I Bought Every Air Jordan Sneaker That’s Released

Embark on a remarkable journey through sneaker history as we explore every single Air Jordan model ever released, from the iconic Jordan 1 to the latest Jordan 39. This collection showcases decades of innovation, design evolution, and cultural impact, celebrating Michael Jordan's enduring legacy both on and off the court. It's a testament to how one athlete's footwear became a global phenomenon.

The Genesis: Air Jordan 1-6

The story begins with the Jordan 1, released in 1984/1985 and designed by Peter Moore. Its "Chicago" and "Bred" colourways famously broke NBA uniform rules, leading to fines for Jordan, which Nike used as a marketing opportunity.

Next, the Jordan 2 (1986), designed by Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore, aimed for a more luxurious feel. Made in Italy, it notably lacked a Swoosh, positioning it as a lifestyle shoe.

The Jordan 3 (1988/1989) marked a significant shift, being the first designed by Tinker Hatfield. It introduced the iconic Jumpman logo and a visible air pocket. This era also saw the famous Spike Lee campaigns.

In 1989, the Jordan 4, also by Tinker Hatfield, brought mesh panels and distinctive wing eyelets. This model gained fame when Jordan wore it during "The Shot," a game-winning play.

The Jordan 5 (1990) was the first to feature lace locks and translucent soles. Its design took inspiration from the P-51 Mustang fighter jet, visible in the shark teeth-like details on the midsole.

Finally, the Jordan 6 (1991), another Tinker Hatfield creation, was on Jordan's feet when he won his first NBA title. It featured a moulded heel tab and was the last model to show a visible air unit and Nike Air branding on the exterior.

Mid-Era Evolution: Air Jordan 7-14

The Jordan 7 (1992) was the first model released after Jordan's initial NBA championship. It drew inspiration from West African tribal art and notably removed the visible air unit.

Released in 1993, the Jordan 8 introduced cross-straps for a more secure fit. This shoe was part of Jordan's first "three-peat" championship run.

The Jordan 9 (1993/1994) was the first model to debut after Jordan's initial retirement from the NBA. Its design was inspired by the baseball cleats Jordan wore during his minor league career.

In 1995, the Jordan 10 was released as a tribute to Michael Jordan's basketball career while he pursued baseball. A unique feature is the list of his career achievements on the outsole.

The Jordan 11 (1995), another Tinker Hatfield design, introduced patent leather and a carbon fibre plate to basketball footwear. It's famously associated with the 72-10 season and the film "Space Jam."

The Jordan 12 (1996) took design cues from a women's dress boot and the Japanese flag. It was the first Jordan to feature Zoom Air cushioning and is legendary for the "Flu Game" performance.

Inspired by a panther's predatory instincts, the Jordan 13 (1997) featured a holographic "cat eye" and an outsole resembling a panther's paw.

Lastly, the Jordan 14 (1998) was the first to have silver lace tips with a Jumpman logo. Each pair features seven Jumpman logos, totalling 14 across both shoes. Jordan wore a version of this shoe during his iconic "Last Shot."

The New Millennium: Air Jordan 15-23

The Jordan 15 (1999) drew inspiration from the X-15 fighter jet, known for its speed. It featured a woven Kevlar upper and hidden speed lacing.

Designed by Wilson Smith III, the Jordan 16 (2001) is notable for its removable magnetic shroud or gaiter, allowing for different looks. It had a high retail price for its time.

The Jordan 17 (2002), also by Wilson Smith III, was worn by Jordan during his return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards. It came in premium packaging, including a metal case.

Released in 2003, the Jordan 18 was designed by Tate Kerbis, blending elements of Italian dress shoes with race car aesthetics. This model marked Michael Jordan's second final season in the NBA.

The Jordan 19 (2004) was inspired by the black mamba snake, featuring a unique Tech-Flex material on the upper. For many, this model holds a special place due to its distinctive design.

The Jordan 20 (2005), designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith, aimed to represent Jordan's career. It featured a unique strap adorned with over 200 icons symbolising his journey.

The Jordan 21 (2006) was known for its luxury design and customizable features, taking inspiration from the Bentley Continental GT.

In 2007, the Jordan 22 was released, drawing inspiration from the F-22 Raptor Jet. It featured a titanium shank and variable lacing.

The Jordan 23 (2008), designed by Tinker Hatfield, was a landmark release due to Jordan's jersey number. It included unique details like Jordan's signature on the toe box and his thumbprint on the tongue, and was one of Jordan Brand's first sustainable sneakers.

Modern Innovations: Air Jordan 24-39

From 2009, Jordan Brand temporarily moved away from Roman numerals. The Jordan 24 (also known as the Air Jordan 2009) was designed by Jason Mayden and featured Articulated Propulsion Technology.

Released in 2010, the Jordan 25 (Air Jordan 2010), designed by Tinker Hatfield, included transparent sections for ventilation, paying tribute to the brand's 25th anniversary.

The Jordan 26 (Air Jordan 2011), by Tinker Hatfield and Tom Ludki, offered interchangeable insoles, allowing players to choose between "quick" or "explosive" cushioning.

Perhaps the most customisable, the Jordan 27 (Air Jordan 2012) came with a massive box and multiple interchangeable components, including three different insoles and inner booties, offering six performance variations.

Returning to Roman numerals, the Jordan 28 (2013), designed by Tinker Hatfield and Josh Herd, featured a distinctive zip-up shroud and a new Flight Plate technology.

The Jordan 29 (2014) introduced the world's first performance woven upper for a basketball shoe and was the lightest Jordan model at the time.

Released in 2015, the Jordan 30 (XXX in Roman numerals) presented a futuristic, cosmic-themed design with Flight Speed technology.

The Jordan 31 (2016), designed by Tate Kerbis, was the first Jordan shoe to feature the Jumpman, Wings, and Swoosh logos all on one sneaker.

With design cues from the Jordan 2, the Jordan 32 (2017) incorporated Flight Speed technology and Zoom Air cushioning, being the first model released simultaneously in high and low versions.

In 2018, the Jordan 33 introduced the FastFit laceless system, allowing users to tighten and release the shoe with a simple pull.

The Jordan 34 (2019) was the lightest Jordan at its release, featuring the all-new Eclipse plate for enhanced propulsion.

Released in 2020, the Jordan 35 included the Eclipse plate 2.0 and a tongue design inspired by the Jordan 5. It's been worn by prominent players like Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum.

The Jordan 36 (2021) continued the focus on lightness, featuring a Zoom Air Strobel unit and taking inspiration from the Jordan 6.

In 2022, the Jordan 37 arrived with a Huarache-style boot and a unique knit upper, prioritising lightness and agility for on-court performance.

The Jordan 38 (2023) featured an X-plate on the outsole, inspired by the straps of the Jordan 8, and its upper showcased embroidery referencing Michael Jordan's 1993 NBA playoff run.

Finally, the Jordan 39 (2024), the most recent public release, pays homage to the Jordan 9. Like its modern predecessors, its design is entirely focused on delivering optimal performance, stability, and agility for today's athletes.

Key Takeaways from the Air Jordan Legacy

• The Air Jordan line consistently pushed boundaries in sneaker design and technology, adapting to Michael Jordan's evolving needs and the demands of basketball performance.