As of Summer 2024, there are currently 39 Air Jordan line sneakers that sneakerheads can get their hands on. The Jordan Brand has been making sneakers for its signature line for almost four decades now. Not every Air Jordan sneaker has been a slam dunk, but Jordan Brand’s field goal percentage is strong, and it is why the series is an icon.
You can find Jordan Brand products at Shoe Palace retail locations and on shoepalace.com.
Here is a list of Air Jordan models 1-38:
Air Jordan I
Release Date: 1985
The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore. The release was tied to Michael Jordan’s rookie season in the NBA. The design of the Jordan 1 was simple and consistent with the other basketball shoes of the era. The 1 lacked the sophisticated technology that the Jordan Brand would be known for with later installments. Nike was dedicated to giving Michael Jordan his own shoe and brand to grow with. That commitment is clear when you view the shoe’s distinctive logo. Moore designed a wings symbol, a precursor to the Jumpman logo, which was placed on the upper ankle of the shoe. The Air Jordan 1 is the 1 that started it all.
Air Jordan II
Release Date: 1986
Michael Jordan took his game to new levels while wearing the II. Jordan averaged 37 points a game and won his first scoring title in the II. MJ also took home his very first dunk contest trophy while wearing the II. Nike viewed the II as a more sophisticated model than the I. It was made to be stylish, and to appeal to consumers beyond the court. Nike wanted the Air Jordan II to be different than the I. One difference that shocked consumers was the price tag. The II had a retail price of $100. In 1986, $100 for a pair of sneakers was mind blowing. The II was designed by Peter Moore & Bruce Kilgore.
Air Jordan III
Release Date: 1988
The Air Jordan III was originally available for a retail price of $100.00. The III introduced beloved elements to the franchise and it helped to shape what the Jordan Brand is today. The 3 was the first Air Jordan shoe designed by Tinker Hatfield. The marketing of the Air Jordan III was revolutionary. The first Jordan commercial featuring Mars Blackmon debuted in 1988. Mars Blackmon was of course played by Spike Lee. Lee is one of the most celebrated film directors of all time and his contributions to the Air Jordan franchise are massive. MJ won his second dunk contest in the III. The III also introduced the iconic elephant print.
Air Jordan IV
Release Date: 1989
The IV was the second straight shoe designed by Tinker Hatfield. It was not a huge departure from the 3 when it comes to design, but it made additions that make it one of the more beloved in the series. The Jumpman logo had the word “Flight” added right below it. It introduced nubuck materials to the sneaker world. There were mesh components for increased breathability, and it had multiple areas that featured plastic. MJ hit “The Shot” in the IV. Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing featured the shoe in a memorable scene and helped the Jordan Brand transcend the game of basketball. Sneaker aficionados consider the IV to be a classic.
Air Jordan V
Release Date: 1990
The great Tinker Hatfield designed the V. The sneaker is considered another classic on the resume of Tinker. You can make the argument that the V was the biggest departure for the line at that time. There are similarities that the Air Jordan 1-4 share. The V featured a much higher cut than the previous two models. A World War II plane inspired the look. The V was a huge stylistic departure for the series. By 1990 the Air Jordan line of sneakers were considered luxury basketball shoes. A status the brand still holds today. Michael scored a career high 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the V.
Air Jordan VI
Release Date: 1991
The legendary Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan VI. Michael Jordan won his first championship in the VI. The late Virgil Abloh, who is one of the most important designers and icons in the world, mentioned in the past that the 6 is his favorite Air Jordan shoe. The ultimate sign of the 6’s relevance is the number of collaborations it has received over the years. The Air Jordan 6 “Doernbecher” is one of the most memorable collaborations in the shoe’s history. The Air Jordan 6 Doernbecher was dedicated to beating childhood cancer. The look of the VI was based on a German sportscar.
Air Jordan VII
Release Date: 1992
By 1992, Michael Jordan had won his first NBA championship, and he was quickly becoming the GOAT of basketball. Designer Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from African tribal artwork for the VII. African art inspiration was present on the upper of the shoe, the multicolored tongue print, and the outsole. The VII gave MJ a new ad partner, Bugs Bunny. The 7’s ad campaign, which included animation, was one of the most unforgettable ones for Jordan Brand. MJ wore the VII when he played for the historic Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics. The Chicago Bulls repeated as NBA champions in 1992.
