Whether it’s timeless designs like the OG “Steel” or modern favourites like the Jordan 10 Retro “Drake OVO White”, this model’s colourways are sure to stir up some excitement. So, let’s look at some of the best Air Jordan 10 OG and Retro colourways out there.
A Bit of AJ10 History
At the height of his glory in 1993, aged 30 and fresh from clinching his third consecutive NBA championship title with the Bulls, Michael Jordan took a surprising hiatus from basketball. At this point in his life, Jordan was grappling with the pressures of his immense fame, the emotional trauma from his father’s death and personal burnout due to his relentless performance on the court. This led to his decision to retire from basketball and try his hand at a baseball career.
During his hiatus, Nike didn’t hesitate to continue celebrating the champ and unveiled the Air Jordan 10 in 1994. This particular model featured a distinct touch that commemorated MJ’s outstanding achievements – the outsole detailed a timeline of 10 remarkable milestones from each year of his career.
The timeline began in 1985, marking his win of the Rookie of the Year award, and culminated in a 1994 line that read “Beyond.” In addition to its notable outsole detail, this unique shoe provided a complete package with its speed-lacing system, full-length Air cushioning in the midsole, and flex grooves for impeccable court traction.
When Jordan surprised everyone by returning to the NBA in March 1995, he donned the Air Jordan 10 and took on the number 45, as his iconic number 23 was retired by the Bulls during his absence.
Funnily enough, MJ didn’t wholeheartedly approve of the Air Jordan 10 design. Despite preliminary discussions with designer Tinker Hatfield, the final design didn’t please MJ.
Regardless of his reservations about the design, Jordan’s debut performance in the Air Jordan 10 was nothing short of astounding. In his very first game after returning to the court, he delivered a remarkable 55-point serving in New York City on 28 March 1995, now famously dubbed the “double nickel” game.
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10. Jordan 10 Retro “Linen”
Released back in 2005, the Air Jordan 10 “Linen” boasts a colour palette that’s as unique in the AJ 10 lineup as it is elusive. While there hasn’t been a second release since we wholeheartedly believe this sneaker is more than deserving of one.
The design: The shoe features an upper crafted from “Linen” canvas with white leather overlays on the mudguard and side panels for colour and textural contrast. Stunning blue accents then add a pleasing pop of colour to its otherwise subtle palette.
What we like about it: Although the Jordan 10 Retro “Linen” might not be as popular as its counterparts on this list, its understated aesthetic and versatility most certainly warrant a nod. Sure, it might not be crowned the best Air Jordan 10 colourway to date, but the understated colour combo throughout allows the stunning materials and exceptional detailing to take centre stage.
Release date: 2005
Where to buy it: These kicks were released in limited quantities on 23 July 2005. So, it might take some effort to find a pair in your size and in good shape. That said, you can try hunting for them on eBay, FlightCub, GOAT, or StockX. The prices typically range from $73 USD to a whopping $1,695, depending on the size. Thus, we recommend comparing prices across platforms to get the best deal available.
9. Jordan 10 Retro “Light Smoke Grey”
First making its debut at the 2018 Jordan Brand Classic, the “Light Smoke Grey,” also known as the “Cement” colourway, is a distinctive addition to the Air Jordan 10 lineup. It borrows the notable cement paint splatter graphic from the Air Jordan 4 “White/Cement” and spreads it all over the upper for an expressive and daring design.
The design: The distinct colourway comprises a grey leather upper that boasts black and white specks, perfectly offset by black accents on the leather tongue and laces. The dual-tone insoles are a surprising element, with a white colour scheme and a 23 imprint on the left shoe, while the right showcases a black insole with a red Jumpman on. Additionally, the inner side of the tongue carries a multi-coloured cross-stitch Air Jordan Collection patch.
What we like about it: While the speckling on the upper could be overwhelming for some, the well-thought-out colour blocking gives off a balanced and clean look to the overall design. It might not top everyone’s list of best Air Jordan 10 colourways, but its one-of-a-kind look certainly makes it a standout.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: You can find the “Light Smoke Grey” in various sizes on eBay, FlightClub, GOAT, or StockX. Prices fluctuate from $255 to $2,008 USD, so always check multiple platforms for the best deal in terms of quality and price.
8. Jordan 10 Retro “Ice Blue”
Back in 2005, the UNC Tarheels took to the court in this exquisite AJ 10 colourway fondly referred to as the “Ice Blues”. Right off the bat, the colour scheme was a hit with sneaker enthusiasts. But due to their limited availability, these stylish shoes became even more of a coveted item. One unique feature of these shoes was a label on the insole, indicating that the upper was made from cow leather, quite a rare trait for Jordans of that time.
