Mandatory Credit: stadiumgoods.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEven Tinker Hatfield admitted it was his worst design. Shaped like an anvil, they actually look a bit like Ridley Scott’s Alien. Luckily, Jordan didn’t wear it on the court because of retirement so it’s probably best to just forget about it. You could say it was before its time, but it’s time is probably on a spaceship in 1000 years.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n33. Air Jordan XIX<\/h3>\n Another mess of a shoe, this one continued the brand’s bizarre SciFi trend. First of all, let’s start with the good. It was actually a decent basketball sneaker because it had great support and made you feel locked down. But it’s just not enough to be functional when you look this bad.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt’s just too weird and has way too much going on. First of all, the mesh shroud looks like an add-on. The thick heel sole makes you think its a boot, not a sneaker. Also black should look classy, but the two-tone vibe on the XIX just makes it look cheap.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Nice Kicks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n32. Air Jordan 2012<\/h3>\n Not much of this sneaker looks right. In fact, you could call this the Frankenstein of the Air Jordans because it looks like a bunch of different shoes cobbled together. At least they went back to numbers instead of years after this one.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Nice Kicks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, that’s about the only good thing going for it. Two different sleeves and three different midsoles make this shoe too complicated. Maybe if you like the retro vibe then you’ll have a soft spot for them, but otherwise, they belong near the bottom of this list.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Michael Jordan’s World<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n31. Air Jordan XX2<\/h3>\n Fighter jets are awesome when they are pulling off incredible maneuvers in the sky and shooting down the enemy. But has anybody ever looked at an airplane and said, “Oh I’d like to wear that on my feet?” We don’t think so.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Slam Online<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSomebody needed to say this to the Air Jordan design team. Influenced by the F22 Raptor, this shoe just does not look good at all. In fact, it actually looks like it has another sneaker wedged onto the back of it. Furthermore, the titanium mid-plate looks out of place.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Nike News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n30. Air Jordan 2010<\/h3>\n The overall shape of this sneaker actually isn’t that bad. In fact, you could say that it’s a classic, generic basketball shoe with its big tongue. Overall, it’s nothing to get excited about. When you take a look at the detailing, that’s where you start to run into its design flaws.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Stock X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe hole on the side that makes this shoe look strange. Most people mock it because it looks like you can order a Chick-a-Fil burger through it. They’re not wrong either. However, Dwayne Wade did wear them as MVP in the All-Star game, so they do have that going for them.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n29. Air Jordan 2009<\/h3>\n Once again, we’ll give it props for their performance qualities. Another comfortable shoe, it was great on the court. But let’s be real here, the late noughties weren’t a good time for the fashion industry at all. That’s the problem for these awful sneakers.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis time they went for a glass-blown look, which is an attempt to be interesting. They get credit for trying, but it doesn’t work very well. Furthermore, it’s also the first Air Jordan with a year instead of a number. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to say about number 29.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Air Jordan Archive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n28. Air Jordan XX8<\/h3>\n This is a real love-hate shoe. For performance, you can’t make any complaints. They’re almost as good as any of the other editions on this list in that regard. But in terms of design, this model is really polarizing. However, there’s no denying they make a statement.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Air Jordan Archive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFirst of all, we have to talk about that shroud. How good it looks really depends on the colorway. The electric green version looked like you were wearing a supervillain on your feet. But the tech in these shoes is superb, with carbon fiber and Zoom Air reducing the need for foam.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Air Jordan Archive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n27. Air Jordan 2011<\/h3>\n This is a shoe with all kinds of weird aesthetic features that remind you how strange fashion ideas were less than 10 years ago. First of all, it looks like a duck boot, with a design that just isn’t the prettiest. It’s a shame because it has some nice personalization ideas.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Nike News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt came with two different cushioning and the leather changed colors with hand-buffing. Symbolizing Jordan’s versatility, it’s a nice idea. While it’s not the most beautiful sneaker, it was definitely a good court shoe, so it gains points for that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Flight Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n26. Air Jordan XVI<\/h3>\n Wilson Smith took over the reins from Hayfield for this shoe that annoyed a lot of wearers. The sneaker featured a shroud that served as a thermal protector and also as a new look. However, a lot of people complained that the removable shroud fell off too easily.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAnother complaint was that the shoe was just too stiff. The leather cracked and wore far too easily. They do look much better without the shroud. Yet that was a major selling point, so we can’t just ignore it. As Jordan moved into the boardroom, the Air Jordan series moved along with him.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: StockX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n25. Air Jordan XX<\/h3>\n First of all, what’s going on with this ankle strap? When you have to come up with a new design every year, it’s great to try something fresh. But it’s safe to say the fan reception for this shoe was a resounding ‘meh.’ As a 20th anniversary shoe, this one doesn’t quite hold up today.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: StockX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe silhouette looks weird because of that bizarre strap. However, some of the details are fantastic. Hayfield embossed 200 symbols in the shoe to represent Jordan’s life story. 69 dimples on the side represent the 14-time All-Star’s highest-scoring game.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Flight Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n24. Air Jordan XX1<\/h3>\n Jordan really likes his cars as proven by this shoe. This one looks to the Bentley Continental GT for inspiration, as opposed to the Italian racers of previous editions. The suede editions underwhelmed compared to their leather counterparts, which is a shame.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Flight Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThey’re almost like two different shoes, which is unfortunate because they’re comfortable and look good. One of its innovations is a tenable I.P.S. suspension system that lets the wearer choose between Zoom and Encapsulated air. The model tends to be overlooked but was close to being a classic design.