Air Jordan VIII
Release Date: 1993
The VIII marked the end of an era for Jordan Brand. It was the final Air Jordan sneaker to come out before MJ’s first retirement in 1993. The VIII dropped after Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had won back to back championships. The VIII would be on the feet of MJ when he took on the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals and won his third straight title. The VIII was designed by the one and only Tinker Hatfield. The VIII does not get as much fanfare as other low numbered Air Jordan sneakers. The VIII would be the final shoe MJ would wear before his first retirement.
Air Jordan IX
Release Date: 1993
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan shocked everyone when he announced his retirement. Even more shockingly, MJ left the NBA to pursue his dream of becoming a baseball player. His departure from the NBA brought up a ton of questions, with one of the biggest being what would happen to the Air Jordan franchise? The IX proved that the line could live on without its signature star playing basketball. Tinker Hatfield once again served as designer for the 9. MJ never wore the 9 on the basketball court when it was released. But the sneaker was still embraced by his fans. The 9 could of the been the last Air Jordan, but the work of Hatfield, and the relevancy of Jordan, allowed the franchise to live on.
Air Jordan X
Release Date: 1994
Michael Jordan was in the middle of his baseball career when the X was being crafted. The 10 would be on Jordan’s feet when he returned to the game of basketball in 1995. The 10 has a unique story in Jordan Brand’s history. MJ’s baseball career was short. Eventually he would return to the basketball court and once again dominate the league. Michael Jordan talked to Tinker Hatfield at the beginning stages of development for the X. The talks were not as in depth as they were when Jordan was playing basketball. Tinker Hatfield was mostly on his own when it came to the design of the X. The X was crafted as a tribute to Michael Jordan’s career.
Air Jordan XI
Release Date: 1995
The 11 is one of the most innovative sneakers of all time. The use of patent leather made it a standout. Designer Tinker Hatfield looked at premium fashion and luxury as a blueprint for the XI. Michael Jordan pursued a career as a baseball player until he decided to return to the NBA in 1995. During MJ’s first full season back in the league, 1995-1996, MJ laced up the XI. The profile of the 11 was boosted by MJ wearing the Concord colorway during the Chicago Bulls historic 72-10 season. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won the NBA Championship in 1996. MJ also wore the 11 in the hit film, Space Jam.
Air Jordan XII
Release Date: 1996
The simplicity of the 12, and the sleek Tinker Hatfield design, has allowed them to endure for decades now. The XII originally retailed for $140. Five different color ways were produced. The XII had a Zoom Air Unit, which was a first for a Jordan sneaker. It has a modified herringbone pattern for improved traction and an improved carbon fiber shank plate. The 12 is one of the most durable Air Jordan shoes ever made. Michael Jordan brought home his fifth ring in 1997. MJ also played in the XII during the legendary “Flu Game.”
Air Jordan XIII
Release Date: 1997
Michael Jordan played the game of basketball like a panther in the mind of Tinker Hatfield. MJ’s close friends also referred to him as the “Black Cat.” Jordan would read his opponents and then strike like a panther. The cat and panther inspiration are a big part of the 13’s design. The XIII is the last shoe MJ wore for a complete season with the Chicago Bulls. He would wear the 14 briefly in the NBA Finals and would later return to play for the Washington Wizards, but the 13 was the last shoe he would lace up for a season with the Bulls. In many ways, the 13 represents the end of an era.
Air Jordan XIV
Release Date: 1998
The XIV was the last model Michael Jordan wore on the court for the Bulls. The XIV made its debut in 1998. It was designed by Tinker Hatfield. The 14 was almost never worn by MJ on the court. Tinker gave Jordan an early prototype of the XIV, but he asked MJ not to wear it. Jordan loved the 14 so much, and being MJ, Tinker’s request was ignored. The GOAT would wear the 14 during the 1998 Finals. He would bring home his final championship trophy in the shoe. “The Last Shot” was made by MJ in the XIV. Being on the feet of MJ, when he made that iconic shot, has made the XIV a piece of history.
Air Jordan XV
Release Date: 1999
After The Last Shot, Michael Jordan again decided to retire from the game of basketball. The Air Jordan franchise would continue, despite MJ seemingly leaving basketball for good. The Air Jordan XV was once again designed by the greatest sneaker creator of all time, Tinker Hatfield. The 15 could be the biggest risk stylistically Tinker Hatfield ever took with the line. The Air Jordan XV is not one of the more beloved Jordan styles. It is not constantly being brought back as a retro. Tinker would take a break from working with Jordan Brand after the release of the 15.
