Ten Of The Best Air Jordans Of 2023 So Far
The best Air Jordans of 2023 encompass a wide range, featuring original designs, fresh colorways, returning retros, and noteworthy collaborations. This impressive lineup not only stands out among other Air Jordans but also holds its own in the broader sneaker landscape of 2023.
Collaborations have played a significant role, teaming up with various partners such as the iconic Travis Scott, Union LA, the Spider-Verse, and even Nike SB. However, the list isn’t solely composed of collaborations, as Jordan Brand delivers on its classic and familiar colorways as well. Some releases added a unique twist, like the “Wizards” and “Reimagined” Air Jordan 3s, while others stuck to the timeless essentials, such as the “Playoff” Air Jordan 13.
As we reach the midpoint of 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on the Air Jordans that have made the biggest impact so far. These standout releases represent the best of the year, up to this point. It’s important to note that our mid-year rankings are subject to change as we approach the end of the year, allowing for a more conclusive determination of the best Air Jordans and sneakers overall in 2023.
10. Air Jordan 3 “Wizards”
Release Date: 04/29/23
Price: $210
While many retro colorways lack a clear narrative or historical significance, they can still be appreciated purely for their appealing aesthetics. This is evident when we consider beloved originals like the “Grape” Air Jordan 5, which hold a special place in our hearts despite lacking a specific story to tell. However, when a retro colorway is released with a meaningful backstory, it can certainly enhance the overall appeal of the shoe. This is precisely what happened with the inclusion of the “Wizards” Air Jordan 3 on this list.
Michael Jordan’s return to the court during his late career with the Washington Wizards may not have left a lasting impact from a basketball perspective, but it did generate memorable sneaker moments. While many fans would have preferred a “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 with “Nike Air” branding on the heel, it’s likely that such a release will come in due time. Nonetheless, it was refreshing to see one of MJ’s actual on-court player exclusives make its way into retail circulation, offering a change of pace and adding an intriguing dimension to the release. This is a testament to the lasting influence and allure of Michael Jordan’s legacy in the sneaker world.
9. Air Jordan 1 “Next Chapter”
Release Date: 05/20/23
Price: $200
In the current sneaker landscape, it has become commonplace for leaked images of highly anticipated sneakers or collaborations to initially receive negative reactions. The Air Jordan 1 “Next Chapter” follows this trend, as the initial images were met with widespread criticism. Personally, I, too, was ready to deem them as one of the worst sneakers I had ever seen based on those initial images. However, similar to the Union Jordan 4s, the brand new Air Jordan 1 “Royal Reimagined,” and many others, the second set of images revealed a much-improved perspective.
Drawing inspiration from the multiverse concept in the latest Spider-Man movie, this shoe incorporates a multitude of glitchy details that align with the film’s theme of traversing different realities. Both iterations of the Spider-Man-themed Jordan 1s have built upon the classic Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” color blocking but incorporate distinctive elements that pay homage to both the comic book and Spider-Man narratives. The intention behind this version is to create the illusion that one of the most iconic sneakers of all time has journeyed through numerous multiverses, resulting in shifting patterns and textures that reflect its odyssey.
The evolution of opinion from initial dislike to appreciation highlights the importance of considering a sneaker’s intricate details and the story it aims to convey. It also emphasizes the impact that additional context and closer examination can have on one’s perception of a shoe’s design.
8. Union x Air Jordan 1 KO Low
Release Date: 02/02/23
Price: $150
Although Union’s AJKO Lows may not possess the same flashy appeal as their 2018 Air Jordan 1 High collaborations, which featured a mix of iconic OG colorways, they still offer a clean and wearable aesthetic with subtle details that hint at something special. The AJKO project introduced variations with a combination of leather and canvas materials, accompanied by interchangeable Swooshes in contrasting colors. While these shoes were generally well-received, they didn’t generate the same level of hype as Union’s previous Air Jordan collaborations. Consequently, their resale prices have remained close to retail or even fallen below, making them a more accessible entry point into Union’s Air Jordan collaboration lineup.