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Flight Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n23. Air Jordan XXX<\/h3>\n A lot about this shoe is very similar to the XX9 although it’s arguably not as good in terms of performance. However, as Air Jordan entered its third decade, it wanted to look towards the future. Inspired by the cosmos, the aesthetic is deliberately futuristic and celebratory.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Nike News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, there is a nod to the past as the argyle weaves are an ode to Jordan’s Alma Mater UNC. Dynamic Fit technology ensures that this is one comfortable sneaker. It also replaced the carbon fiber Flight Plate with plastic for more flexibility. It’s a sleek installment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Air Jordan Archive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n22. Air Jordan XX9<\/h3>\n Another real love-hate installment, we may get crucified for putting this one so low. However, we’re just not fans of the ‘Photo reel’ colorways. They make the shoe look cheap and when you’re paying a couple hundred bucks, that’s unforgivable. Obviously, that’s a subjective view, but we stand by it.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Goat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, as a performance shoe, this one is as good as it gets. Lighter than any other Air Jordan shoe, it used Flightweave technology, the precursor to Flyweave. This tough weave meant that the on-court appeal was stronger than ever before, we can’t deny that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: StockX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n21. Air Jordan 18<\/h3>\n The most noteworthy thing about this shoe is that it was the last of Jordan’s playing career. Heavily influenced by Italian sports cars and fashion, it even came with a towel, brush, and driver’s manual. You’ve got to love the production’s imagination even if the design itself seems a little low-key.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: StockX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDesigned by Wilson Smith, they actually look a bit like Kobe Bryant’s Adidas 1. Inspired by the sleek racing lines of the auto world, carbon fiber-based monocoque of F1 race cars, and race car driving shoes, there’s a lot going on. While it’s tasteful, it’s not dramatic enough to rank higher on this list.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n20. Air Jordan XVII<\/h3>\n These were the first $200 Air Jordans, definitely a landmark at the time. Furthermore, they came in a metal briefcase with a CD-ROM, which has kind of aged badly. However, they gain points because Jordan actually wore them while with the Washington Wizards in 2001-02.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBut they definitely do look better than some of the shoes that came after them over the next few years. Not all Jordans have aged well as fashion items, even if they retain the collector’s value. These were high-performance shoes with a TPU heel stabilizer and a full-length shank plate.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n19. Air Jordan II<\/h3>\n There is nothing particularly wrong with the AJ II. Yet the truth is, it’s just not particularly special in appearance. It definitely isn’t as eye-catching as the first installment, and they suffer because Jordan didn’t wear them for long. Often overlooked by sneaker aficionados, perhaps they deserve more respect.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: High Snobiety<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, they are a slick design that holds up much better than many from the late 2000s. Made in Italy, they have a luxurious feel to them. The II was also the first in the line not to feature the Nike Swoosh logo. Furthermore, it had better cushioning than the first shoe, which made it very comfortable to wear.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n18. Air Jordan X<\/h3>\n The XI is one of the most desired Air Jordans out there, while the IXs have a lot of cultural significance. In short, it’s easy to forget about the X. As a design, it’s nice if a tad undramatic. In fact, it’s very minimalist for the era, which is not something you’d expect from the 1990s.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, Jordan did actually wear these when he came out of retirement in 1994. Also, they hold a special accolade. With less than a dozen pairs made for charity auction, the Air Jordan X Special “Grimm” Editions are the rarest Air Jordans in the world.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Slam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n17. Air Jordan XXXI<\/h3>\n Clearly inspired by the legendary first installment in the series, the XXXI pays visible homage to that shoe. The red and black ‘banned’ colorway is definitely the best. It brings back the Nike swoosh combining it with the Jordan Jumpman and Wings logo for the first time.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Kicks Maniac<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDesigned by Tate Kuerbis, these shoes use Flyweave technology to create a lighter performance shoe. Worn by several members of Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, these are a great pair of sneakers that stand apart on their own right.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sneaker News<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n16. Air Jordan XXXIV<\/h3>\n The latest model at the time of writing, this is also the best on-field shoe on this list. However, it does lose some points in the looks department because it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing sneaker in the collection. Tate Kuerbis’s design brought back the laces and focused on performance.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: High Snobiety<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe AJ XXXIV emphasizes its Eclipse Plate combined with Zoom Air technology to make athletes soar. In sum, this sneaker is ridiculously light, yet still offers support with herringbone traction. An iconic brand continues to innovate and showcase superb on-court technology; just ask Zion Williamson.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Sole Collector<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n15. Air Jordan XXIII<\/h3>\n One of the nicest designs of Jordan’s post-playing career, you could definitely envision him wearing them on the court. They might not hit the mark for everybody but they’re a good effort. Of course, as they also coincide with his number, this was a given.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Kicks Maniac<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith their hand-stitched criss-cross upper design, they’re a classy shoe. With his thumbprint on the tongue and the DNA inspired pattern, this was a homage to Jordan the man. The first Air Jordans produced with sustainability in mind, these are a special pair of shoes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Flight Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n14. Air Jordan IX<\/h3>\n For a pair of shoes never worn on the court, these still manage to be iconic. After Jordan’s shock retirement and switch to baseball, there were questions over whether his brand would be able to remain relevant. The answer was a clear and resounding yes.<\/p>\nMandatory Credit: Grantland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you can’t beat them, join them. Hatfield modeled these on Jordan’s baseball cleats marking his direct transition between sports. They were also the chosen shoe for Jordan’s statue outside the United Center in Chicago. Not bad for a sneaker that never hit the hardwood.<\/p>\n
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