When looking at popular silhouettes within the Air Jordan range, Michael Jordan’s signature sneaker line with Nike, the Air Jordan 19, often doesn’t get the love and attention that it deserves. Because they have received little love in recent years, we decided to spotlight and rank the best Air Jordan 19 OG and Retro sneaker colourways ever made.
Brief History Of The Air Jordan 19
These gorgeous sneakers were primarily designed by Tate Kuerbis but with support from other designers like Jason Mayden, Josh Heard, Suzette Henri, and Wilson Smith, with a few elements that you will see throughout the shoes that unite them as a sneaker range. The range was inspired by one of Michael Jordan’s nicknames on the court, Black Cat, which in turn inspired the design team to incorporate qualities of one of the most venomous African snakes around, the Black Mamba. The sneakers are sleek and feature wavy patterns stitched into the upper.
Many feature a tech-flex lace cover with a weave that emulates the patterns of a snake. The tech-flex lace cover is lightweight and flexible, and it bends and stretches easily over the sneakers’ laces. As always, a little bit of elite sportscar is also peppered into the design of the sneakers, with the chrome or metallic Jumpman logo on the collar reminding us of the emblem often seen on prestigious car models. Without further ado, let’s look at these gorgeous Air Jordan 19 OG and Retro sneakers.
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1. Air Jordan 19 Retro “Flint”
It’s easy to see why this pair is a fan favourite, as it emulates the OG colourway of the same name from 2004, staying pretty true to the original design, with a couple of changes like hints of red that separate it from the original and make it clear that it is a Retro.
The design: These sneakers feature a white patent leather upper with a Tech Flex braided sleeve. Of course, the tooling throughout the sneakers comprises a lightweight Phylon foam midsole, and Nike has perfectly embedded their Zoom Air cushioning inside.
What we like about it: While Flint is the namesake and makes up the accents of the sneakers throughout, the majority of the sneakers are white, which makes for a gorgeous pair of sneakers; you can easily see why these sneakers are a favourite.
Release date: 2019
Where to buy it: It should come as no surprise that these sneakers are the top-selling pair of Air Jordan 19 sneakers on GOAT, where you can find a fine selection of pairs for anywhere between $338 to $599.
2. Air Jordan 19 Retro “Countdown Pack”
These sneakers mirror the gorgeous inspiration of the Black Mamba while sprinkling in a little bit of red because who doesn’t love a good Nike “Bred” moment? The sneakers are a tribute to the animal as much as to Michael Jordan, who earned the nickname Black Cat thanks to his agility and stealth on the court.
The design: The upper of these sneakers features black tech-flex with a matching patent leather overlay over the toe. The colour is maintained throughout the full-length Phylon midsole and wrapping around the back of the sneakers. At the same time, Varsity Red details are present on the outsole and the inner lining of the sneakers.
What we like about it: As said earlier, who doesn’t love a good Nike “Bred” moment? The colours work so beautifully together; they were meant to be enjoyed and loved, mainly when featured on the same pair of sneakers.
Release date: 2008
Where to buy it: Sizes and availability for these sneakers vary depending on where you look, but Kicks Crew has pairs for $877.
3. Air Jordan 19 OG “Flint”
Speaking of the infamous original “Flint” pair that preceded the 2019 Retro release, the 2004 OG is also one of the best colourways, especially on sneaker resale sites.
The design: The sneakers feature the silhouette’s signature tech-flex lace cover over a gorgeous, buttery smooth white leather upper, with a matching white midsole placed over a Flint grey upper.
What we like about it: White and grey together have a sort of clinical, almost futuristic feel, and despite first entering the sneaker scene 20 years ago, it still maintains that futuristic scene.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: You can find these gorgeous sneakers on StockX for $431, but just be careful to check that the pair has all the details of an OG and that you don’t end up buying a Retro pair when you aren’t looking for one.
4. Air Jordan 19 OG SE “Olympic”
As Nike’s “Olympic” sneakers usually do, these were released at the same time as the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens. They have a gorgeous White/Metallic Gold/Midnight Navy colourway that elevates them to a new level.
The design: The upper is composed mainly of supple white leather. The sneakers also feature blue leather over the toe and a rare canvas collar lining. The usually silver eyelets and Jumpman logo have been replaced by gold for this pair. One of the most significant changes to the design is that the sneakers are missing the tech-flex lace cover. Still, the sneakers are frankly gorgeous, even without it.
What we like about it: This pair’s lack of tech-flex lace cover sets it apart from its brethren, making its already special edition status even more powerful.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: Finding a pair of these unique edition sneakers can be difficult. However, Novelship has a pair available for $586.
5. Air Jordan 19 OG SE “Black Metallic Gold”
They just don’t make sneakers the way they used to. This pair is simple, sleek, and absolutely gorgeous. It chooses to drop some of the details that the silhouette is known for, but the sneakers are no less gorgeous for it.
