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.
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
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
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
Best casual Air Jordan sneakers
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
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
Most popular Air Jordans
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