It’s definitely a great time to be a sneakerhead. Not only is Jordan Brand bringing back colourways that fans have been begging for for years, but there’s actually a better chance of snagging those pairs we’d never thought we’d own. As epic as 2025’s releases have been (so far), the 2026 lineup is looking like it’s ready to match that energy. These are the Jordan sneakers we consider the grails of 2025 and 2026.
Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”
With Jordan Brand celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we can’t really be surprised that they brought back the sneaker that started it all. Though the first Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” drop from 2025 was pretty limited, it’s set to give fans an encore during the holiday season. Find out more about the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”.
Undefeated x Air Jordan 4
Not only is the Undefeated x Jordan 4 the very first Jumpman collab to ever drop, but it’s also THE dream pair for most sneakerheads. Its return in 2025 brought with it a few subtle twists, but it was still one of this year’s most anticipated pairs. Find out more about the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4.
Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”
This very special Jordan 4 colourway ‘cemented’ itself in sneaker history when it dropped back in 1989. The colourway has had memorable moments on court, made a cameo appearance in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, and, of course, it’s been brought back at least four times by popular demand. Of course, JB would bring the colourway back for its 2025 celebrations. Find out more about the Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”.
Air Jordan 5 “Grape”
As one of the original colourways of MJ’s 5th signature shoe, the “Grape” Jordan 5 is pretty much an icon of sneaker culture. JB revived the ’90s design for its 35th milestone in 2025, and OG fans couldn’t have been happier for another chance to cop a pair. Find out more about the Air Jordan 5 “Grape”.
Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo”
Many of us thought we’d have to cough up at least four figures to secure the grail that is the Jordan 5 “Tokyo”. But JB surprised sneakerheads with a limited release of these yellow and black kicks for the AJ5’s 35th milestone year. Find out more about the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo”.
Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”
You’re already familiar with the story. Even with food poisoning, MJ managed to put up 38 points on the scoreboard to help the Chicago Bulls reach the 1997 NBA Finals. On his feet? A pair of black and red Jordan 12s that have since become known as the “Flu Games”. This grail of the Jordan 12 lineup has returned less than a handful of times over the years, including in 2025. Find out more about the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”.
Air Jordan 10 OG “Steel Grey”
You probably blinked and missed the release of the “Steel Grey” Jordan 10s back in August. These kicks came back with a bang and sold out almost instantly…yes, even with the divisive toe cap detail. If anything, the feature makes this Jordan 10 colourway that much more of a grail. Find out more about the Jordan 10 OG “Steel Grey”.
Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0”
Back in 2018, Jordan Brand dropped a Korean exclusive colourway that every sneakerhead elsewhere was envious of. Thankfully, their 2025 birthday celebrations reintroduced the “Seoul” Jordan 3, albeit as an intentionally aged 2.0 version. At the heart of it, the shoe is still the grail we all love. Find out more about the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul 2.0”.
Air Jordan 12 “Taxi”
Two Jordan 12 grails in one year is more than sneakerheads could have asked for from 2025. JB first brought back the “Flu Game” 12s, with the “Taxi” set to drop later this year. Let’s just say there’s a reason these black and white kicks are so popular. Find out more about the Air Jordan 12 “Taxi”.
Air Jordan 11 “Gamma”
The “Gamma Blue” Jordan 11s isn’t even an OG colourway, but it’s become just as much of a must-have for fans of the Tinker Hatfield-designed silhouette. It’s honestly hard to believe the shoe was once a divisive release. But, hey, time changes everything. Find out more about the Air Jordan 11 “Gamma”.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Chicago”
Jordan Brand has gone all out to celebrate 40 years of the AJ1 silhouette, including treating fans to the “Chicago” Lows. These beauties are infamous for reselling for up to four figures, so November is the perfect time to snatch up a pair. Find out more about the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Chicago”.
Air Jordan 5 “Wolf Grey”
Next year’s grail releases seem to be just as epic as the long list of hits from 2025. For instance, JB is kicking off the year with arguably one of the best AJ5 colourways of all time. The 2026 “Wolf Greys” are expected to include an OG-style “23” text on the side and the Jumpman logo on the heel. Find out more about the Air Jordan 5 “Wolf Grey”.
Air Jordan 14 “Black/University Blue”
It could be time for the Air Jordan 14 Retro Black/University Blue to get its first retro release since its 2006 debut. The black-and-Carolina-blue sneakers celebrate 20 years in 2026, and rumours suggest they could make a welcome return. Find out more about the Air Jordan 14 “Black/University Blue”.
Air Jordan 13 “Flint”
The white, grey, and blue “Flint” colourway is possibly one of the most loved in the Jordan 13 lineup. Signs point to these beauties returning in their original form early in 2026.
Virgil Abloh Archives x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska”
Off-White and Jordan Brand introduced a mostly white Jordan 1 exclusive to Europe back in 2018. Of course, their exclusivity drove up resale costs, but sneakerheads will finally get a chance to cop a similar design for a fraction of the price in 2026. The only differences are the Virgil Abloh branding and the new name. Find out more about the Virgil Abloh Archives x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Alaska”.
Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo”
The Jumpman has plenty of legendary red Jordans in its lineup, but few can top the Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo”. This fan-fave style is coming back for another round in 2026.
Air Jordan 5 “Black/University Blue”
Expect another release of the Air Jordan 5 “Black/University Blue” in 2026. This sleek colourway celebrates 20 years since its debut.
Air Jordan 8 “Chrome”
The number of “need ’ems” under posts of the Air Jordan 8 “Chrome” proves what a must-have these shoes are. JB is bringing back the non-OG colourway nearly a decade after their last release. And JB fans can’t wait.
Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue”
Another all-time great is expected back in 2026. The Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” may not have enjoyed an on-court debut on MJ’s feet back in 1988, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most loved colourways in the AJ3 line.
Air Jordan 6 “White Infrared”
Last but certainly not least, the clean “White Infrared” Jordan 6 is back for business in 2026. The colourway is one of the five original Jordan 6 releases from 1991, so expect Nike Air branding on the heel.