Maintaining its position on this list until the end of the year may prove challenging for the AJKO Lows, as another Union Air Jordan collaboration has captured significant interest. The woven Air Jordan 1, a three-way collaboration involving Bephie’s Beauty Supply, has been a topic of much discussion since it was leaked a few months ago, evoking both polarizing opinions and heightened anticipation. It remains to be seen how these factors will impact the rankings and overall perception of the AJKO Lows as the year progresses.
7. Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs”
Release Date: 02/18/23
Price: $210
Often overshadowed by the popular “Bred” colorway, the “Playoffs” Air Jordan 13 offers a sleek and versatile option with a rich history. While its nickname suggests a postseason connection, the colorway is perhaps best known for gracing Michael Jordan’s feet during his memorable showdown with Kobe Bryant in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. This iconic matchup, well-documented in The Last Dance documentary, saw Jordan prevail over his young protégé and earn the game’s MVP honors. Additionally, the shoe holds significance in postseason history, as it was frequently worn by Jordan during his sixth championship run with the Chicago Bulls, making it one of the last Air Jordans he wore in a Bulls uniform.
Despite its historical significance and appealing design, the “Playoffs” Air Jordan 13 can still be found at or below its retail price. This is not a reflection of its quality but rather a consequence of oversaturation in the secondary market for Jordan retros. If you find yourself empty-handed on the SNKRS app or seek a more accessible classic, it’s worth considering revisiting this underrated gem.
6. Air Jordan 1 Low “Year of the Rabbit”
Release Date: 01/21/23
Price: $140
It’s perfectly understandable to have a preference for Air Jordan 1 Lows over the Highs, especially considering the increased wearability they offer in today’s fashion landscape. When combined with earth tones, it further enhances the appeal of these sneakers. A prime example of this is seen in the “Year of the Rabbit” version of the Air Jordan 1 Low, which was released at the beginning of the year as a nod to the Chinese zodiac symbol.
With only 5,000 pairs produced, these sneakers are incredibly rare and challenging to find, resulting in their high value on the secondary market. The white/brown/sail colorway of the “Year of the Rabbit” edition has proven to be a resounding success in today’s market. It’s interesting to reflect on how times have changed, considering that there was once a perception that brown Jordans wouldn’t sell well. The white and fluffy laces also contribute to the rabbit theme, adding a unique touch to the overall design. If a larger quantity of these sneakers were made available, they might have garnered an even higher position on this list.
5. Air Jordan 4 “Thunder”
Release Date: 05/13/23
Price: $210
It’s remarkable to think that ringtone-era releases, such as the “Thunder” Air Jordan 4, are approaching their 20th anniversary. This limited edition colorway, along with its yellow-based counterpart, the “Lightning,” originally launched as online exclusives in 2006, accompanied by matching apparel and a price tag of $500. This exclusivity made them highly sought-after among lucky owners and created a sense of desire among those who missed out. Since then, the “Thunders” have been re-released twice, with the most recent release occurring earlier this year.
From a style perspective, the “Thunder” Air Jordan 4 now evokes more nostalgia than it aligns with current trends. It exudes the essence of a shoe released in the mid-2000s, and that in itself holds a certain charm. The “Thunder 4” still remains visually appealing with its well-blocked and solid colorway, maintaining a dedicated fan base even as one of the earliest non-OG releases that garnered considerable admiration.
4. Air Jordan 1 “White/Black”
Release Date: 02/15/23
Price: $200
Air Jordan 1s continue to remain relevant in the sneaker world. While their popularity may have subsided slightly from the peak they reached during the pandemic, this iconic model remains a timeless classic that demands attention, especially when the right colorways are released.
The simplicity of a white and black combination is currently highly sought-after. The widespread popularity of the “Panda” Dunk Low exemplifies the potency of this clean blocking on a mid-’80s Nike silhouette. However, the significance of the white and black colorway goes beyond just cashing in on a popular trend.
