Tate Kuerbis could never know how big his Air Jordan 18 design would be in 2003. Although the sneakers themselves didn’t make waves, that year was special because it marked Michael Jordan’s final NBA game. Let’s check out the best Air Jordan 18 OG and Retro colourways of all time.
10. Air Jordan 18 OG Low “University Blue”
We all love it when Michael Jordan’s long career on the courts gets some love and inspires sneakers in his signature sneaker range, and that’s precisely what happened with these sneakers. Inspired by his time at the University of North Carolina, as part of their Tar Heels, this “University Blue” colourway is perfect for representing the school.
The design: These sneakers feature premium white leather on the upper and a stunning University Blue carbon fibre midsole that contrasts it beautifully. Matching University Blue accents are on the tongue, heel, and sock liner. The Jordan Jumpman emblem on the ankle is a stunning chrome.
What we like about it: If the gorgeous meaning behind these sneakers wasn’t enough to make us fall in love with them, the chrome Jumpman emblem on the ankle elevates them to a whole new level, making them more like a sports car than a shoe.
Release date: 2003
Where to buy it: This pair of sneakers is one of the most popular on GOAT at the moment, where you can find a pair for anywhere between $159 and $328
9. Air Jordan 18 OG “White Varsity Red”
Of all the sneakers in the range, the “White University Red” colourway is one of the pairs that drive the gorgeous home selection of themes. It reminds everyone that Kuerbis based his design for this range on beloved Italian motifs like a Lamborghini Murcielago and the incredible fashion sense that we have seen coming from Italian designers and media.
The design: As usual, the sneakers feature the gorgeous carbon fibre shank that makes up the visible parts of the midsole and rubber in the same shades as the upper, making its way up the heel. Nike uses only premium leather for these gorgeous puppies, with an extended leather panel creating a shroud covering the laces.
What we like about it: Where the previous sneakers featured a Jumpman emblem near the ankle, this pair has minimal red branding on the “shroud” that covers the laces, giving the sneakers a really sleek and motor sports-like look.
Release date: 2003
Where to buy it: These sneakers aren’t the cheapest. Of course, they are available in several stores like GOAT and StockX, but the price can range anywhere from $103 to $600.
8. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Toro”
While they only came out in later years, the Air Jordan 18 Retro “Toro” is a colourway that has a special place in everyone’s hearts as it is a pair that pictures an alternate past in which MJ’s last NBA match was still played under the Chicago Bulls banner, using their signature University Red and Black to make up the design.
The design: This pair’s design swaps out the usual leather that the range usually uses for bright red suede. Other than that, the pair takes on a similar look, with the extended shroud over the laces as the OG pairs.
What we like about it: You can’t ever go wrong with the combination of red and black, but suede on this pair instead of leather gives them a luxurious and elevated feel.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: If you shop now, grab a pair of these gorgeous luxury suede sneakers from Novelship for $378.
7. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Countdown Pack”
Although this design predates the Air Jordan 18 Retro “Toro” by at least a decade, this pair is still loved as the inverted colourway of the “Toro”. However, it is also loved for its place in the “Countdown Pack” that led up to the launch of the iconic Air Jordan 23.
The design: These sneakers have an upper made of full black suede, including the shroud over the laces. Gorgeous red detailing is also on the outsole, the carbon fibre midsole, and the sock lining.
What we like about it: The black suede upper of these sneakers, more so than any other pair in the range, makes the upper look like it is a shroud that is protecting fully rubber sneakers underneath, an idea that gives the sneakers a sleek edge.
Release date: 2008
Where to buy it: While these sneakers are available from many outlets, you can find them for a reasonable price of $244.43 (excluding shipping) from Mercari.
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6. Air Jordan 18 OG “Black Sport Royal”
You don’t get more OG than this pair, which is lauded as one of the first ever made in the Air Jordan 18 range.
The design: The upper is constructed of black suede, with Sport Royal Blue making up the inner lining and the carbon fibre shank. Hardware accents have been added to Chrome for this pair.
What we like about it: While Chrome can sometimes look like cheep plastic on sneakers, on the Air Jordan 18, each chrome element serves to elevate the sneakers to a higher standard.
