Air Jordan sneakers shaped basketball and streetwear history with signature models that balanced on-court performance and off-court style. Collectors and fans debate which retros deliver the strongest mix of cultural weight, comfort, and lasting value. Vote to rank your favorites.
What counts: Best combines iconic status, wearability, and resale strength. Figures are approximate.
Air Jordan 1 Chicago▲ Rising
The 1985 original that launched the line and Michael Jordan's signature style. Its red-and-black colorway became the template for every future retro. No other model matches its instant recognizability and cultural staying power.
Release Year: 1985Original Price: $65Iconic Rating: 10/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $450
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Air Jordan 4 Bred▲ Rising
The 1989 model worn during the first three-peat run, famous for its mesh and netting. Its aggressive silhouette became the go-to for 90s hip-hop. Retro drops continue to sell out instantly.
Release Year: 1989Original Price: $100Iconic Rating: 9/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $290
added by IJR
Air Jordan 11 Concord▲ Rising
The 1995 model that defined MJ's championship era with its patent leather and icy sole. Worn during the second three-peat, it remains the cleanest dress-sneaker hybrid. Its silhouette still sets the standard for formal streetwear.
Release Year: 1995Original Price: $125Iconic Rating: 10/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $380
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Air Jordan 6 Infrared▲ Rising
The 1991 championship shoe with the bold infrared accents and pull tabs. Its sculpted lines and visible Air made it the most technical Jordan yet. Still the benchmark for performance retros.
Release Year: 1991Original Price: $110Iconic Rating: 9/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $260
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Air Jordan 3 White Cement▲ Rising
The 1988 shoe that introduced the Jumpman logo and elephant print. Spike Lee's Mars Blackmon campaign cemented its fame. Its mid-top profile and visible Air unit made it the first truly wearable Jordan for everyday use.
Release Year: 1988Original Price: $100Iconic Rating: 9/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $320
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Air Jordan 11 Space Jam▲ Rising
The 1995 model tied directly to the movie and MJ's on-screen look. Its metallic silver and royal blue combo made it instantly recognizable. Continues to drive nostalgia sales.
Release Year: 1995Original Price: $125Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $310
added by IJR
Air Jordan 1 Bred▲ Rising
The black-and-red colorway that defined the original ban story and remains the most copied Jordan ever. Its simplicity lets the silhouette shine. Every retro sells out in minutes.
Release Year: 1985Original Price: $65Iconic Rating: 9/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $380
added by IJR
Air Jordan 13 He Got Game▲ Rising
The 1997 model tied to the Spike Lee film and MJ's on-screen look. Its panther paw outsole and hologram gave it a unique identity. Retro versions remain popular.
Release Year: 1997Original Price: $130Iconic Rating: 7/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $210
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Air Jordan 12 Taxi▲ Rising
The 1996 model with the taxi-cab yellow accents that became a signature of the second three-peat. Its premium leather and sculpted lines gave it a luxury feel. Still a collector favorite.
Release Year: 1996Original Price: $125Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $280
added by IJR
Air Jordan 5 Fire Red
The 1990 model with the reflective tongue and 3M accents that caught the light on court. Its sculpted midsole and lace locks gave it a futuristic edge. Remains one of the most wearable 90s Jordans.
Release Year: 1990Original Price: $110Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 9/10Avg Resale Value: $240
added by IJR
Air Jordan 6 Carmine
The 1991 model with the bright red accents that defined the championship look. Its sculpted midsole and pull tabs made it the most technical Jordan at the time. Retro versions sell out fast.
Release Year: 1991Original Price: $110Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $240
added by IJR
Air Jordan 3 True Blue▼ Falling
The 1988 model with the clean white-and-blue palette that offered a fresh alternative to the White Cement. Its elephant print and Jumpman logo made it an instant classic. Still a go-to for everyday wear.
Release Year: 1988Original Price: $100Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $220
added by IJR
Air Jordan 4 Fire Red▲ Rising
The 1989 model with the bright red accents that popped on the court. Its mesh panels and netting gave it a distinct aggressive look. Retro versions remain staples for collectors.