Unlike the Dunk, the Air Jordan 1 actually had a black and white colorway during its original release. This color combination was aligned with the Chicago Bulls’ team colors, whereas none of the Nike college teams from the original “Be True” Dunk collection made sense for a white and black shoe. Additionally, the Air Jordan 1 85 rebuild, featured in this sneaker, incorporates a higher collar and reshaped toe box that closely resembles the original design. Thus, this shoe serves as a clean homage to the early days of the Air Jordan 1, presenting a simple remake that doesn’t rely on excessive embellishments. While it may resemble a “Panda” Air Jordan 1, its significance runs deeper.
3. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Olive”
Release Date: 04/26/23
Price: $150
The “Olive” colorway of the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low is highly anticipated and speculated to be the final version of their collaboration. This iteration showcases what Travis Scott and Nike excel at—using earthy tones and a reverse Swoosh to create a successful collaboration. With five collaborative colorways already released, it seems fitting that this phase of the partnership is concluding at the right time. Any further variations could potentially saturate the market.
While the retail versions of the “Olives” have already been released, we are now seeing friends and family pairs featuring “Utopia” branding on the heels, building excitement for Travis’ upcoming studio album. Although this particular pair is labeled as a women’s-exclusive release, it was available in extended sizing, allowing anyone who desired a pair (and managed to purchase them) to get their hands on them. While it may not reinvent the wheel in terms of design, Travis Scott and Nike have established a formula that consistently resonates with consumers. This formula continues to work, as evidenced by the collaboration’s enduring popularity and the high resale prices it commands.
2. Air Jordan 3 “Reimagined”
Release Date: 03/11/23
Price: $210
The Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” is a sneaker that holds a unanimous appeal and continues to captivate sneaker enthusiasts each time it is re-released. Despite being over 30 years old, it may not be the most thrilling shoe on this list, but Jordan Brand doesn’t always need to focus on innovation. What we crave from them are timeless classics, retros done with precision, and occasional creative twists when appropriate. Essentially, if something isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it.
While this version of the Jordan 3 wasn’t exactly broken, it did require some minor adjustments. The previous iterations, such as the “Free Throw Line” pair in 2018, paid homage to the original with the use of “Nike Air” branding on the back. However, the inclusion of clear outsoles felt unnecessary. The last truly faithful retro of the shoe came in 2013 with the “‘88 Dunk Contest” Jordan 3. Jordan Brand has a tendency to bring back staples like these a bit too frequently, but in this case, there was a decade-long gap between this year’s release and the last exceptional one, making the timing just right. While there may have been some instances where the shoes had minor flaws (our sympathies to those who experienced issues with the elephant print), overall, this retro release got almost everything right.
1. Nike SB x Air Jordan 4
Release Date: 03/17/23
Price: $225
The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 has managed to make a significant impact this year, unexpectedly gaining popularity and becoming a contender for both the “Jordan of the Year” and “Sneaker of the Year” titles. When initially teased, some believed it would be an all-black Air Jordan 4 designed for skateboarding. However, the first version turned out to be white and green, resembling the “Military Blue” Air Jordan 4. This unexpected colorway, coupled with a gum sole, provided a refreshing break from the saturation of Air Jordan 1s and surpassed people’s expectations.
The release of these sneakers caused a frenzy, catching some skate shops off-guard due to the overwhelming demand. Nike even restocked the shoes on SNKRS, offering Exclusive Access only to those who had purchased non-Dunk Nike SBs in the past year. This decision sparked controversy, with some feeling that non-skaters were being neglected and skaters expressing disappointment that Nike wasn’t prioritizing support for local skate shops over their own brand. Despite the mixed opinions surrounding the release strategy, the shoe itself remains beloved by many, making it a formidable contender for the top spot this year.
With its unique design, unexpected colorway, and the buzz it generated, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 has managed to captivate sneaker enthusiasts and leave a lasting impression. It will certainly be a challenging task to surpass the impact of this collaboration in the remaining months of the year.
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