Air Jordans have dominated the sneaker world ever since the first model launched in 1984. These iconic basketball shoes have become a cultural phenomenon coveted by sneakerheads, athletes, and celebrities alike. But with over 30 different Air Jordan models released, which ones stand out as the best-sellers?
This comprehensive guide will explore the top 10 highest-selling Air Jordans of all time. We’ll cover the history, design details, most popular colorways, resell prices, and cultural impact of each sneaker. Whether you’re a seasoned Jordan collector or looking to buy your first pair, read on to learn why these 10 Jordans have stood the test of time.
A Brief History of Air Jordans
Before diving into the top 10, let’s briefly cover the origins of the Air Jordan line. This background will help you understand what makes each shoe so groundbreaking.
The Deal That Started It All
In 1984, a young rookie named Michael Jordan entered the NBA with unmatched athletic talent. Simultaneously, Nike was struggling and in need of a game-changing partnership to challenge industry leaders.
So Nike’s marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro offered Jordan a $2.5 million 5-year contract plus his own signature shoe line – an unprecedented deal for an athlete at the time. Jordan initially refused because he preferred Adidas shoes, but Nike persisted and eventually won him over.
The First Air Jordan Changes Sneaker History
Legendary Nike shoe designer Peter Moore created the first Air Jordan model, the Air Jordan I, which debuted in 1985 featuring the now-iconic “Nike Air” branding.
Though initially banned by the NBA for not meeting uniform standards, Nike paid the league’s fines to keep Jordan wearing his signature shoe. The “banned” controversy made the Air Jordan I an instant hit, selling $130 million in its first year.
The rest is history. With their fusion of sport and culture, Jordans became a phenomenon beyond just athletic gear. Now spanning 36 models over nearly 40 years, Air Jordans have forever changed sneaker culture.
1. Air Jordan 11
Year: 1995
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Concord, Space Jam, Bred, Jubilee, Cool Grey
Cultural Impact: Featured in Space Jam movie
Widely considered the most popular Air Jordan model ever released, the Air Jordan 11 lives up to the hype. Inspired by tuxedo shoes, designer Tinker Hatfield gave the 11 a patent leather upper and translucent outsole – sleek features that make this Jordan an iconic lifestyle sneaker on and off the court.
Beyond looks, Hatfield incorporated cutting-edge performance technology like carbon fiber support plates and full-length Air cushioning for comfort and responsiveness.
When Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 11 during his first full season back from retirement, his dominance solidified the shoe’s greatness. Especially the classic black and red “Bred” colorway, which he wore during many iconic moments, like the “Flu Game” during the 1997 NBA Finals.
But the defining 11 of all is the clean “Concord” colorway. Its white and black palette with dark royal blue accents simply embodies everything that makes Jordans iconic while selling more total units than any Jordan ever.
Retro releases continue breaking sneaker sale records, along with new colorways like the recent 25th Anniversary “Jubilee” stylings. Expect the Air Jordan 11 to maintain GOAT status for years to come.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Concord (black and white with dark royal blue accents)
- Space Jam (black and blue with hits of red)
- Bred (black and red)
Resale Value:
- Concord: $300 – $500 (new)
- Space Jam: $250 – $400 (new)
- Bred: $400 – $600 (new)
2. Air Jordan 1
Year: 1985
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Chicago, Spider-Man, Travis Scott, Shattered Backboard
Cultural Impact: Featured in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It”
The one that started it all, the Air Jordan 1 remains hotter than ever over 35 years after its debut. It was designed by Peter C. Moore as Jordan’s first signature shoe, featuring a then-revolutionary air sole unit for cushioning along with the timeless “Wings” design element.
Despite the controversy over league uniform policies, the rebellious nature of Jordan wearing these originals made them coveted and their popularity has endured.
Over dozens of Retro iterations and new colorways, certain Air Jordan 1 releases like the “Chicago” and “Spider-Man” stylings have become absolute grails. Collaborations with brands like Travis Scott and Dior have also made the Jordan 1 the #1 most customizable shoe, keeping the silhouette fresh and hype.
From skate culture to runway fashion, the cultural impact of the first Air Jordan on athletes and celebrities worldwide solidifies its status as a top seller and the biggest influence on sneaker culture ever.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Chicago (white, black and red)
- Spider-Man (white, red and blue)
- Travis Scott (brown, white and red)
- Shattered Backboard (black, white, orange)
Resale Value:
- Chicago: $600 – $2000 (used)
- Spider-Man: $400 – $1000 (new)
- Travis Scott: $1200 – $2000 (new)
- Shattered Backboard: $300 – $600 (used)
3. Air Jordan 4
Year: 1989
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Retro Eminem Carhartt, Union Guava Ice, Off-White Sail, Travis Scott Olive
Cultural Impact: Appeared on Do The Right Thing movie poster and in Spike Lee films
Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Jordan 4 built upon the distinctive style of the 3 with a series of firsts. It was the first Jordan released globally and the first featured visible Nike Air cushioning along the sole, cementing the 4 as a streetwear essential.