Release Year: 1989Original Price: $100Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $250
added by IJR
Air Jordan 16
The 2000 model with the refined lines that aimed for a more mature look. Its premium materials and sculpted midsole made it stand out. Retro versions attract those seeking later-era Jordans.
Release Year: 2000Original Price: $145Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $140
added by IJR
Air Jordan 15
The 1999 model with the futuristic design that marked the post-championship era. Its sculpted lines and visible Air gave it a distinct look. Retro versions appeal to collectors seeking something different.
Release Year: 1999Original Price: $140Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $150
added by IJR
Air Jordan 14 Last Shot
The 1998 model worn during the final championship shot. Its Ferrari-inspired lines and sculpted midsole made it the most refined Jordan yet. Retro drops continue to attract collectors.
Release Year: 1998Original Price: $135Iconic Rating: 7/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $200
added by IJR
Air Jordan 7 Raptor▼ Falling
The 1992 model with the bold blue-and-red colorway that stood out during the first three-peat. Its sculpted lines and lace locks gave it a distinct identity. Retro versions remain in demand.
Release Year: 1992Original Price: $115Iconic Rating: 7/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $190
added by IJR
Air Jordan 1 Royal▼ Falling
The 1985 model with the blue-and-black palette that offered a royal alternative to the Chicago. Its clean lines made it an early favorite. Retro versions sell consistently.
Release Year: 1985Original Price: $65Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $320
added by IJR
Air Jordan 17
The 2001 model with the bold design that pushed the silhouette further. Its sculpted lines and unique details made it a statement shoe. Retro versions appeal to fans of early 2000s Jordans.
Release Year: 2001Original Price: $150Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $130
added by IJR
Air Jordan 22
The 2006 model with the refined lines that continued the new direction. Its premium construction and sculpted midsole made it a standout. Retro versions attract later-era collectors.
Release Year: 2006Original Price: $175Iconic Rating: 5/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $90
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Air Jordan 23
The 2007 model that closed the numbered line with a refined design. Its premium materials and sculpted midsole made it a fitting finale. Retro versions appeal to fans of the final originals.
Release Year: 2007Original Price: $180Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $120
added by IJR
Air Jordan 5 Grape
The 1990 model with the bold purple accents that stood out during the first three-peat. Its reflective tongue and lace locks gave it futuristic flair. Retro drops remain popular with collectors.
Release Year: 1990Original Price: $110Iconic Rating: 8/10Comfort Rating: 9/10Avg Resale Value: $230
added by IJR
Air Jordan 19
The 2003 model with the aggressive design that pushed boundaries. Its sculpted lines and visible Air made it a technical statement. Retro versions appeal to fans of experimental Jordans.
Release Year: 2003Original Price: $160Iconic Rating: 5/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $110
added by IJR
Air Jordan 20
The 2004 model with the refined design that closed the numbered line. Its premium materials and sculpted midsole made it a fitting finale. Retro versions attract fans of the final originals.
Release Year: 2004Original Price: $165Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $130
added by IJR
Air Jordan 18
The 2002 model with the refined lines that marked a new era. Its premium construction and sculpted midsole made it a standout. Retro versions attract later-era collectors.
Release Year: 2002Original Price: $155Iconic Rating: 6/10Comfort Rating: 8/10Avg Resale Value: $120
added by IJR
Air Jordan 21▼ Falling
The 2005 model with the bold design that started the post-numbered era. Its sculpted lines and unique details made it stand out. Retro versions appeal to fans of later Jordans.
Release Year: 2005Original Price: $170Iconic Rating: 5/10Comfort Rating: 7/10Avg Resale Value: $100
added by IJR
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Came for the argument, stayed for the comparison grid. The numbers settle half the fights here.
Wild that Air Jordan 1 Chicago is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Air Jordan 1 Chicago at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.
This is the most honest version of this ranking I've seen anywhere. The pros and cons are fair.