When the world’s most famous sneaker debuted in 1985, it was met not with celebration but censure. The dramatic red-and-black Air Jordan I crossed swords with the NBA’s uniform police, who banned the shoe from the league for its “non-regulation” colors. Michael Jordan, then a Chicago Bulls rookie, bucked league brass by wearing his signature kicks, a decision which cost him $5,000 in fines every time he set foot on the court. You can’t put a price on fashion. Or winning.
Since its launch, the Air Jordan has become a global sports and style phenomenon, unquestionably the most famous icon of one of the world’s most famous brands. Every year since 1985, even after Jordan retired for good, a new pair of Air Jordans has been released, along with a countless number of colorways and models. In honor of the legendary sneaker, we asked a preeminent sneaker collector and Nike expert from Austin, Texas to rank the top 23 Air Jordans of all time.