The design: This pair showcases a crisp white leather base contrasted by navy blue accents and signature “Ice Blue” lacing straps. Underneath, the obsidian blue and ice blue striped design adds a stylish finish.
What we like about it: The use of cow leather, which is not typical for Jordans of this era, grants the upper a unique texture that sets it apart from other retros. Of course, this unique selling point goes hand in hand with a timeless, clean colour scheme – perfect, whether or not Tarheels are on your support list.
Release date: 2005
Where to buy it: This exceptional colourway is available in a range of sizes on leading marketplaces like eBay, FlightClub, GOAT, KicksCrew, and StockX. Prices range from $375 to $873 USD, size-dependent, of course.
7. Jordan 10 OG “New York Knicks”
The “New York Knicks” colourway is certainly a standout piece of the City Pack commemorating five NBA teams: the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Seattle Supersonics, and Orlando Magic. Even if your loyalty doesn’t lie with the Knicks, it’s hard not to be drawn to the stunning marriage of white, blue, and a hint of orange on this cool sneaker.
The design: The design celebrates simplicity with a clean white leather upper mingling with contrasting black leather overlays. Also featuring are “Royal Blue” and “Orange Flame” accents, beautifully capturing the characteristic hues of the New York Knicks jerseys.
What we like about it: Colour schemes inspired by NBA teams will always be a hit with basketball fans. Even if you aren’t particularly rooting for the Knicks, this sneaker’s stylish blend of white, blue, and orange is still worthy of appreciation.
Release date: 1995
Where to buy it: These kicks can be found on eBay, GOAT, Modsens, Sotheby’s and StockX for as low as $375 USD.
6. Jordan 10 OG “Steel”
While Michael Jordan had taken a break from the basketball court, the Air Jordan 10 OG ‘Steel’ preparations were in full swing. So, when the legend announced his comeback for the ’94-’95 season, the AJ10 was ready for action. Although Jordan chose to sport this colourway just once due to a design element he was not quite fond of, it still holds a significant place in the narrative of his return. Despite being a “general release”, this colourway is unusually hard to come by, making it an intriguing rarity.
The design: The Steel 10 is characterised by a crisp white leather upper, complemented by a duo-tone outsole in shades of black and grey. Notably, this was the first and only Air Jordan 10 to feature a particular design element — two strips of leather on the toe cap — that MJ disliked, and he requested its removal from subsequent releases.
What we like about it: This may be a controversial entry, but even though the pair features a design detail that his Airness was not a fan of, it adds a unique touch to the shoe that sets it apart from every other Air Jordan 10 colourway.
Release date: 1994
Where to buy it: A size 9.5 of the OG colourway is available on StockX for $1,250 USD, while GOAT has sizes 7.5 to 11.5 available for a fraction of that price. eBay and Sotheby’s also offer a few OG versions. You can also cop a 2005 or 2013 Retro release without the tonal leather toe cap from the same sites.
5. Jordan 10 Retro “Doernbecher”
The Air Jordan 10 Retro “Doernbecher” was birthed by the imaginative mind of Daniel Pena, a young patient with haemophilia who found his creative outlet through the Doernbecher Freestyle programme. This initiative gives children under medical care a platform to fashion new Nike merchandise.
The design: You can’t help but notice the red detailing on the uppermost part of the shoe, a nod to Pena’s battle with haemophilia. This design also features a heel tab with a tyre tread pattern, capturing his love for BMX. Pena included glossy stealth camo prints symbolising his passion for video games and a mixed red-purple translucent outsole for an additional personal flare. Let’s not forget the designer’s initials, ‘DP’, displayed on the upper ankle area.
What we like about it: It’s impossible not to admire the fine detailing and personalised design that goes into making Nike’s special Doernbecher releases. These young patients consistently manage to translate their unique experiences and interests onto these sneakers, with Pena’s creation being one of the best spots in 2013. The sheer build-up of its distinctive features alone makes it one of the best designs in our collection of Air Jordan 10 shoes.
Release date: 2013
Where to buy it: You can get these meaningful sneakers from eBay, FlightClub, GOAT, KicksCrew, StockX, or UrbanNecessities. Prices vary depending on the size, with some pairs available for as low as $199 USD and others priced at $2000 USD and above.
4. Jordan 10 Retro “Cool Grey”
Every iconic Air Jordan design eventually finds its way into a “Cool Grey” rendition, and in 2018, it was the AJ 10’s turn. What sets this sneaker apart, however, are the colourful patches on the sole’s traction pattern—each symbolising a rival bested by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls on their journey to six NBA titles.
