The Air Jordan 8 is a legendary sneaker, and now that we have the benefit of hindsight, we know that its release coincided with a pivotal moment in Michael Jordan’s illustrious career. Launched globally before his surprising first retirement announcement, these kicks nearly marked the end of the Jordan line. Had Jordan not returned to the court, it’s possible that all those glorious silhouettes that came afterwards and have become so ingrained in lifestyle and basketball culture might not exist. Thankfully, Jordan did return, which meant a continued partnership with Nike, resulting in more sneakers for us all to enjoy for many years to come. In that sense, the Air Jordan 8, more than all the other Jordan shoes, reminds us subtly and powerfully that a single decision can significantly change the course of history. With that said, let’s look at our list of the most unique Air Jordan 8 colourways.
10. Air Jordan 8 “Ice Blue” Retro
This “Ice Blue” edition of the women’s Air Jordan 8 features a refreshing makeover. The shoe’s upper, straps, and bottom all feature a cool blue shade, which is quite refreshing. Among other visual standout details are shiny metal tips on the straps, a silvery midsole, and a varsity jacket-inspired logo on the tongue, combining orange and black chenille fabric. The orange and blue accents are composed around the heel, adding an extra pop. From the sky-blue base to the playful touches, these sneakers were designed with women in mind. It’s incredible how simply using a brighter colour can transform a shoe’s feel, making it look softer and more feminine. That said, I’d totally rock these sneakers too.
RELATED: The Best Jordan 8 Retro Sneaker Colourways Of All Time
9. Air Jordan 8 “Dark Cinder” Retro Low
With another winning women’s exclusive colourway, the “Dark Cinder” Retro Low switches things up and goes to the dark side. It’s rare for Air Jordan 8 sneakers to be made almost entirely of leather, but the “Dark Cinder” colourway has an upper that is almost entirely constructed of it, and we think it works beautifully. This low-top version of the Air Jordan 8 ditches the perforations on the upper in favour of a smoother look. This results in something more stylish and less breathable, so it’s better for everyday wear than playing basketball.
8. AJ8 “Confetti” Retro
To honour MJ’s wins – specifically the Chicago Bulls’ incredible championship three-peat in the 1992-1993 season – Nike released a special two-shoe pack in 2014. They released two different colourways of the same shoe design, one representing “Cigar” and the other “Champagne” – as the song goes, two of His Airness’ favourite things. Then, in 2016, the Air Jordan 8 became part of this annual celebration pack, featuring “Champagne” and “Confetti” colourways. Hidden under the straps, the “Confetti” Air Jordan 8 has a special message: “World Championships” and “Again and Again.” The back of the shoe also ‘drips’ with glittery leather, and the barely noticeable holes on the upper (made of soft, smooth leather) make them comfortable for both casual wear and light sporting activities.
7. AJ8 Retro “Chrome”
Despite its name, the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Chrome” doesn’t boast a predominantly chrome exterior. This 2015 release, sported initially by Kobe Bryant during the 2003 playoffs, takes a more understated approach. Most of the shoe is crafted from black nubuck, offering a smooth and breathable feel. Hints of grey peek through on the midsole, heel and tongue logo, adding a touch of depth. The only actual “chrome” detail is the tiny buckle on the ankle strap, serving as a subtle yet unexpected focal point. This surprising design choice adds a unique twist to the classic Air Jordan 8 silhouette, making it a true conversation starter for sneaker lovers.
6. AJ8 “Countdown Pack”
The Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny” colourway, released in 2008 as part of Jordan Brand’s “Countdown Pack,” has a white leather upper with perforated quarter panels for breathability. Accents of red, grey, and black are found on the midsole, chenille tongue patch, and midfoot straps, echoing the design seen in a memorable commercial featuring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. Though similar in appearance to the “Countdown Pack” Retro Collezione, a keen eye can spot subtle variations between the two. The “Count Down Pack” features a slightly different collar shape, a marginally thicker ankle buckle and a unique Jumpman logo on the tongue that lacks the customary chenille texture. Despite these minor differences, both editions offer a near-identical aesthetic experience.
RELATED: The Real Reason Why Nike Air Jordans Are So Expensive
5. Jordan 8 “Playoff”
This colourway saw its original release back in 2007 before it returned in 2013. By popular demand, the colourway saw new sneaker releases again this year. In both name and colour, the sneaker pays homage to the original pair of Air Jordan 8s that Michael Jordan wore in 1993, combining black nubuck with black, red and blue rubber on the outsole, as well as touches of white for the Chicago Bulls uniform on the patent leather section of the heel. These sneakers are stunning, and it’s no surprise that this pair has returned as many times as it has, thanks to fans’ love for it. In 2023, we managed to grab a pair. They’re absolutely stunning.
