The Most Popular Air Jordans: An Ultimate Ranking of Iconic Sneakers

Choose the Air Jordan you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 6, 2023 05:18)
Step into the world of iconic sneakers and immerse yourself in the ultimate showdown of the most popular Air Jordans ever created! At StrawPoll, we're hosting a captivating ranking that will leave sneakerheads and casual fans alike debating and voting for their all-time favorites. From groundbreaking designs that revolutionized the game to limited edition masterpieces, we've compiled an extensive list of Air Jordans that have left an indelible mark on the sneaker culture. But it's up to you to decide which pair reigns supreme! So, lace up and get ready to make your vote count, or even suggest a missing option if you think we've overlooked a legendary pair. This is your chance to be a part of the ultimate sneaker showdown, and together, we'll crown the undisputed king of Air Jordans. Let the voting begin!

What Are the Most Popular Air Jordans?

  1. 1
    73
    votes

    Air Jordan 1

    Peter Moore
    The first Air Jordan ever released, a classic design and multiple colorways make it a fan favorite.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 1 is a high-top basketball sneaker that has become an iconic shoe in the Air Jordan line. It was the first signature shoe created for basketball player Michael Jordan and was released by Nike in 1985. The Air Jordan 1 features a classic silhouette with a leather upper and a rubber outsole. It is known for its bold and distinctive colorways, as well as its Nike Air branding on the tongue and the iconic Nike Swoosh on the sides.
    • Release Year: 1985
    • Upper Material: Leather
    • Outsole Material: Rubber
    • Closure: Lace-up
    • Midsole Technology: Air-Sole cushioning
    Air Jordan 1 in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Air Jordan 11
    Elwarya · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Air Jordan 11

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by a tuxedo, and the patent leather made it stand out on the court.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 11 is a highly coveted basketball shoe known for its iconic design and superior performance. It is considered one of the most popular Air Jordans ever released, capturing the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Release Year: 1995
    • Upper Material: Patent Leather and Mesh
    • Sole Technology: Full-length Air sole unit and carbon fiber shank plate
    • Closure: Lace-up
    • Midsole: Phylon foam
  3. 3
    13
    votes

    Air Jordan 3

    Tinker Hatfield
    The first Air Jordan designed by Tinker Hatfield, the elephant print and visible air unit make it a standout.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 3 is a famous basketball sneaker that was first released by Nike under the Air Jordan line in 1988. It is considered to be a highly influential and iconic sneaker design.
    • Release Year: 1988
    • Design Inspiration: Elephant print and visible Air unit
    • Materials: Leather upper with synthetic elephant print overlays
    • Colorways: Multiple color options available
    • Signature Feature: Jumpman logo on tongue and back heel
  4. 4
    16
    votes

    Air Jordan 4

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by the F-15 fighter jet, and the plastic wing eyelets are a signature feature.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 4 is a classic sneaker that was first released by Nike in 1989. It was designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield and quickly became one of the most iconic models in the Air Jordan line. The Air Jordan 4 features a distinctive retro design with visible Air cushioning and a supportive fit. It is known for its unique plastic wing eyelets, mesh panels, and midfoot strap for enhanced lockdown. The Air Jordan 4 is available in various colorways and is a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike.
    • Release Year: 1989
    • Design: Retro style with visible Air cushioning
    • Upper Material: Leather with mesh panels
    • Closure: Lace-up with plastic wing eyelets
    • Midfoot Strap: Provides enhanced lockdown
  5. 5
    13
    votes

    Air Jordan 12

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by Japanese culture and features a unique stitched leather upper.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 12 is a popular sneaker model in the Air Jordan line of basketball shoes. It was first released by Nike in 1996 and designed by Tinker Hatfield. The design of the Air Jordan 12 was inspired by Japan's flag, with its rising sun motif, as well as traditional Japanese sandals called 'geta'. It features a sleek and streamlined silhouette with a combination of leather and synthetic materials for superior durability and comfort. The Air Jordan 12 also introduced several innovative features including a carbon fiber shank plate for added stability, a full-length Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning, and a modified herringbone traction pattern for enhanced grip on the court.
    • Release Year: 1996
    • Design Inspiration: Japanese flag and geta sandals
    • Upper Material: Leather and synthetic materials
    • Midsole Technology: Full-length Zoom Air unit
    • Outsole Traction: Modified herringbone pattern
    Air Jordan 12 in other rankings
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    Air Jordan 5

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by the World War II Mustang fighter plane, and the plastic mesh side panels are a signature feature.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 5 is a famous basketball shoe from the Air Jordan line, known for its unique design and technology. It was introduced in 1990 and quickly became a fan favorite.
    • Release Year: 1990
    • Upper: Leather and synthetic materials
    • Midsole: Visible Air unit in the heel
    • Outsole: Translucent rubber with shark teeth pattern
    • Design: Inspired by World War II fighter planes
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Air Jordan 6

