6 Best Jordan Retro Sneakers in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on

For all the purist sneakerheads in the world, the Jordan Retro sneakers are the ones responsible for starting it all. The Nike Air Jordan 1 most specifically is unarguably the sneaker that pretty much created the coolest culture as we know it today. Almost half a century later, we’re still talking about its first ever release.

From the iconic wings logo that shows the high-flying NBA rookie to the then-revolutionary air cushioning, the first ever pair of Jordan Retro sneakers continues to hold the awesome distinction as the the holiest of grails among sneaker collectors.

Pair any of these best-rated Jordan Retro sneakers in the selection with anything in your closet. Yes, that’s the level of amazing these kicks have become, and then just go merrily on your way. If you need a little bit more of convincing, start with these picks below.

How we test sneakers

We evaluate each pair of sneakers for our shoe guide for about a month. First, we have a thorough go-over and scrutiny of the footwear at the RunRepeat shoe testing lab. Then our wear-testers lace them up for an actual in-shoe feel and experience wearing them for days.

The selection process involves:

  • Investing our own money, sweat, and numerous hours to independently perform the tests for our comprehensive reviews. We maintain 100% objectivity in all our feedback and recommendations.
  • After vetting all the Jordan Retro kicks at the shoe lab, we give the sneakers to our wear-testers for performance evaluation in the outside world.
  • The testers then submit to us their final assessments that focus on the model’s actual fit, weight, arch support, grip, in-shoe comfort, breathability, balance, flexibility, versatility, durability, and other parameters.
  • Collecting more comparable data from thousands of reviews from regular customers and expert feedback from sneakerheads.

Lastly, we finalize all the reviews of all the Jordan Retro sneakers. Each pair is assigned its performance rating that’s displayed on the CoreScore.

Best Jordan retro sneakers overall

Jordan Son of Mars
Jordan Son of Mars

CoreScore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 180 users

Pros

  • Comfortable for hours
  • Visually striking
  • Very sturdy
  • Well built
  • Exceptional ankle support
  • Worth the price
  • Stable ride

Cons

  • Upper creases easily
  • A bit heavy
  • Poor ventilation
  • Difficult to lace-up

Verdict

A fusion of five of the most recognized Jordan models, this successor to the iconic Jordan Spizike shoe is an exceptional addition to sneaker collections and an eye-catching pair to strut. The midfoot strap gives a touch of uniqueness to the shoe. Though it is an expensive pair, many say that its comfort, excellent ankle support and traction, distinctiveness in style, and top-notch quality make it a worthy purchase.
Jordan Son of Mars full review

Best Jordan retro high top sneakers

Jordan True Flight
Jordan True Flight

CoreScore

91
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 731 users

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Well-ventilated
  • Stylish retro style
  • Superb traction
  • Long-lasting
  • Looks better in actual
  • Versatile
  • Excellent ankle support

Cons

  • Creases quickly
  • Excessive long laces
  • Narrow fit

Verdict

The Jordan True Flight's resemblance to the Air Jordan 7s is uncanny, and some loyal Jordan fans perceive this negatively. Yet, there are those who appreciate its flair and craftsmanship. It embraces the looks of a retro Jordan plus the performance and technologies of today's basketball shoes. Considered an excellent performing basketball and casual shoe, it is lightweight with excellent traction and support. Its slightly average price is viewed as a bargain for a retro-looking Jordan.
Jordan True Flight full review

Best Jordan retro low top sneakers

Air Jordan 11 Retro Low
Air Jordan 11 Retro Low

CoreScore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 980 users

Pros

  • Stylish lifestyle sneaker
  • Attracts repeat purchasers
  • Suits casual, formal, and other contexts
  • Uber comfortable experience
  • True-to-size fit
  • Good quality materials
  • Feels lightweight
  • Amazingly fashionable look

Cons

  • Not affordable
  • Is not easily available

Verdict

Just like its high-top counterpart, the Air Jordan 11 Retro Low gets a lot of accolades from sneakerheads. They particularly love that it takes them back to the good old days without looking utterly outdated. This shoe is widely worn in different places, and it's really a suitable partner for someone who wants to make a good fashion statement, especially in the warmer days of summer.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Low full review

Best Jordan retro mid top sneakers

Jordan Maxin 200
Jordan Maxin 200

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 957 users

Pros

  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Unique design
  • Impressive colorways
  • Durable
  • Great for casual wear
  • Grippy
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Loose-fitting
  • Warm

Verdict

The Jordan Maxin 200 will give users the possibility to maximize their performance in basketball with its quality and design. Constructed out of premium materials, the shoe is not only praised for its durability but also for its comfortability. The shoe also proves that the design catches up with the modern trend by keeping it sleek and clean.
Jordan Maxin 200 full review

Best value

Air Jordan 1 Retro Low Slip
Air Jordan 1 Retro Low Slip

Out of stock in all 52 shops

Jordan jordan retro sneakers  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 62 users

Pros

  • Women-only!
  • Very comfortable fit
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable price
  • Perfect for everyday wear
  • Available in many colorways
  • Durable
  • Premium version available
  • Deconstructed dope design

Cons

  • Leather upper creases easily
  • Difficult to clean

Verdict

The Jordan brand reworked its classic Air Jordan 1 shoes into a women's exclusive release called the Air Jordan 1 Retro Low Slip. This modern reinterpretation of the classic silhouette retains the original's features but modifies it with a laceless design and button-snap tongue for easy on and off. This slip-on version receives high ratings and recommendations for its all-day, on-the-go comfort and stylish look. Oh, and the "Chicago" colorway is a premium iteration of this shoe available for sneakerheads looking for that extra something.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Low Slip full review
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.