Air Jordan XVI
Release Date: 2001
The XVI was the first Air Jordan shoe in a long time to not be designed by Tinker Hatfield. The 16 represented a new chapter of MJ’s life and career. When the 16 released Jordan was settling into his role as President and part owner of the Washington Wizards. The Air Jordan 16 originally had a retail price of $160. Wilson Smith III had the unenviable task of replacing the legend, Hatfield, as the 16’s designer. Tinker was stepping away from Jordan Brand for the first time in over a decade. Smith took MJ’s current role in the front office for the Washington Wizards and used it to motivate the look of the XVI.
Air Jordan XVII
Release Date: 2002
When MJ returned from retirement (for the second time) to play for the Washington Wizards, he stunned the world. This proved to be MJ’s final come back, and the 17 was one of the last shoes he played in. The elegant style of the XVII has made it one of the most popular later Air Jordan models. Wilson Smith III was the designer of the XVII. Smith used Jazz as inspiration. Jordan was an improviser, with his aerial moves and ability to adapt to the defense. Jazz is all about inventiveness and sophistication. These were things that MJ possessed in abundance. The 17 came in a metal case, like a case a jazz musician would carry on the road.
Air Jordan XVIII
Release Date: 2003
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final game in the NBA. The shoes on his feet when he took his last bow was the Air Jordan XVIII. Michael Jordan’s career features many retirements and comebacks. But his 2003 retirement seems like it is going to stick. It is hard to believe, but Jordan’s final retirement took place when he was a member of the Washington Wizards. The XVIII looked to things that have inspired Air Jordan models in the past. Italian design and sports cars were inspirations for the XVIII. Michael Jordan’s time in Washington is not remembered all that fondly, but it is still an important piece of MJ’s legacy.
Air Jordan XIX
Release Date: 2004
When the XIX released Michael Jordan was retired. His Airness would never wear the XIX on the court. Even though MJ never wore the 19, the model was created with his personal specifications in mind. His style of play was a part of the shoe’s development. The 19 would have to set the standards for what would come next for Jordan Brand. The model would have to rely on the next generation of basketball players to take the brand into the future. The 19 was modeled after a poisonous African snake. Tate Kuerbis designed the XIX. The 19 featured a tech-flex upper and zoom air cushioning.https://www.shoepalace.com/blogs/all/the-history-of-the-air-jordan-16
Air Jordan XX
Release Date: 2005
The XX was a unique release from Jordan Brand. It featured elements never seen on an Air Jordan previously. Tinker Hatfield designed the XX. Hatfield had not worked on the previous four models when he returned. It was more than fitting that Tinker would come back for the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan line. Tinker created an innovative and distinctive Air Jordan with the XX. Speed has always been a source of inspiration for Hatfield and Michael Jordan. MJ was not only lightening quick on the court, but he is obsessed with speed. When the 20 was being planned, MJ had become interested in motorcycle racing. Tinker used that interest, and took elements from motorcycles, for the 20.
Air Jordan XXI
Release Date: 2006
The XXI had a straightforward design, especially compared to other Air Jordan models. Jordan Brand selected D’Wayne Edwards to design the 21. Even though the design seemed uncomplicated, it featured high tech materials and luxurious construction. The 21 was originally released in four different colorways and for a retail price of $175.00. A lot of the later models of the Air Jordan franchise do not get much recognition, largely because MJ did not wear them on the court. But the Air Jordan XXI is one of the more underrated models. The XXI was one of the most comfortable and lightest Air Jordan sneakers.
Air Jordan XXII
Release Date: 2007
The XXII was worn on the court by Jordan Brand athletes like Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton. A F-22 Raptor Strike Fighter inspired the 22. The F-22 was a fast and sleek stealth jet. D’Wayne Edwards, the designer of the 22, saw similarities between Michael Jordan and the F-22. The quickness and aggressiveness of MJ’s game made it an obvious comparison in the mind of Edwards. The Air Jordan 22 retailed for $175. The marketing of the 22 pushed current basketball stars. Since Mike was retired, Jordan Brand used the 22 as an inspirational tool for his younger fans.
Air Jordan XXIII
Release Date: 2008
For most of his illustrious career, Michael Jordan wore the number 23. In 2008, the 23rd year installment of the Air Jordan line released. Because of the significance of the number, this was obviously an important model for Jordan Brand. It was the last numbered Air Jordan to release until the XX8 in 2013. Tinker Hatfield and Michael Jordan once again joined forces for the XXIII. Mark Smith also worked on the design of the 23. Tinker and MJ set out to do something epic with the shoe. Intense research and innovation went into the development of the model. The number 23 is the most iconic number in the history of sports.