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by Michael Jordan's love of cars, and the rubber tongue and heel tab are standout features.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 6 is a classic basketball shoe that was first released by Nike under the Air Jordan brand in 1991. It was designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield and is considered one of the most iconic Air Jordans of all time.
    • Release Year: 1991
    • Colorways: Multiple
    • Upper Material: Leather
    • Fit: True to Size
    • Cushioning: Visible Air Sole Unit
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    The design was inspired by African tribal art, and the unique design on the midsole and heel are standout features.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 7 is a popular basketball shoe from the Air Jordan line by Nike. It was first released in 1992 as the seventh signature shoe for basketball legend Michael Jordan. The design of the Air Jordan 7 was inspired by West African tribal art, as well as Nike's Huarache technology, which provided a snug and comfortable fit. The shoe features a unique geometric pattern on the upper, along with various colorways and materials used throughout its releases. With its sleek and innovative design, the Air Jordan 7 quickly became a favorite among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Designed For: Basketball
    • Inspiration: West African Tribal Art
    • Upper Material: Leather, Nubuck, and Synthetic textiles
    • Outsole Material: Rubber
    Air Jordan 7 in other rankings
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    The design was inspired by a panther, and the holographic "eye" on the heel is a signature feature.
  10. 10
    5
    votes

    Air Jordan 8

    Tinker Hatfield
    The design was inspired by Michael Jordan's love of luxury, and the cross-straps and chenille Jumpman logo are standout features.
    Description
    The Air Jordan 8 is a classic basketball shoe that was released in 1993 as the eighth signature model in Michael Jordan's popular Air Jordan line. It features a bold and distinctive design, known for its unique crisscross straps and futuristic aesthetic. The Air Jordan 8 was designed to provide superior comfort, support, and performance on the court, while also making a fashion statement off the court.
    • Release Year: 1993
    • Original Colorways: Black/True Red, White/Black-True Red, Off White/Orange Blaze, Aqua
    • Upper Material: Leather and durabuck
    • Midsole: Polyurethane with encapsulated Air-Sole units
    • Outsole: Rubber with multidirectional traction pattern

Missing your favorite Air Jordan?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular Air Jordans

  1. Design and Aesthetics
    The visual appeal of the shoe, including colorways, materials used, and the overall design. Unique and appealing designs tend to become more popular.
  2. Cultural and Historical Significance
    The impact and influence the particular Air Jordan model had on sneaker culture, basketball, and popular culture as a whole. Examples include collaborations with influential designers, celebrities, and athletes, or memorable moments associated with the shoe.
  3. Performance and Innovation
    The technological advancements and performance features of the shoe that may have set it apart from other models or competitors. Examples include the use of new materials, cushioning systems, or other unique design elements that improve performance on the basketball court.
  4. Comfort and Fit
    How comfortable and well-fitting the shoe is for wearers. A shoe that is comfortable and fits well is likely to be more popular.
  5. Release and Availability
    The rarity, exclusivity, and production numbers of a particular Air Jordan model can contribute to its popularity. Limited edition releases or hard-to-find models may be more highly sought after and highly valued by collectors and sneaker enthusiasts, thus increasing their popularity.
  6. Price and Value
    The original retail price and the current aftermarket value can also factor into a shoe's popularity. A model that maintains or increases in value over time is generally considered more popular.
  7. Influencer Endorsements
    The visibility and endorsements of popular athletes, celebrities, and influencers wearing a particular Air Jordan model can contribute to its popularity.
  8. Nostalgia and Emotional Connection
    The personal connection fans have with specific Air Jordan models could be due to personal memories or experiences. These emotional connections can augment a shoe's popularity.
  9. Media Coverage and Advertising
    The level of media exposure and marketing campaigns surrounding a particular Air Jordan release can influence its popularity.
  10. Timelessness and Legacy
    Some Air Jordan styles remain popular and well-regarded years after their initial release due to their timeless design or legacy within sneaker culture. This enduring appeal contributes to their overall ranking in popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Air Jordans. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Air Jordan is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1073 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Air Jordan once every 24 hours. The rank of each Air Jordan is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular air jordans

Air Jordans have been a staple in the world of sneakers since their debut in 1985. Designed by Nike for basketball legend Michael Jordan, the shoes quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a must-have item for sneaker enthusiasts. Over the years, the Air Jordan line has expanded to include various models, each with their own unique design and colorway. From the classic Air Jordan 1 to the modern Air Jordan 35, there's a pair for every taste and style. With the popularity of sneaker culture and streetwear, Air Jordans have become more than just shoes – they're a symbol of status and style. In this article, we'll explore the most popular Air Jordans and what makes them so coveted among sneakerheads.

Share this article