6 Best Air Jordans, 50+ Shoes Tested in 2023
No matter what generation you belong to, basketball is still Michael Jordan; and Michael Jordan is basketball. He is that legendary. He is that influential.
Given all that, it should not surprise anyone that his main line of signature shoes is still releasing new models almost two decades after his final retirement. There are now more than 50 Air Jordan models, including retros and special releases.
Through the years, the Air Jordans are known for their quality and performance. They feel premium and they play so well. But there is hierarchy even among the best. It is our job here at RunRepeat to test the Air Jordans and help you tease apart the legendary from the great. It’s not an easy task, but it sure is worthwhile.
How we test basketball shoes
Like many review sites, we give a CoreScore for each Air Jordan model on record. This number is based on the ratings given to it by experts, regular basketball players, and hobbyists. Of course, these individual ratings are weighted accordingly. Experts’ scores have the most weight.
Yet, we acknowledge that a numerical score is not descriptive enough. So, we also come up with a concise qualitative review for each shoe:
- Test Air Jordans and other basketball shoes in actual games.
- Buy the shoes using our own cash. Don’t get us wrong, we are grateful for freebies, but they may steer us away from being bias-free.
Best Air Jordans overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 1% in basketball shoes
- Top 2% in Jordan basketball shoes
- Top 9% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Dust-proof traction
- Springy cushion
- Impact protection
- Lightness
- Breathability
- No-frills foot containment
Cons
- Narrow
- Needs break-in
- High price
- Not for outdoors
Verdict
Best performance Air Jordans
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 6% in basketball shoes
- Top 9% in Jordan basketball shoes
Pros
- Dependable grip
- Strong impact protection
- Premium materials
- As-expected fit
- Reliable foot lockdown
- Smooth steps
- Lightweight feel
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- Dust-prone
- Not for outdoor use
Verdict
As expected, the Air Jordan 35 was released to so much anticipation and fanfare, which in all fairness did not go to waste. The Air Jordan XXXV indeed delivered in terms of performance. Sure, there are complaints here and there, but they are never serious or major enough to be absolute dealbreakers.
Best retro Air Jordans
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 5% in basketball shoes
- Top 6% in Jordan basketball shoes
- Top 3% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Wide range of colorways
- Fits true to size
- Ample ankle support
- Protective rearfoot section
- Multisurface grip
- Remarkable court feel
- Grungy appeal
- Flexible forefoot section
- Lightweight
Cons
- Too warm for the summer season
- Lacks impact protection
Verdict
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High is based on the first shoe that Nike released on 1985 under Michael Jordan’s signature line. In light of this, most of the technologies on the shoe are considered outdated compared to other basketball shoes in the market. Due to the shoe’s history, many people consider it a collector’s item and a fashion sneaker rather than a performance basketball shoe. Its classic silhouette makes it attractive.
Best casual Air Jordan sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 7% in sneakers
- Top 15% in Jordan sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- All-day comfort
- Cushy sole
- Hip and cool style
- Adaptable flair
- Wide selection of colorways
- Long-lasting
- Low-maintenance
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Run-of-the-mill leather
- Creases easily
Verdict
A hybrid between the high and the low, the AJ1 Mid allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It furnishes you with ample ankle support the High provides and the adaptability the Lows deliver. Although it continues to live behind the shadow of its taller and much pricier sibling, the Mids offer a hint of freshness into the familiar, well-loved silhouette. Simply put, you can't go wrong with the Mid version.
Best value Air Jordans
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Comfortable to walk in
- Perfect fit
- Soft quality leather
- Lightweight
- Great ankle support
- Superb comfort
- Reliable grip on indoor & outdoor courts
Cons
- For wide forefoot only
- Lacks the original forefoot Zoom Air unit
Verdict
Most popular Air Jordans
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 23% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Superb comfort
- Vintage (80s) vibe
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Great for daily use
- Well-cushioned
- Good fit
- Reliable traction
- Adequate lockdown
- Breathable
Cons
- Elephant print looks a bit off
- Strap is very snug at first