The design: This premium pair is fashioned gorgeously out of black leather, with some black patent leather making up the front of the sneakers over the toe. This pair also drops the tech-flex lace cover, instantly offering the sneakers a premium look. An olive crest SE badge is embroidered onto the heel, ensuring everyone can instantly recognise them for their exclusive nature.
What we like about it: Black sneakers are always worth the hype in my book. Combine that with the luxurious metallic gold in this colourway, and you have a winning combination. Still, these sneakers look like they would belong to a millionaire.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: Despite their status as an exclusive sneaker, finding a pair of these is relatively easy, with pairs available for as little as $60 on GOAT and $63 on Mercari.
6. Air Jordan 19 SE “Gary Payton Boston Celtics” PE
We don’t love adding player-exclusive sneakers to lists like this because it isn’t a pair you can find on any site or own yourself, purely because many of these sneakers are owned only by the person they were made for or their family. That doesn’t mean they aren’t gorgeous or that some of the best colourways have been considered at Nike headquarters.
This pair of gorgeous sneakers reminds me of Gary Payton’s short stint playing for the Boston Celtics in the NBA in 2004 as a Jordan Brand athlete. They are a player-exclusive colourway that he wore on the court.
The design: These sneakers are primarily constructed of supple white leather, adding in the colours of the Boston Celtics in the form of green and metallic gold, the former appearing on the patent leather toe, the inner lining, and the outsole, while the latter makes up the eyelets, a section of the outsole, and the Jumpman logo on the sides, but the logo on the back remains silver.
What we like about it: The Boston Celtics colours on the Air Jordan 19 sneakers are just an angelic combination that works well together while being a clear nod to the Irish theme behind the Celtics.
7. Air Jordan 19 OG “West Coast”
As the name suggests, these sneakers were part of the OG regional releases that first hit shelves in 2004 and are the sister of the “East Coast” pair. The original pairs were later Retro-ed to return their magical touch to the Air Jordan 19 range.
The design: Largely constructed of premium white leather, which is complemented by shiny black patent leather covering the toe area as well as making up the border that surrounds the tech-flex lace cover, matched by the black Jumpman logo on the side of the strap that makes up the lace covering, as well as the majority of the outsole.
What we like about it: The contrast between the buttery white leather of the upper and the shiny black patent leather over the front of the sneakers is gorgeous and makes for a desirable look.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: These sneakers are relatively easy to come by, but you will definitely be paying more for them now that they have been making the rounds for the last twenty years than they would have been. However, $330 on StockX isn’t too expensive for this gorgeous pair of sneakers.
8. Air Jordan 19 OG “Bred”
You already know what I am about to say, especially after looking at the Air Jordan 19 Retro “Countdown Pack.” We love a gorgeous black and red moment. The colour combination is one of Nike’s most famous and permeates most of the Jordan Brand range. On the Air Jordan 19 silhouette, the “Bred” colourway is one of the first made for the range, being the debut colourway.
The design: The upper is constructed chiefly of buttery smooth premium black leather, with the toe box area covered in shiny patent leather instead. The tech-flex lace cover, barring the actual tech-flex section, is bordered by a softer material that makes up the loop that wraps around the sneakers.
What we like about it: Understated and gorgeous, the “Bred” colourway speaks for itself and is gorgeous on any silhouette/
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: Surprisingly, considering these sneakers were the debut colourway, they can be found through many different online and second-hand outlets, including GOAT, where you can find pairs for as little as $30 and as much as $558.
9. Air Jordan 19 OG “East Coast”
As mentioned earlier, the Air Jordan 19 OG “East Coast” sneakers were part of the original regional exclusive release that debuted in 2004 and, as the name suggests, was released for the East Coast. The best part about these sneakers is that they show a little bit of regional patriotism, with sneakerheads in the US proudly able to represent their own region on the streets or on the court.
The design: Constructed of gorgeous white leather, these sneakers’ accents are formed with the help of shiny, navy patent leather overlays that extend from the toe area onto the border of the tech-flex lace cover, the centre of which is white to match the rest of the sneakers. The Navy then extends over the toe and onto the outsole, complemented by red touches on accents like the Jumpman logo and the inner lining.
What we like about it: Aside from the beloved combination of white and Navy, a gorgeous look, the regional history of these sneakers makes them exciting and gives them a bit more history.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: You can easily find a pair of these gorgeous sneakers through many outlets, like Kicks Crew, which is available for $555.
10. Air Jordan 19 OG Low “Black Cement”
It’s rare to see elephant-print leather permeating other silhouettes besides the Air Jordan 3, which arguably popularised the colourway. Still, you can’t deny that it is gorgeous when it does. The change of pace is a welcomed one, working to give the sneaker a different feel to the rest of the sneakers in its range, almost as if they were a completely different silhouette.
