not on the court shoes, and are more about a fashion statement than about the sport itself.
Pros
- The upper of the sneaker does not crease,
- The colors complement the shoe and are visually appealing.
- The craftsmanship of the shoe is exquisite.
Cons
- The shoe is somewhat narrow so buy half a size bigger.
- The heel area is rigid at first.
- The traction isn’t great which makes it better suited for casual wear than basketball.
13. Nike Jordan Men’s Jumpman Pro Quick
Design and Build
The Pro Quick is made from synthetic materials and has a rubber sole. For the past few years these shoes have been 
receiving a Retro treatment and have helped create signature models. One of the first endorsers for the Jordan brand was Eddie Jones who then received three signature sneakers which were all well received. Although the original and the Retro version are both quite similar, from tech specifications plus materials, the shoe is slightly more original in its feel and use. The shoe is available in different colorways e.g. white, royal blue and black. They are constructed using tumbled leather with panels while there is mesh that lands on the tongue.
Uses and Capabilities
It also has a quick lacing system, TPU panels as well as Zoom Air cushioning. It initially made its debut in 1998 and since then has made a comeback, featuring tumbled and smooth leather upper along with mesh detailing which can be found along the tongue. Other details include the Jumpman logo on the ankle, the logo on the tongue as well as Zoom Air cushioning. It is available in classic colors and matches the iconic vault design with premium materials, creating a classic, court inspired look. The design is inspired by Jordan’s heritage and provides a pro-level design.
Additional Features
It is made from leather as well as synthetic upper which created a more durable impact especially due to its premium look and feel. It also has midfoot shank for its midfoot support as well as torsional rigidity. It comes with an encapsulated Air-sole unit which helps cushion its impact. The rubber outsole creates further traction no matter what the surface of the shoe is. The Air sole unit is also responsive and the rubber outsole adds to its durable traction, the sole unit can also be found in the heel.
Pros
- It’s a great shoe to play basketball in.
- It is true to size and fits perfectly.
- The shoe looks great.
Cons
- It does not perform well on court.
- It is not built like the original and is not made with the same materials.
- It does not have the forefoot Air Unit.
14. Jordan Men’s Air 11
Design and Build
These are made from synthetic materials and are known to be 100% authentic. They are also durable. Originally 
released in 1996, they are known for the patent leather upper. The shoes were designed by Tinker Hatfield as well as Michael Jordan himself. In fact he went so far as to say that these were his favorite Jordan shoes. The shoes use the newest technology which also serves as the technical indicator of the sneakers. Its patent leather helps add to its shiny quality which still feeling lighter and more supportive compared to other leather materials. Its carbon fiber material also adds to its midsole stability and avoids twisting and injury during exercise.
Uses and Capabilities
It has a unique style and excellent combat performance. Its ballistic mesh material is its main support material and it does not have any additional support design. The tongue is thicker which creates a good covering and lesser space to slide on the shoe, although that does result in reduced breathability, especially during summer months. The traction is enhanced through translucent rubber which is solid and does not collect any dust or debris, especially due to the traction pods which can be found at the heel or the forefoot. The carbon fiber improves stability while still keeping the shoe lightweight.
Additional Features
It has a great response system and the white upper has situated mesh lines which help create a more balanced design. While it does not have a Jump Man logo on the heels like other designs, there is one on the tongue which makes this shoe iconic. The other icon is located at the bottom of the shoes. The heel piece uses a leather system while the outsole uses the classic crustal version. It also has a large area of blue block rubber matches along with a crystal outsole. The thick lining with leather creates a great wrapping performance which makes it suitable for winter.
Pros
- It has great cushioning.
Cons
- Its breathability needs improvement.
15. Jordan Men’s DNA LX
Design and Build
It is made from 100% synthetic fibers, with a rubber outsole. Its TPU eyestays offer extra durability while the 
synthetic leather quarter panel provides great support as well as a snug fit. It has flyknit construction which creates a flexible fit as well as ventilation which further enhances comfort. It has lightweight foam which adds to its flexible cushioning underfoot. The pull tabs come on and off very easily while the rubber outsole has a traction pattern which further adds to its grip and durability. This Jordan look is lightweight and lofted with a specific Flyknit upper construction.
Uses and Capabilities
Its heritage inspired lacing system helps locks one in while the flexible foam outsole helps keep the show light. The sculpted traction pattern provides a basketball inspired design, which helps you even step on to the basketball court with confidence. It is available in a cool grey colorway while the kicks rest upon a white midsole. The upper of the LX editions is made from breathable flyknit constructions which help keep one’s feet cool and dry no matter how heated the game gets.
Additional Features
The synthetic detailing to the sidewalls helps create structural support while the unique lacing system helps make sure that it has a locked in fit. It is set on a responsive midsole which helps create the push off one needs to score well while the drippy outsole helps create steadiness on one’s feet. Furthermore, they are then completed with the metallic silver Jumpan logo to the sidewalls.
Pros
- They look great and hold up well.
- They are comfortable.
Cons
- They need to be maintained well.