Air Jordan 2009
Release Date: 2009
The Air Jordan 2009 was the first in the series to use the release year in title, rather than the Roman numeral naming system. The 2009 begins an interesting period for Jordan Brand, a period that is often dismissed by sneakerheads. $190 was the original price of the 2009 at launch. Five OG releases were made available. NBA greats, and Jordan Brand athletes, Ray Allen, and Joe Johnson, wore the 2009 on the court. The 2009 holds a unique place in the story of Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 2009 started a new era for Jordan Brand.
Air Jordan 2010
Release Date: 2010
Following in the footsteps of the Air Jordan 2009, the 2010 used its year as its title. Despite continuing to go in new, and exciting, directions, the GOAT returned to design the 2010 shoe, Tinker Hatfield. The 2010 originally retailed for $170. Five OG versions of the 2010 originally released. Dwayne Wade was a major part of the marketing campaign for the Air Jordan 2010. Wade was one of the top names in the league at the time. The NBA superstar debuted the 2010 at the NBA All Star Game. Joe Johnson was also spotted in the 2010 throughout the year.
Air Jordan 2011
Release Date: 2011
The Air Jordan 2011 used Michael Jordan’s elite athleticism as an inspiration. Tinker Hatfield worked with Tome Luedecke to design a unique and memorable model. An important piece of 2011’s innovative design was the interchangeable midsole. Luedecke viewed the midsole selection as similar to a warrior selecting a weapon for battle. The revolutionary midsole design allowed athletes to build a shoe that could compliment their personal style of game. The player could choose between a blue Zoom Air-sole unit for quickness or red Encapsulated Air Cushioning for explosiveness.
Air Jordan 2012
Release Date: 2012
Tinker Hatfield designed the 2012 version of the Air Jordan series. The superstar designer once again wanted to bring something new and exciting to Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 2012 originally released on February 8, 2012. The 2012 came with a full set of inner sleeves and midsoles. It features six different combinations of cushioning and support. The 2012 has 3 removeable booties. It has Flywire technology and a leather outer shell that allowed the 2012 to have a lot of lightweight durability. The two inner sleeve choices offer players the option of low flexibility or high support.
Air Jordan XXIII
Release Date: 2013
The XX8 had an original price tag of $250. The expensive retail price was largely because of the amount of technology that was put into the 28. The design of the 28, with its high cut, was divisive. Many felt the shoe was too reliant on performance and didn’t work as a casual sneaker. The shroud and zip up enclosure of the 28 was a bold choice by designer Tinker Hatfield. But in many ways the XX8 kept with the motivations of Jordan Brand and Hatfield. The Air Jordan line always took risks and worked hard to be unique. The XX8 took huge chances, and whether the risks paid off is up to you.
Air Jordan XXIX
Release Date: 2014
As he often did when it came to Air Jordan sneakers, Tinker looked to high fashion for design inspiration. When it came to function, the designer wanted to do something that could change Jordan Brand and the industry. The Air Jordan 29 was the first shoe to have an upper that was entirely woven. It had a re-engineered Flight Plate, along with a performance woven upper. This allowed the shoe to be the lightest Air Jordan ever at the time. The choices were made so the XX9 could help athletes achieve maximum performance.
Air Jordan XXX
Release Date: 2016
Jordan Brand took three decades of innovation at put it into the Air Jordan 30. The Cosmos played a major part in the shoe’s design and inspiration. Tinker Hatfield, who designed the 30, felt Michael Jordan’s talent was out of this world. The Cosmos inspiration was tied to MJ’s talent. An iconic photo of Michael Jordan dunking in 1988 is said to have played a role in the shoe’s design. Mark Smith assisted Tinker with the design. The 30 originally had a retail price of $185. The XXX had a performance driven, woven upper. This allowed the shoe to have an elevated level of wearability.
Air Jordan XXXI
Release Date: 2016
Tate Kuerbis was given the designing duties on the 31. For the first time ever, the Nike Swoosh, Jumpman logo and Wings logo would all be used on a singular silhouette. The sneaker was first released in the “Banned” colorway. Which was obviously a nod to the iconic Air Jordan 1 color scheme. The illustrious heritage of Jordan Brand was present in the 31. The XXXI was constructed using leather, Flyweave, Zoom Air and more. It continued to push Jordan Brand into the future with a more comfortable silhouette. The XXXI was the lightest Air Jordan ever when it originally launched in 2016.