The design: Exploring a bit of a low-cut version of the silhouette, the most noticeable change in the design for this pair is that the tech-flex lace cover has been left off, and instead of the usual patent leather toe area, these sneakers boast a toe that is majority crafted from the same leather as the rest of the upper. Like the beloved AJ3 sneakers, it features a mudguard with a cement-like elephant-print section.
What we like about it: The different design elements of the sneakers, lowering the silhouette, losing the lace cover, and changing things up with the added mudguard at the front really help these sneakers stand apart from the crowd.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: You can add these gorgeous low-silhouette sneakers to your collection by shopping them on Novelship for $585.
11. Air Jordan 19 OG Low “White Cement”
This is another gorgeous low variation of the Air Jordan 19 sneakers featuring the elephant print along the toe. These are the white variations of the previously mentioned black sneakers, and each is loved, especially by sneakerheads who love to wear sneakers that match slightly.
The design: The sneakers are gorgeous white leather, with black accents on the laces and the outsole. Of course, the toe area features a strip of elephant-print leather, which gives the sneakers their name. Additionally, the tech-flex lace cover is missing.
What we like about it: The lower silhouette still maintains the signature Air Jordan 19 look, even without the patent leather toe and the lace cover. The elephant-print leather adds a gorgeous little touch, making the sneakers unique.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: While these sneakers are available from independent sellers on eBay, pairs are also available on GOAT for between $140 and $400.
12. Air Jordan 19 OG SE “West Coast”
We’ve already seen the OG “West Coast” on this list, but Nike and Jordan Brand also made a stunning OG Special Edition “West Coast” colourway with a little more pizazz. The design has changed thanks to inspiration from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The design: Forgoing the tech-flex lace cover of the non-special edition pair and changing up the colours, the Air Jordan 19 OG SE “West Coast” pair swaps out black throughout the sneakers for Varsity purple and, of course, the Zoom Air cushioning within the midsole of the sneakers.
What we like about it: These sneakers evoke some of the more gorgeous and exclusive Air Jordan 19 models that came after them, elevating their special edition status to a premium one. And they just look absolutely gorgeous.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: You can find select sizes for these sneakers on Kicks Crew for $580.
13. Air Jordan 19 OG SE “East Coast”
Much like the particular edition version of the “West Coast” colourway, this pair presents a pair that is similar to the OG “East Coast” pair but has a few extra additions and subtractions.
The design: Once again, forgoing the tech-flex lace covering was an intelligent choice for these sneakers. It removed the sneakers’ futuristic element and replaced it with a premium element. The colourway also adds grey patent leather on the toe and chrome on the Jumpman logo to elevate the pair.
What we like about it: The added touch of grey makes these sneakers stunning, and the difference between the OG and the special edition pair is that it is well worth adding both to your sneaker collection.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: There aren’t many pre-owned sneaker outlets that sell these sneakers; however, you can find them through individual sellers like coolshoeshinedotcom on eBay for $139.99.
14. Air Jordan 19 OG “Midwest”
You didn’t think Nike would leave the Midwest out of the regional releases, right? As part of their regional inspirations pack, they are joining the East Coast and West Coast and representing the sneaker community in the Midwest.
The design: This pair, much like the other OG regional pairs, has its white tech-flex lace cover that matches the white leather of the sneakers, which looks gorgeous on this pair, surrounded by Varsity Red patent leather that makes its way down the lace cover and onto the toe area of the sneakers. The red is also present on the inner lining and the outsole, which features elements of grey.
What we like about it: We always pay a lot of attention and love to black and red colourways, but this white and red colourway is similarly gorgeous and gives off the same premium, slightly vampy feel despite being much lighter.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: These pairs are available at extremely varying price points on several sites. GOAT has a couple of sizes available for between $160 and $323, while sites like Kicks Crew have them for $676.
15. Air Jordan 19 OG Low “Obsidian Vapor”
These sneakers are similar to the “Cement” pairs but without the elephant print that makes them part of that collection. The Air Jordan 19 OG Low “Obsidian Vapor” was released more as a lifestyle option than a sports sneaker, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have all the capabilities of the sports variations. This pair has some alterations like a quick-lace system, flex groove outsole and full-length cushioning to make them perfect for those who need a good pair of comfortable and supportive sneakers that are still gorgeous.
The design: Swapping out the usual buttery leather, this pair takes on black suede instead, with the usual wavy pattern on the upper almost blending into the plush suede. Much like the “Cement” pairs, this pair features a strip of leather on the front and black that bears the “Vapor” colour for the colourway and also makes an appearance on the inner lining of the tongue.
What we like about it: It’s incredible to see Jordan Brand breaking the mould a little and making a gorgeous pair of sneakers based on a lifestyle approach, giving Nike customers more options. Also, we love how the Air Jordan 19 looks in almost full suede.
Release date: 2004
Where to buy it: Stocks of these sneakers are relatively limited, and a simple search for them doesn’t yield much. That being said, StockX always has your back when in doubt, and they have a pair available for $171.
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Which is your favourite Air Jordan 19 OG and Retro sneaker colourway?
