6 Best Air Jordans, 20+ 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.
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28 air jordans
Table of contents How we test basketball shoesBest overallBest performanceBest retroBest casual sneakerBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
- Top 2% in basketball shoes
- Top 4% in Jordan basketball shoes
- Top 14% 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
The Air Jordan XXXVI is not perfect, but it does not have real performance issues either. It effortlessly checks all the right boxes, and its wearers have a really good time on the hard court. Quite frankly, it is not surprising if this shoe tops the list of the most preferred basketball shoes in 2021.
Best performance Air Jordans
CoreScore
- Top 6% in basketball shoes
- Top 10% 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. It has a nice grip on clean indoor floors. Attention to detail is pretty evident in this one because the curvatures on the forefoot and heel areas allow for smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It offers a lot of impact protection and premium comfort, too.
Best retro Air Jordans
CoreScore
- Top 1% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Great every-day sneaker
- Really stylish look
- Breathable
- Good ground feel
- Neoprene sleeve boosts comfort
- Variety of colorways and materials
- Okay grip on clean courts
Cons
- Minimal cushioning
- Subpar traction
- Sloppy fit
Verdict
Based on the on-court performance and overall quality, the Air Jordan 6 makes much more sense as an everyday sneaker. Basketball players know this, sneakerheads love this. Especially because they have 10+ colorways to choose from.
Best casual Air Jordan sneakers
Air Jordan 1 Mid
Nike
$107
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Amazon
Free shipping
$135
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 8% in sneakers
- Top 10% 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 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 Low delivers. Although it continues to live behind the shadow of its taller and pricier sibling, the Mid offers a hint of freshness into the familiar, well-loved silhouette. Simply put, you can't go wrong with the Mid version.
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 29% in Michael Jordan basketball shoes
- Top 22% 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
Verdict
With the superb comfort it offers, the Air Jordan Legacy 312 is able to charm many basketball players and sneakerheads. Hoopers attest that the pair performs neatly on the court and help them deliver their plays, while sneaker fanatics mentioned that it matches their casual outfits well. So, if you're looking for a performance beast that can also fill in as an everyday sneaker, the Air Jordan Legacy 312 is your great bet.
Most popular Air Jordans
Air Jordan XXXVII
Nike
$112
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$150
Amazon
Free shipping
$166
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 21% in basketball shoes
- Top 24% in Jordan basketball shoes
- Top 7% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- A nimble performer
- Dust-resistant grip on indoor courts
- Incredibly bouncy forefoot
- Nice court feel
- Extreme breathability
- True-to-size fit
- Comfortably supportive
- High-quality laces
- Outdoor-ready
Cons
- Not enough plushness
- Cheap-feeling upper materials
- Has to be broken in
Verdict
There is always so much hype around Air Jordan releases, and the Air Jordan 37 surely deserves all that surrounds it now. It offers a fresh new aesthetic and brings so much nimbleness to indoor hardwood courts. Players who are quick on their feet and fond of mixing up their footwork are going to have their heydays in this model.