The design: This pair’s characteristics include grey tumbled leather and nubuck on the upper areas, a subtly branded tongue and insole, and an embroidered Jumpman logo on the heel. The look is completed with a “Cement Grey” midsole atop a vibrant rubber outsole.
What we like about it: We appreciate how this pair doubles down to pay homage to MJ’s impressive record, going beyond just the signature outsole design. The multi-coloured detailing on the outsole brings a simple yet stylish touch to the otherwise monochromatic grey colour scheme.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: This sneaker is available at eBay, FlightClub, and StockX. It costs between $235 and $2,008 USD.
3. Jordan 10 Retro “PSNY Red”
During their 2015 New York City fashion show, Public School NY unveiled the much-admired Air Jordan 10 “PSNY” alongside a notable black pair. Sadly, this exclusive colourway was an elusive dream for most sneakerheads as it was exclusively marketed to select ‘Friends or Family’ of the two brands. Hence, finding this pair for sale can be pretty challenging.
The design: This winning Air Jordan 10 design boasts a colour scheme inspired by the Chicago Bulls, combining premium black and red leather on the upper body. The vibrant colour combo extends even to the outsole. Unique design details include the ‘PSNY’ branding on the back pull tabs, while the insole cleverly lists the label’s significant milestones, much like MJ’s accomplishments inscribed on the Jordan 10’s outsole.
What we like about it: You can’t help but notice the bold red and black design. It’s just so striking and stylish. Plus, its clever insole detail solidifies its spot as one of the best Air Jordan 10 designs out there.
Release date: 2015
Where to buy it: Although finding a pair in your size might be a bit of a task, you can still get lucky with limited sizes of the Jordan 10 Retro “PSNY Red” available on resale websites like FlightClub, GOAT, and StockX.
2. Jordan 10 Retro “Drake OVO White”
Back in 2015, Drake’s October’s Very Own (“OVO”) label teamed up with the Air Jordan 10 to deliver a fresh take on the famed model. The stylish OVO x Air Jordan 10 Retro ‘White’ made its exclusive debut alongside a black version at an OVO pop-up store in Los Angeles in April of that year. To the surprise of sneaker enthusiasts, there was a limited re-release in September 2015, and a restock on the OVO app the following year, giving fans another chance to covet the highly sought-after collaboration.
The design: This sneaker is all about refined class. It boasts an attractive tonal look crafted from premium tumbled off-white leather and faux stingray, all capped off with a clear outsole. The gold-embellished Jumpman logo at the heel and “Jordan 23” on the tongue add a touch of luxury to this stunner.
What we like about it: There’s nothing like a white shoe adorned with gold accents to scream ultimate luxury. But these go even harder with their mix of materials and textures.
Release date: 2015
Where to buy it: You can add these white beauties to your collection from eBay, FlightClub, GOAT, Sotheby’s, or StockX in a range of sizes. Prices start at around $300 but can escalate to a staggering $2,008 USD, depending on size availability.
1. Jordan 10 Retro SoleFly (Friends and Family)
The 10th Anniversary of Miami’s sneaker boutique, SoleFly, was marked by a notable collaboration with Jordan Brand. To commemorate both their own journey and Super Bowl LIV, they released an exclusive Air Jordan 10 as part of a special capsule collection. A handful of these was auctioned off for the Overtown Optimist Club’s youth programs, making this yet another Jordan 10 design created for a good cause. However, the rest were gifted to friends and family members of SoleFly and Jordan Brand, making this particular design exceedingly rare.
The design: The sneaker features a crisp white base with eye-catching orange and black detailing. A special tribute to SoleFly’s glorious decade is marked with a unique 10th-anniversary label tucked behind the tongue, and the Roman numeral for 10 ( which is ‘X’) is imprinted around the mudguard section. Polished black leather inners and dual branding on the heel add to the overall allure of the shoe.
What we like about it: Special features like the 10-year mark label and Roman numeral pattern add an extra layer to an already stunning colour combo. These kicks are certainly unique and appealing.
Release date: 2020
Where to buy it: Scoring a pair of these limited-edition sneakers isn’t easy, and they don’t come cheap. You might find a few sizes on Modsens and StockX. However, be prepared to spend a hefty sum, with prices starting from $1,295.
Which OG and Retro Air Jordan 10 colourways are the best of all time? Let us know in the comments below! Also, check out our Best Air Jordan 18 OG & Retro Colourways list.
