FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 21

The Best Air Jordan 21 Colorways Of All Time

Jarrod Saunders by Jarrod Saunders
March 3, 2025
Best Air Jordan 21 Colorways

Image Credit: Jordan Brand

This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

Most Air Jordan launches—especially the later ones—tend to go under the radar, mostly because MJ never laced them up. But in this sea of overlooked sneakers, the Air Jordan 21 is a hidden gem that deserves way more love. Now, you probably have a sneaky suspicion about which AJ21 colorway takes the crown, but let’s lace up and take a stroll through the best OG and retro drops to see how they measure up.

Air Jordan 21 OG “Red Suede”

Jordan-21-OG-Red-Suede
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

This bright and bold suede sneaker is undoubtedly the pair that started many sneakerheads’ love affairs with the AJ 21 model and quite possibly red suede sneakers in general. Although these kicks didn’t come cheap (they actually saw a $5 hike in their price for good measure), they definitely made a splash in the sneaker world. The fiery red colorway even managed to blaze its way onto the big screen, appearing in the 2006 movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift when Bow Wow, or Twinkie as he’s called in the film, puts their beauty on full display.

Ray Allen’s Jordan 21 “Yellow Suede” PE

Ray Allen’s Jordan 21 “Yellow Suede” PE
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Any sneakerhead will tell you that player-exclusive (PE) versions of kicks are often considered the holy grail of sneakers. The Air Jordan 21 “Yellow Suede” holds a special place among these for fans of Ray Allen. These were made specifically for “Sugar Ray” during his 2005-06 NBA season with the Seattle Supersonics. A notable moment for the shoe came on April 19, when Allen wore them in a game against the Denver Nuggets. That day, Allen made history by setting the then-record for most 3-pointers made in a season. What really does make this shoe so special, though, is the fact that it’s incredibly rare. Word has it that fewer than ten pairs were made just for Allen.

Jordan 21 OG “Light Graphite”

Jordan 21 OG “Light Graphite”
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The sneaker’s shape is complemented by its all-suede ‘Lite Graphite’ upper. The heel and midsole of the shoe take on contrasting colors of white and ‘University Blue.’ One design feature that really elevates the look of the sneaker is the diamond-quilted sock liner. It looks good. And that’s really the most important thing. Color-wise, this is one of the most versatile sneakers I’ve owned.

Jordan 21 OG “Flint Grey”

Jordan 21 OG “Flint Grey”
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The Air Jordan 21, or AJ 21, was the first Air Jordan introduced in the era of $100-plus sneakers. Three years prior, in 2003, the world had witnessed the designs of the Black Cat and Air Jordan 18, both of which were priced at $150. The AJ 21’s starting retail price in 2006 was $160, but as with the aforementioned two sneaker models, the price tag did not go higher than $200.

Jordan 21 OG “Varsity Red Metallic Silver”

Jordan 21 OG Varsity Red Metallic Silver
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The Air Jordan 21 “Home” colorway is yet another design in the AJ 21 line paying tribute to the Chicago Bulls colors. This special edition was launched during the 2006 All-Star Weekend, marking both MJ’s birthday celebration and the debut of the 21s. The event also served a good cause, with a charity auction held to raise money for Habitat for Humanity and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The auction featured an exclusive collection of 21 pairs of Air Jordans, all signed by Michael Jordan himself, and this beauty was one of them.

Jordan 21 OG PE “Black Anthracite”

Jordan-21-OG-PE-Black-Anthracite
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

In November 2006, Jordan Brand presented a black and red PE version of the AJ21. However, like the previous entry on this list, it doesn’t quite fit the archetypal mold of a “Player Exclusive.” Instead, it leans more towards a “Special Edition” from the Air Jordan 21 line. Discrete lacing, a lightweight design, and a sleeker silhouette are its defining features. Additionally, it sports a nifty lace lock at the top eyelets that tightens the laces securely.

Jordan 21 OG PE “Black White”

Air Jordan 21 OG PE Black White
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The AJ 21 “Black White,” affectionately known as the “Taxi’s” because of their striking resemblance to the Taxi 12’s, stands apart from typical OG’s. While they are classified as player exclusives, it is more correct to label them as a special edition. Their defining features—like a leather strip that guises the laces and some alterations in shape and the sole unit—give them an identity that is just different enough to seem separate from the first standard releases.

Jordan 21 Retro “Bred”

Jordan 21 Retro “Bred”
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

In 2006, a “Bred” version of the Air Jordan 21 was supposed to come out. Images of the colorway circulated online, and sneakerheads were left waiting with bated breath to see if it would make an appearance at retail. However, the sneaker was canceled, and fans had to settle for the Air Jordan 21 “White/Red” colorway, which wasn’t really a 21 colorway at all because it wasn’t worn by Michael Jordan. It would be a further two years before we would see (and eventually cop) the Air Jordan 21 “Bred” during the Countdown Pack launch.

Jordan 21 OG Low “Bred”

Jordan 21 OG Low Bred
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The Air Jordan 21 OG Low “Bred” met the demand for an authentic black and red “Playoffs” variant of the AJ 21, which was only offered in mid-top form prior. This edition pays homage to the low-cut silhouette, currently transitioning into its resurgence, with precision. It joins the ranks alongside its predecessor, the “UNC” colorway, as the only two paint jobs currently available for the AJ 21 low. Both colorways serve as a commendable couplet of aural milestones in Michael Jordan’s celebrated basketball life. See other Air Jordan 12 releases here.

Jordan 21 OG Low University Blue

Jordan-21-OG-Low-University-Blue
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The “University Blue” colorway nods to MJ’s history and is inspired by the University of North Carolina. This color scheme is a fitting tribute to MJ’s college years. It’s a color scheme we never tire of. But while most AJ 21 releases come in a mid-top silhouette, this one stands out as one of two low-top variants. Shop the best Air Jordans and read the latest sneaker news: Sneaker Fortress

Tags: Air JordanSneaker NewsTop 10Trending
ShareTweetSend

About the Author: Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders is a Cape Town-based creative and founder of Fortress of Solitude, with over 20 years in film, gaming, and pop culture. He’s directed award-winning movies, built entertainment sites, and somehow still finds time to watch 500 films a year. Also: sneakerhead and part-time superhero.

Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

Related Posts

Air Jordan 4 'Sierra Red'
Air Jordan 4

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Sierra Red’ Brings Red Hot Heat

March 26, 2025
Jordan Spizike Low "Obama"
Air Jordans

The Jordan Spizike Low “Obama” Is the Presidential Sneaker We Needed

April 30, 2025
Comme des Garçons Shirt X ASICS GEL-Lyte III
ASICS

Comme des Garçons Cooked Up the Weirdest ASICS Collab Yet — And Sneakerheads Are Eating It Up

April 8, 2025
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 "Red" Is Made Of Luxurious Scaly Leather
Air Jordan 1

Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “Red” Is Made Of Luxurious Scaly Leather

September 5, 2024
adidas Equipment is Back to Reclaim 2025
adidas

Adidas Equipment is Back for 2025 – The Comeback Sneakerheads Have Been Waiting For

January 13, 2025
The Air Jordan 4 Retro OG SP "Firewood Orange" Is Hot
Air Jordan 4

The Air Jordan 4 Retro OG SP “Firewood Orange” Is Hot

April 28, 2024
Hidden Details Secrets Air Jordan Sneakers
Air Jordans

Hidden Details & Secrets on Air Jordan Sneakers You Probably Missed

March 10, 2025
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.