With inspiration drawn from the shapes of Michael Jordan’s own body, this Tinker-designed model matches MJ’s fast and daring playstyle. Over 30 colorways of the 4 have released, featuring premium materials from metal mesh to quilted leather.
Recent acclaimed collaborations have also driven hype for the 4, like Travis Scott’s military green “Olive” stylings and Union LA’s “Guava Ice” colorway that creatively mixes colors across both shoes. These along with the classic “Bred” and “Fire Red” looks keep the Jordan 4 a consistent best-seller.
Most Popular Colorways:
- White Cement (white, black, gray, red)
- Bred (black and red)
- Fire Red (white, black, gray, red)
Resale Value:
- Union Guava Ice: $300 – $600 (used)
- Off-White Sail: $600 – $1000+ (new)
- Travis Scott Olive: $500 – $2000 (new)
4. Air Jordan 3
Year: 1988
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Black Cement, Free Throw Line, A Ma Maniere
Cultural Impact: Featured in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” movie
The first Air Jordan conceived under the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the 3 changed the trajectory of the Jordan line forever with a series of iconic design moves.
It was the first Jordan sans Nike Swoosh branding, featuring a new “Jumpman” logo on the tongue and outsole along with the iconic visible Air cushioning in the heel. Hatfield also dreamed up the groundbreaking Elephant print paneling, which added stylistic flair while supporting breathability.
On the court, the Air Jordan 3 remains Michael Jordan’s favorite for comfort and lockdown support. Off the court, the Black Cement and Free Throw Line color schemes have attained grail status, while recently acclaimed collabs with brands like J Balvin, Aleali May, and A Ma Maniere have revived interest.
Still beloved for style and performance after over 30 years, the incomparable Air Jordan 3 laid the creative foundation that set Jordans apart as cultural icons. Expect this Tinker classic to rank among the annual best Jordan releases for years ahead.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Black Cement (black, gray, red)
- White Cement (white, gray, red)
- Free Throw Line (white and red)
Resale Value:
- Black Cement 2016: $300 – $600 (used)
- Free Throw Line: $1500 – $3000 (new)
- A Ma Maniere: $400+ (used)
5. Air Jordan 6
Year: 1991
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Travis Scott British Khaki, 2019 Black Infrared, Off-White “The Ten”, Carmine
Cultural Impact: Featured in Spike Lee’s film “Do The Right Thing”
Designed by legend Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 6 merged MJ’s supercar passion with fast, sleek basketball performance. Debuting key innovations like a rubber tongue and visible Air cushioning through the sole, the Jordan 6 remains ahead of its time in function.
But the appeal goes beyond tech features. Hatfield crafted a low-cut shape that contours naturally with the athlete’s form, then added tailored details like inner sleeve straps for secure lockdown support. Premium leather and suedes with gloss finishes elevate the style for versatile wear.
Recent hype collaborations have also brought new energy, like Travis Scott’s British Khaki and Olive transform of the 6 adding rugged utility with storage compartments. But OG color schemes still prove most covetable, especially the defining “Infrared” and “Carmine” makeups.
Altogether the 6 fuses MJ’s championship spirit with luxury fashion edge and keeps pace as a consistent Jordan Brand top release.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Black Infrared (black with infrared red accents)
- Carmine (white, black, red)
Resale Value:
- British Khaki: $900+ (new)
- Off-White: $900 – $1500 (used)
- Black Infrared 2019: $250 – $350 (new)
6. Air Jordan 13
Year: 1997
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Flint, Playoff, He Got Game, Chinese New Year
Cultural Impact: Worn by Denzel Washington in “He Got Game” movie
Another Tinker Hatfield creation, the 13 drew inspiration from Michael Jordan’s “Black Cat” agility to envision his most lightweight performance sneaker to date. The gleaming patent leather paneling offers stylish support, while refined construction eliminates excess bulk.
But the real technological achievement was designing visible full-length Zoom Air cushioning into the translucent outsole. Combined with Jordan’s on-court dominance that season, visible Zoom Air became the defining pinnacle of ‘90s sneaker tech.
On top of patent leather and Zoom Air style, the Flint and Playoff color schemes feature lush reflective 3M paneling for a futuristic look still coveted today. With ovations for recent releases like the Chinese New Year and “He Got Game” variants, the open heights of the 13 ensure one of Jordan Brand’s most worn classics.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Playoff (white, black and red)
- Flint (blue)
- He Got Game (white and black)
Resale Value:
- Playoff: $300 – $600 (new)
- Flint: $400 – $700 (used)
- He Got Game: $300 – $500 (used)
7. Air Jordan 5
Year: 1990
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Off-White Black, Raging Bull, Off-White Sail
Cultural Impact: Featured on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Charged with evolving Jordan’s signature line, designer Tinker Hatfield envisioned the 5 by blending basketball necessities with fighter jet aesthetics for a forceful yet refined sneaker.
