Did you know that every year Nike makes roughly $5.7 billion? While the fashion/athletic-wear giant has certainly taken on a life of its own, it owes a lot of its early success to Michael Jordan.

This is thanks to the famous basketball player’s signature line of shoes: the Air Jordans. Since the first type of sneaker was released there have been many different types of Air Jordans available on the market.

But, what are the best ones? And which ones are the most classic? If you want to learn the answer to these questions, and more, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll go over our top picks for the most iconic pair of Air Jordans. That way, you can decide for yourself which ones feel right for you.

1. Air Jordan I

You can argue all day about which type of Air Jordan sneaker is the best. But, at the end of the day, without the Air Jordan I that conversation wouldn’t even exist. This is the shoe that started it all.

Not only the Air Jordan craze that continues to this day but also sneakerhead culture as we know it. These days the red, black, and white design not only represents a vintage look, but also the legacy of one of the greatest players of all time.

These sneakers are history. They’re a snapshot of legend when he was just a rookie, still looking to snag his spot as one of the greatest of all time. So, while there may be more attractive or popular Air Jordans out there, this one will always be at the top of our list.

2. Air Jordan III

The Air Jordan I may have put the brand on the map. But, if it wasn’t for the Air Jordan III, the Air Jordan line would be just another signature line from a famous athlete.

But, it was the Air Jordan IIIs that transformed the shoe line into a pop culture phenomenon. This is thanks, in large part, to the designer Tinker Hatfield whose vision would go on the top shape the Air Jordan brand down the line.

However, for the IIIs he changed the game by adding the now-iconic Jumpman corporate logo. However, the historic logo isn’t the only reason you should pay attention to them.

Air Jordan I’s look undoubtedly retro. And while this isn’t a bad thing, it’s simply not a problem for the Air Jordan III’s. These shoes manage to walk the line between retro and futuristic with ease. The result is a timeless design that will likely never grow old.

3. Air Jordan XI

As most people know, Michael Jordan hit his pinnacle of greatness in the 1990s. And, Air Jordans are no different. Case and point, look at the Air Jordan XI. These are shoes that introduced classiness to the Air Jordan brand.

This is thanks to the shining, patent letter that’s lining the Air Jordan XI. These shoes both look and feel great. Plus, there’s the fact that they were featured by Jordan in the hit movie Space Jam.

As such, there’s a nostalgia factor that’s forever cemented in the heads of 90s kids.

4. Air Jordan V

For many people, the Air Jordan V is likely the first thing they picture when the shoe line comes to mind. This is thanks, in large part, to a cameo that the Air Jordan V made by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The Jordan V brought over a lot of features that you can find on the Air Jordan IV. However, the main difference is that these shoes are inspired by WWII fighter planes. You can see this in the harsh lines that cover the shoes.

It also started a long legacy of Air Jordan shoes borrowing design ideas from vehicles.

5. Air Jordan VII

Like the Air Jordan Vs, the Air Jordan VII borrows a lot from the Air Jordan VI. So, why is it so popular? Well, it’s due not so much to what the creators added as to what they took away.

This is the first time that the shoes were released under just the Air Jordan name. That means that Nike wasn’t involved in the process. As such, both the air bubbles and swooshes are gone.

These shoes represent a vital time in Jordan’s career and marked his slow transition from an athlete to a businessman.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Air Jordans?

Hopefully, at this point, you have at least a baseline knowledge of the different types of Air Jordan. Odds are that you now want to purchase some. So, where is the best place to buy them?

It’s always good if you can support a brick-and-mortar shoe store. However, the reality is that it’s typically a lot more convenient and affordable if you purchase them online. Just make sure that you do some research first.

Sadly, there are a lot of scam artists out there selling Air Jordan knockoffs. So, how do you avoid these sellers? First, make sure that they have a wide collection of Air Jordan shoes available. You also want to make sure that they have a good return policy.

This is both in case the shoes are fake, or if they don’t fit. Regardless, be careful around sellers that don’t offer any returns.

Enjoy Learning About the Top Types of Air Jordans? Keep Reading

We hope this article helped you learn more about the different types of Air Jordans. Keep in mind that these are only the popular models of the shoes that we’ve covered in this article.

In reality, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the rich legacy that Air Jordans continue to leave on the sneaker industry. So, keep exploring until you find a pair of Air Jordan sneakers that you connect with.

Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.