When you’ve spent 40 years creating what many consider to be the best sneakers in the world, you can bet there have been a lot of hits (and misses) along the way. But in recognition of the brand’s four-decade milestone this year (2025), we decided to focus only on the former. We’ve rounded up what we (and many other sneakerheads) consider the best Jordans of all time. Let’s get to it.
Air Jordan 4 “Bred”
Few sneakers in the Jordan catalogue top the Air Jordan 4 Bred. It’s a grail style for many sneakerheads, which is probably why the Jumpman Label has re-released it four times (and counting) as well as reimagined it across different colourways and collaborations. But more than its beauty is the rich legacy that surrounds it. MJ wore this shoe to make the game-winning shot against the Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs. So we can’t help but associate it with greatness.
Air Jordan 11 “Concord”
Tinker Hatfield did some of his finest work on the Jordan 11 silhouette. He had the brilliant idea to combine patent leather with translucent outsoles to create a look that would become a star of the Air Jordan line. But this specific colourway is particularly iconic. Despite being told not to wear it until the next season, MJ debuted his favourite silhouette in this white and black look back in 1995. But we can’t blame him. The “Concord” 11s are widely considered one of the best sneakers ever made, let alone one of the best Air Jordan 11 colourways.
Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”
What’s not to love about the Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”? The classic red, white, and black look is one that we all associate with Mike’s early days with the Chicago Bulls, maybe even more so than the original “Banned” colourway. It’s been re-released, reimagined, and chopped to a low-top design, and fans want them all.
Air Jordan 1 “Bred”
The Air Jordan 1 “Bred.” The sneaker that kicked off the worldwide craze for the Air Jordan Brand. While the lore about the ban of these black and red sneakers may not be entirely true, the chokehold this colourway has had on sneakerheads over the years is 100% fact.
Air Jordan 11 “Bred”
JB’s red and black colourways are always fan favs. So, how could we not add one of the best Jordan red and black looks of all time, the Jordan 11 Breds, to the list? It’s a sneaker remembered for being part of MJ’s victory in the 1996 NBA Finals, as much as for its bold black patent leather and translucent red outsole combo.
Air Jordan 6 “Black Infrared”
We’re pretty sure the Jordan 6 “Black Infrared” would have become a fan-fav sneaker without its ties to Mike’s first NBA title, but then again, it doesn’t hurt to be known as a championship-winning shoe. Again, sneakerheads love a black and red colourway, and the nubuck on the upper makes these feel extra plush.
Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”
It’s quite a feat to be known as the sneaker that saved Nike and the Jordan Brand. Given his dislike for the Jordan 2 model, MJ was ready to jump ship, that is, until Tinker Hatfield cooked up what is now widely considered the best Jordan silhouette ever. And if you ask fans what colourway they like best, it’s a hard choice between the “Black Cement” and the “White Cement” pairs.
Air Jordan 3 “White Cement”
It’s quite a feat to be known as the sneaker that saved Nike and the Jordan Brand. Given his dislike for the Jordan 2 model, MJ was ready to jump ship, that is, until Tinker Hatfield cooked up what is now widely considered the best Jordan silhouette ever. And if you ask fans what colourway they like best, it’s a hard choice between the “Black Cement” and the “White Cement” pairs.
Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic”
What Jordan strikes the perfect balance of flash and subtlety? That tile goes to none other than the Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic”. The sneaker has a stealthy black nubuck upper, but then adds in silver reflective tongues and a matching shark tooth detailing on the midsole to throw in just the right amount of pop. There’s a reason why these are on so many sneakerheads’ wish lists.
Air Jordan 5 “Grape”
Every Fresh Prince of Bel Air fan wanted these in the ’90s. The white, grape, and emerald green colourway is the epitome of ’90s cool. But it’s also aged like fine wine (get it). You could easily rock these now and still turn heads (for the right reasons, of course); that’s why they belong on the list of the best Jordans of all time.