Technical features mirror jet engineering, like torsional rigidity for support across unique midsole sculpting and rubberized reflective accents. Hatfield’s prominent side wall stitching, rear spoiler, and signature lace gate further enforce the high-speed flight motif.
These sci-fi design codes keep the 5 as a covetable yet wearable silhouette decades later. Recent Off-White collaborations and OG makeups like the Raging Bull prove Jordan Brand classics never lose their luster.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Black Metallic (black and silver)
- Off-White Black (black, sail and orange)
- Raging Bull (red and black)
Resale Value:
- Off-White Black: $1750+ (used)
- Raging Bull: $350 – $550 (used)
- Off-White Sail: $650+
8. Air Jordan 12
Year: 1996
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Flu Game, Playoffs, Taxi, Renaissance
Cultural Impact: Michael Jordan wore the “Flu Game” colorway while battling illness during the 1997 NBA Finals
Marking his second return from retirement, Michael Jordan debuted the 12 as he sought his fourth NBA championship ring. Few models capture his relentless competitive spirit quite like the 12.
To match MJ’s fast and refined playstyle, designer Tinker Hatfield incorporated premium leather and stitch detailing inspired by dress shoes for true crossover appeal. Underneath, high-tensile Zoom Air units and full-foot supports keep the 12 firmly rooted in peak performance.
Today, the black and red “Playoffs” colorway Jordan actually wore during his ’97 Finals run retains mythic value. However recent retros like the Yellow Taxi and aged ivory Renaissance schemes have soared in popularity and price.
Still considered the most durable and best quality materials of any Jordan Brand sneaker after 25 years, the 12 maintains coveted status thanks to an unmatched blend of luxury and raw athletic prowess.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Playoffs (white and black)
- Flu Game (black and red)
- Taxi (black and yellow)
Resale Value:
- Flu Game: $350+ (used)
- Playoffs 2013: $350 – $550 (used)
- Renaissance: $250+ (new)
9. Air Jordan 4 (IV)
Year: 1989
Top Colorways by Resale Value: Eminem Encore, Travis Scott Purple, Off-White Sail
Cultural Impact: Appeared on the poster for Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do The Right Thing”
Designed by legend Tinker Hatfield, the Jordan 4 built upon the distinctive style of the 3 with a series of firsts. It was the first Jordan released globally and the first that showcased visible Nike Air cushioning along the outsole, cementing the 4 as a streetwear essential.
With inspiration drawn from the shapes of Michael Jordan’s own body, this Tinker-designed model matches MJ’s fast and daring playstyle. Over 30 colorways of the 4 have released, incorporating premium materials from metal mesh to quilted leather.
Recently acclaimed collabs have also fueled hype for the 4, like Travis Scott’s military purple colorway and Off-White’s aged Sail variation. These keep beloved OG makeups like “White Cement” and “Military Blue” as consistent best-sellers.
Most Popular Colorways:
- White Cement (white, black, gray, red)
- Fire Red (white, black, gray, red)
Resale Value:
- Union Off Noir: $500+ (new)
- Travis Scott Purple: $600+ (new)
- Off-White Sail: $900+ (used)
10. Air Jordan 3 (III)
Year: 1988
Top Colorways by Resale Value: A Ma Maniere, Black Cement, Free Throw Line
Cultural Impact: Featured in Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do The Right Thing”
Marking a creative rebirth for the Jordan line, 1988’s Air Jordan 3 was the first designed under legendary architect Tinker Hatfield. His design realized a series of icons still copied today, like Elephant print panels, the Jumpman tongue logo, and visible Nike Air heel branding.
Beyond aesthetics, the 3 also pioneered technological advances like foam collar molds and performance rubber outsoles. Combined with premium tumbled or smooth leather builds, the 3 fused high fashion edge with functional excellence for Jordan Brand’s stylistic and commercial breakthrough.
After dozens of Retros and new designs, fan favorites like the Black Cement and Free Throw Line still prove the most popular. And recent sold-out collaborations with Aleali May and A Ma Manière confirm the classic 3 will always stay relevant.
Most Popular Colorways:
- Black Cement (black, grey, red)
- A Ma Maniere (cream, burgundy, sail)
- Free Throw Line (white and red)
Resale Value
- Black Cement 2016: $350 – $550 (used)
- Free Throw Line 2018: $650 – $1200 (new)
- A Ma Maniere: $550+ (used)
Why Do Certain Air Jordans Resell for So Much?
Based on this list, you may be wondering what drives the staggering aftermarket prices for rare or limited Air Jordan drops.
The Reasons Why Certain Jordans Resell Higher Include:
- OG Status – The more iconic the colorway that was released back in the day, the higher the likelihood of commanding top dollar. Original “Chicago” or “Bred” retro 1s versus 2021 releases.