4. AJ8 “Bobcats” PE Low
As a Player Exclusive pair, the Air Jordan VIII Low “Bobcats” PE is rare. As a bulkier silhouette, it is common for fans of the silhouette to fall in love with lows rather than highs, as they tend to feel less bulky around the ankle.
The “Bobcats” pair includes white, black, and burnt orange paint-like swatches and a touch of grey throughout the sneakers and the outsole. The sneakers were never released to the public. Still, a pair was supposedly worn by Derek Anderson of the Charlotte Bobcats himself, available on Index for $1,100.
RELATED: Michael Jordan’s Favourite Air Jordan Sneakers, Ranked
3. Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” Retro
Released in 1993 as one of three original colourways, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” has a special place within the sneaker landscape. Its only on-court appearance at the 1993 All-Star Game, where Michael Jordan dominated by scoring 30 points, further cemented its iconic status. Before its return as part of Jordan Brand’s 2015 Black Friday collection alongside the “Chrome” and “Three Times A Charm” versions, the “Aqua” had only seen one revival in 2007. This 2007 release was part of Nike’s “Remastered” programme, guaranteeing the shoe’s return with premium materials and meticulous attention to original design details. Fans loved this. The 2015 Black Friday collection marked the third release of the “Aqua” Jordan 8, ensuring that it established itself as one of the silhouette’s best designs.
2. Air Jordan 8 “Anthracite” Retro LS
In 2007, the Air Jordan 8 received a stylish update from a unique “Lifestyle” collection that included shoes and matching apparel. This specific version of the Air Jordan 8 Retro LS is well-known for its composition of light and dark colours that combine the two in a colour-blocking fashion while adding hints of dark orange for accents throughout the sneakers. While some of the sneakers in the range tend towards including suede and slightly furry nubuck, this pair was intended as a lifestyle release more than for the basketball court, so it incorporated a lot more leather in its construction.
Another interesting point about these sneakers is that instead of including the paint-like colour swatches on the arch of the outsole, as most other pairs in the range do, the colour creeps up onto the upper.
RELATED: The 11 Best Nike Sneakers Worn By Seinfeld
1. Air Jordan 8 Retro “Tinker – Air Raid”
In December 2018, the sneaker world got a unique treat with the release of the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Tinker – Air Raid.” This particular edition shoe was part of Nike’s “Icons” collection, which celebrated the legacy of legendary designer Tinker Hatfield by combining classic Air Jordan models with elements from other iconic Nike shoes he created. The Air Jordan 8 “Tinker – Air Raid” takes the familiar silhouette of the Air Jordan 8 and injects it with a fresh dose of inspiration. The upper is crafted from a premium blend of black mesh and smooth nubuck, providing breathability and a luxurious feel. The true star of the show, though, is the eye-catching pattern on the shoe. This design borrows heavily from the Air Raid 2, a 1990s outdoor basketball shoe with a similar cross-strap closure system. The result is a visually striking fusion of two classic silhouettes, saluting Tinker Hatfield’s design influence while offering a fresh perspective for sneaker enthusiasts.
Honourable Mentions
No list of this kind would be complete without some honourable mentions, and so, out of respect for the ones that didn’t quite make the cut, here are a few that we couldn’t ignore.
“Take Flight” Retro
Borrowing from a beloved colourway, the “UNDEFEATED” aesthetic, the Air Jordan VIII Retro “Take Flight” has been a favourite since it first hit shelves. The sneakers are notoriously inspired by MA-1 fighter jackets that were military-issue, hence why the sneakers have a definite army-esque look. The only real pop of colour on the sneakers is a part of the max orange outsole peaking out the bottom. In contrast, the rest of the sneaker has a distinct sequoia, black, and wolf-grey look. With premium materials making up the upper, it’s no surprise that these quality sneakers have always been a favourite.
“White Aqua” Retro
These sneakers were designed specifically for women in 2007 and are often seen as the female counterpart to the Air Jordan VIII “Aqua” sneaker of 2007. While the “Aqua” silhouette incorporates a lot of black and grey in the colourway, the “White Aqua” version replaces all the black on the sneakers with white. Instead of incorporating only dark and light blue, the women’s silhouette switches things up beautifully by incorporating hints of bright yellow, giving the entire look a sunny disposition that fits the lighter look.
“Three-Peat” Retro
How can we only mention the three-peat once? That would be disrespectful. 2015 brought about the latest iteration of the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Three-Peat”, the name and colourway of which celebrates Michael Jordan’s first “Three-peat” with the Chicago Bulls in 1993, making history for himself and the team. The “Three-Peat” colourway has colours inspired by the three teams that the Chicago Bulls managed to defeat: “Yellow for the Lakers, Red for the Trailblazers, and Purple for the Suns.” The colourway is also known by a secondary name, “Three Time’s A Charm”.
So, what other Air Jordan 8 colourways should have made it onto this list? Let us know in the comments.