Release date: 2003
Where to buy it: This colourway has been one of the OG colourways for this silhouette since it was first released in 2003, and it can be pretty expensive. For sizes that are a little more common, you can potentially find them for around $158, but for more popular sizes, like the size 10.5 on GOAT, they can set you back at least $5,000.
5. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Orange Suede”
This vibrant pair of sneakers was one of several suede pairs released in 2018 as part of Nike’s successful attempt to revive the Air Jordan 18 silhouette, celebrating a successful 15th anniversary since the sneaker was first introduced.
The design: These sneakers are a vision in orange suede, with the accents and inner lining being the same colour. In a rare show of variation, the carbon fibre midsole has been replaced by an almost translucent one that matches the rubber outsole and section, making its way up the heel.
What we like about it: The midsole variation really takes this race car-like sneaker into a sphere that is more like a luxurious dress shoe, giving the sneakers a premium element.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: Kicks Crew has pairs of these Retro basketball sneakers on sale for $378.
4. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Blue Suede”
Released at the same time as the previously mentioned pair, the sneakers are much the same, but instead of orange, they are a gorgeous wash or Racer Blue. Where the Orange pair elevates the sneakers into the lifestyle sphere, the Racer Blue colour returns it to a gorgeous racing theme. However, that might be subliminal marketing, thanks to the name.
The design: The upper is constructed of glorious Racer Blue suede, while the midsole and outsole continue the same translucent and white theme as the pairs that came out simultaneously.
What we like about it: The combination of Racer Blue, translucent, and opaque rubber has a futuristic feel, letting these sneakers tread the narrow line between the future and its Retro inspiration.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: While there are plenty of places to find your own pair of sneakers, GOAT has them on offer for between $278 and $502, depending on the size you are looking for.
3. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Yellow Suede”
For fear of sounding like a broken record after seeing the previous two pairs of sneakers, this “Yellow Suede” pair continues the gorgeous tonal look.
The design: You guessed it, these sneakers have an upper entirely made of suede, a translucent midsole, and a rubber outsole and heel section that match. Once again, even the branding and hardware on the sneakers match the tonal look.
What we like about it: The tonal look of the sneakers makes them feel like they are all one colour without actually following through in being all one colour and, therefore, looking a little obnoxious. These sneakers strike a good balance.
Release date: 2018
Where to buy it: In addition to Grailed, which has some of the most affordable used pairs of these sneakers on the market, you can also grab this pair on StockX, both of which sell for under $259.
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2. Air Jordan 18 OG “White Sport Royal”
While they might not seem out of the ordinary on paper or just by looking at them, this pair of sneakers has a very special place in basketball history. They are the exact colourway that MJ wore in his last session with the Washington Wizards, taking on three of the team’s iconic colours.
The design: The visible carbon fibre shank makes a return for this pair, bringing back the gorgeous sporty look. The upper is gorgeous premium leather in full white. At the same time, the hardware is made of metallic silver, and the accents once again feature Sport Royal blue.
What we like about it:
Release date: 2003
Where to buy it: Several options are available on different sites, but Closet Tours has options priced at $460.
1. Air Jordan 18 Retro “Veteran’s Day” Sample
There is always something special about the sneakers made when Nike represents a cause they really believe in. We have seen it with their various Doernbecher colourways and here with the Air Jordan 18 Retro “Veteran’s Day” Sample.
As the name suggests, you won’t find these sneakers in the wild because they are an exclusive sample. Jimmy Butler and Jeff Green wore them back in 2017, and the stock images of the sneakers don’t do them justice. Unfortunately, because these sneakers were never made for retail distribution, you won’t be able just to buy a pair, but a girl can dream.
The design: As opposed to materials that are usually used, like leather and suede, these sneakers boast a canvas upper that has camo motifs on them, paying homage to the many in the armed forces that we celebrate on Veteran’s Day. The midsole is semi-transparent and missing the usual carbon fibre-like detail, which has been moved to the heel area for a more convincing carbon fibre look. The colourway includes colours like “Tan”, “Sand”, “Metallic Copper Coin”, “Black” and “Sail”.
What we like about it: As we said, it is difficult not to love sneakers designed for such a noble purpose. The sneakers also have a very luxurious look, which I’m sure is only added to by their exclusivity.
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Let us know in the comments which Air Jordan 18 OG and Retro sneakers are your favourite.
