Top 10 Air Jordan 1’s That Need to Be in Your 2023 Sneaker Collection

There is no denying that Nike Air Jordan 1 is always going to reign supreme in the world of sneakers. The first pair of Michael Jordan’s distinctive sneakers, created by Peter Moore and initially released in 1985, was an instant hit and has since gained cultural significance. The AJ 1 is still widely known more than 35 years after it first appeared.

The conventional high-cut “OG” is the most sought-after of all the variants and variations that have been created. With hundreds of hues available, let’s take a look at ten of the most popular Air Jordan 1 colorway available right now.

10. Air Jordan 1 High “Royal”

This pair is unquestionably iconic. It was one of the most sought-after pairs when it was first made available in 2013 as a true high-cut OG because of its extremely restricted supply. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Royal” was thankfully launched in 2017 to the delight of all the fans who want a better chance of obtaining this timeless hue for retail, as opposed to pursuing the $400+ 2013 model.

9. Air Jordan 1 High “Shadow”

Another original colorway of the Air Jordan 1 is more popular today than it was in the past. The earliest AJ 1 “Shadow” retros were well-liked among OG enthusiasts but were still viewed as being somewhat plain by younger people. By the time it reappeared once more in 2018, everything had changed. It even gave rise to a reverse “Shadow 2.0” version in 2021, making it a pair you can wear with practically anything.

8. Union x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Storm Blue”

In 2018, Union and Jordan Brand collaborated to create a pair of Air Jordan 1 Retro Highs, and they nailed it. The “Black Toe” and “Storm Blue” variants were created by borrowing design cues from four iconic AJ1 OGs from 1985. The “Storm Blue” pair stands out among the two because of its “Kentucky” vibes and “Black Toe” details, not to mention the fact that it was the Union exclusive. With their collaboration on the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Storm Blue,” Union LA does not fall short in terms of materials, design, quality, or packaging.

7. Dior x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG

In an unprecedented move in 2020, Dior collaborated with Jordan Brand to combine high-end couture with streetwear. As a result, the first Air Jordan shoe to retail for $2,000 was created. The limited edition sneakers, which were available in both high and low-top styles, were quickly sold out and demanded premium resale prices. But this is not all bluster. A collector’s delight, the AJ 1 High features a crisp grey base with quality materials and packaging. With Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton, and Nike following suit, the Dior x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG helped usher in a new era for collaborations in the footwear industry.

6. Air Jordan 1 High “UNC/Dark Powder Blue”

Chicago Bulls and UNC-themed hues have long been available in the Air Jordan brand. Beginning with the Air Jordan 1, this goes all the way back. The “Powder Blue” and “UNC” editions were created by MJ specifically to honour his alma mater.

5. Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shattered Backboard”

In 2015, Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shattered Backboard” to commemorate the exceptional occurrence of shattering a backboard during a game. This AJ 1 is frequently recognised as having some of the most incredible leather on a sneaker and matches the colour scheme of the outfit that MJ wore for that game.

4. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Mocha”

Fans and sneakerheads alike were ecstatic when it was revealed that Travis Scott would have his own Air Jordan 1. With this “Mocha” version of the AJ 1, Scott assisted in ushering in the earth-tone era of shoes.

Brown sneakers had never been particularly well-liked, but that all changed the moment Cactus Jack gave them his seal of approval. Even more, excitement surrounded the debut of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Mocha.” After all the Travis Scott and Jordan Brand collaborations we’ve seen, it’s safe to say that his “Mocha” AJ 1 High will always be the best.

3. Air Jordan 1 Fragment Retro High OG

Some non-OG pairs of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG were frequently disregarded when it was first released in 2013, as everyone was so keen on seeing original colorways return. This was not true with the 2014 edition of the fragment design x Air Jordan 1 Retro by Hiroshi Fujiwara. This pair, a “Black Toe” variation of the original “Royal,” changed the traditional red highlights to royal blue for a fresh take on colour blocking.

2. Air Jordan 1 High “Bred/Banned”

Does the “Bred/Banned” Air Jordan 1 become any more iconic? This 1985 classic’s black and red colour scheme also defied the NBA’s then-current colour standards at the time and is sometimes mistaken for the Nike Air Ship, which the NBA did forbid. Still, “Bred” or black and red sneakers come to mind when you think about Air Jordans. No matter how many times this pair is rereleased or iterated, it will always be wanted and recognisable as the day it was first created more than 35 years ago.

1. Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”

The famed “Chicago” version of the Air Jordan 1 almost edges out the previously stated “Bred/Banned” hue. These two pairs frequently compete, but this one wins because of its red base, white highlights, and black details. Furthermore, it hasn’t been reissued nearly as frequently as its black/red sibling. This highly sought-after colorway was chosen by Virgil Abloh for his initial Air Jordan 1 collaboration with his Off-White label, a release from “The 10” series in 2017. The red-based Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” is unquestionably our choice for the greatest Air Jordan colorway of all time, regardless of whether you prefer white- or black-based sneakers.