From the moment the Nike Air Jordan 2 sneakers hit the market in 1986, they quickly became a fan-favourite (well, kind of). With their sleek Italian design and over three decades of wear available in many different colourways, it can be hard to pick a favourite. To help you choose which one is best for you, here is a list of 15 of the best Air Jordan 2 sneaker colourways of all time, ranked!
1. Air Jordan 2 “Legends of Summer”
The “Legends of Summer” is one of the most coveted sneakers of all time. This exclusive colourway, produced for Justin Timberlake’s 2013 tour with Jay-Z, boasts an all-red look combining suede, metallic snakeskin details, glossy quarter panels and a clear rubber outsole. This exquisite design combination makes the sneaker truly stand out.
2. Doernbecher x Air Jordan 2
This J2 holds an iconic place in sneaker lore as the first Air Jordan model featured in Nike’s annual Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. This particular design, released in 2007 and created by Sheridan Brenton of the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, is unique for its black and yellow trim, along with a green paisley pattern. Additionally, a bible verse near and dear to Sheridan— Proverbs 8:28— is embroidered on the tongue, making this Air Jordan 2 one of the rarest and most sought-after sneakers ever released.
3. Air Jordan 2 Retro Iron Purple
Stylish, eye-catching, and distinctly unique, the AJ2 Retro Iron Purple is geared towards wearers who are looking to stand out with their look. The upper helpfully combines both nubuck and full-grain leather materials and features a contrast between light lavender and animal print/dark concord sections. The classic Air Jordan Wings logo appears on the tongue in vivid red, while the Nike name appears in red on the back of the high-top area, accompanied by a similarly coloured Jordan name on the sole. Lastly, the laces and outsole feature an orange-speckled vibrant purple, elevating this original design into something truly one of a kind.
4. Air Jordan 2 x A Ma Maniére
James Whitner’s A Ma Maniére has unveiled their latest collaboration with Jordan Brand – the Air Jordan 2 x A Ma Maniére. This modern take on the classic sneakers from 1985 is inspired by “Airness” – a commitment to greatness and excellence to uplift communities across the world. The shoes feature a Sail all-over suede upper, a black midsole with a textured lizard skin print, Burgundy accents to signify royalty, and “Maniére” branding on the heel. With this luxurious reimagining of the AJ2, A Ma Maniére pays homage to the original design while pushing it further into modern luxury.
5. Just Don x Air Jordan 2 Retro ‘Beach’
The timeless AJ2 Retro silhouette is elevated by fashion designer Don C in the Just Don x Air Jordan 2 Retro ‘Beach’ Sneaker. Released in January 2016, this premium sneaker features a quilted leather construction with an eye-catching beach/metallic gold-university red colourway. A collaboration between Don C – an industry favourite and close friend of Kanye West – and Jordan Brand, the AJ2 Retro Just Don is surely a must-have for any sneaker collection.
6. Off-White x Jordan 2 Low “White Red”
The “White Red” Off-White x Jordan 2 Lows have made a major splash in 2021 due to the classic Off-White features present on the simplistic white leather base. Midsoles have been designed to imitate a decaying, vintage feel which adds that extra stylish touch. More subtly, you can find Michael Jordan’s signature printed along the lateral sides of this iconic sneaker – a humble reminder of where it all began.
7. Air Jordan 2 ‘Black History Month’
Honouring Black History Month, the AJ2 “Black History Month” is a special iteration of Michael Jordan’s iconic silhouette. Sporting a black leather upper accented with dynamic patterns inspired by traditional African Kente cloth, the design is further highlighted with red and blue accents around the heels juxtaposed against a multi-coloured outsole. An eye-catching, glittering gold Nike and ‘BHM’ logos are applied to the heel counter, completing this stunning commemorative silhouette.
8. Air Jordan 2 “White/Varsity Red/Black”
It’s the most iconic original colourway. This ’87-inspired shoe features a white upper with black midsole, laces and accents. The most memorable moment of this colourway was Michael Jordan’s first All-Star Slam Dunk contest in 1987. As someone who owns a pair of these, I can vouch for them. I managed to grab an Air Jordan 2 retro release in this colourway in 2023. It’s comfortable, well-designed and, most importantly, goes with just about everything I wear.
9. Air Jordan 2 Retro Wing It
If you’re looking for a nice and timeless shoe, the Air Jordan 2 Retro Wing It might be just what you’re looking for. Released in March 2016, this simple and elegant sneaker features a white and black upper with an attractive wing pattern. No matter where you go, the Jay 2 Retro Wing It will keep your feet stylish!
10. Air Jordan 2 Retro Decon “Sail”
The AJ2 Retro Decon “Sail” is an unassuming and effortless sneaker that makes it suitable for everyday wear. With a design based off of a basketball performance shoe, the sneakers are made from soft suede with toebox perforations for additional breathability. The colour stays consistent throughout the shoes, mostly in Sail hues with tanned ‘Wings’ insignias indented into the tongues. Nike did an amazing job transforming this Jay 2 into a comfortable, luxurious sneaker perfect for any occasion with the Decon “Sail” colourway.
11. Air Jordan 2 “Black Cement”
Jordan Brand introduced the “Black Cement” colourway to the Air Jordan 2 lineup in 2023 as a way to celebrate the Air Jordan 3’s 35th anniversary. Given how good the black, grey, and red combo looks on MJ’s second signature silhouette, it’s a look that should have been adopted far sooner.
12. Eminem x Air Jordan 2 “The Way I Am”
The AJ 2 was one of the first Jordan models Eminem owned, so it’s fitting that he’d choose this classic silhouette for a collaboration celebrating the release of his first book in 2008. The black and grey sneakers have handwritten lyrics over the collar and mudguard and are said to have been launched in a limited edition of only 313 pairs as a nod to Detroit’s area code. It’s all in the details with Em.
13. Air Jordan 2 QF “Black White”
As much as we love a good print and pattern, sometimes all a sneaker needs is a clean black and white colourway to stand out. If you’re looking for a simple (but ultra luxe) AJ2 colourway, the Air Jordan 2 QF “Black White” is THE one. The pair combines black faux lizard skin, nubuck, and white piping for a refined look.
14. Air Jordan 2 Premio “Bin 23”
The Jumpman Label’s Bin 23 series offers sneakerheads premium and exclusive versions of MJ’s signature silhouettes, and this Jordan 2 design certainly nailed the brief. The shoe has a Dark Cinder leather upper with faux-lizard panels and a black rubber outsole underneath. Of course, the shoe is marked with the Bin 23 red wax seal and a limited-edition number on the tongue.
15. Air Jordan 2 Low “Mike Bibby” PE
Mike Bibby’s stint with the Sacramento Kings was marked by Player Exclusive footwear that fans would covet for years to come, ranging from Jordan 5 Lows to Jordan 17s. Add to that list a white and purple Jordan 2 with the baller’s signature marking. This is exactly why Bibby is regarded as the king of PEs. To learn more: Sneaker Fortress