Air Jordan XXXII
Release Date: 2017
The Air Jordan II is considered the very first luxury basketball shoe. The 32 would follow in the II’s footsteps. An important piece of the Air Jordan allure has always been that style and performance were treated as equally important by the brand. The II, and the 32, were both committed to style and function. The upper of the 32 features Flyknit that offers plenty of flexibility and a hidden lace harness. The 32 included FlightSpeed technology – which catered to the explosive first step of a Michael Jordan type of athlete.
Air Jordan XXXIII
Release Date: 2018
The Air Jordan line never stops pushing forward. With the 33rd release from the Air Jordan line, the spirit of innovation was still present for Jordan Brand. The latest piece of tech brought to the line was the FastFit entry. This was a tightening and release system. The FastFit offers the ultimate lockdown support. The system was inspired by flight utility. The Jordan Brand team studied space flight suits to help bring the XXXIII to life. The 33 took inspiration from the Air Jordan III, specifically in regard to the visible technology.
Air Jordan XXXIV
Release Date: 2019
The Air Jordan 34 originally retailed for $180. Performance innovation is always a priority for Jordan Brand. The 34 was able to continue to push the tech of the Air Jordan line forward. The lightest shoe ever from Jordan Brand provided explosiveness and control. It was an incredibly responsive silhouette. There was a simplicity to the design and construction of the Air Jordan 34. The goal of the XXXIV was to reduce distractions. The XXXIV was worn by rising NBA star, Jayson Tatum.
Air Jordan XXXV
Release Date: 2020
Rising NBA star Zion Williamson wore the Air Jordan 35. The XXXV was designed by Tate Kuerbis. Kuerbis was now a veteran when it came to the Air Jordan line. He was determined to do something new and exciting with the 35. Creating a light silhouette has always been important for Jordan Brand. For the XXXV, everything with weight was pulled out. The shoe was stripped down to its bare necessities. The shoe had the modern athlete, the basketball stars of the day, in mind. The 35 was the sleekest and most responsive Jordan shoe ever.
Air Jordan XXXVI
Release Date: 2021
Tate Kuerbis would once again design the Air Jordan 36. Kuebris and Jordan Brand continued their trend of focusing heavily on making a lightweight silhouette. Light also played a role in terms of daylight. Light could actually pass through the shoe thanks to new upper technology. The recent Kuerbis Air Jordan models were striving minimalism when it came to materials and design. All of which was to create the lightest shoe possible. The 36 looked to the 6 for inspiration. The 36’s wing on the heel and lace cover are both inspired by the 6. The Air Jordan line continued to create shoes that were perfect for the players of the moment, superstars like Jayson Tatum.
Air Jordan XXXVII
Release Date: 2022
The Air Jordan 37 did a great job of honoring the legacy of the Air Jordan Brand. Breathability and support were the major goals of the Air Jordan 37. The balance of breathability and support allowed the foot to feel secure, but not restricted. It has a carbon fiber shank and double stacked Zoom. The Air Jordan 37 was the perfect multidirectional shoe. Young stars like Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura and Bradley Beal wore and endorsed the 37. The Air Jordan 37 celebrated almost four decades for the line with a lot of tributes to the past.
Air Jordan XXXVIII
Release Date: 2023
The Air Jordan XXXVIII introduced the X-Plate. It was a new plate technology drawn from the insights of Michael Jordan’s incredible footwork. The shoe is designed low to the ground so the player can have a real feel of the court. The X-Plate was inspired by the straps on the Air Jordan VIII. The upper is made with a unique backless embroidery and doubles as a canvas for highlighting MJ’s performance in the 1993 NBA Finals. The 38 is the most sustainably made Air Jordan shoe. It is made of 20 percent recycled material by weight.
Air Jordan XXXIX
Release Date: 2024
Jordan Brand examined MJ’s sharp cross-step to craft the shoes explosive support. The 39 marks the first time full-length ZoomX foam and Air Zoom are present in a basketball shoe. The shoe offers tremendous cushioning. Its upper has embroidered textile that uses a computational design that Nike Sport Research Lab derived from its testing. The outsole has a translucent herringbone traction. Based on NSRL testing the outsole has been reinforced at key pivot areas. Performance was the most important factor for Jordan Brand when it came to creating the 39.
You can find Jordan Brand products at Shoe Palace retail locations and on shoepalace.com.
- Adam C. Better
Back to All