5 Most Iconic Air Jordan Releases

It’s crazy to think that the first-ever Air Jordan was released over 35 years ago. What’s even crazier is the fact that when the Air Jordan 1 made its debut, it actually sat on shelves and even went on sale.

Over the past three decades and a half, Jordan brand has dropped a total of 34 signature models in an endless amount of colorways. And although some of the colorways are very lackluster, there are also many ( and I mean many) Air Jordans that have earned the right of being labeled as iconic. Typically, Air Jordans in their own respective OG colorways tends to be the ones most sneakerheads would call iconic.

With so many classic Air Jordans to choose from, is it even possible to make a list of the top 5 most iconic Air Jordans of all time? Although there is no right or wrong answer to this question, with the collaboration of SneakerBreaker.com we present a list of 5 Air Jordans that we feel are as classic and iconic as it gets.

Air Jordan 1 Chicago

This list would not be a legit list if it did not have at least one Air Jordan 1 in it. To be honest, we could have added at least 3 Air Jordan 1 colorways and we’re pretty sure many of you would be okay with that. The Air Jordan 1 High Chicago may not be the first Air Jordan 1 colorway that Michael Jordan wore on the court, but there’s something about that Chicago Bulls color scheme that works effortlessly on this high top model. It’s only been 5 years since the last time the Chicago Jordan 1 was given the retro treatment, but we’re willing to bet that most of us cannot wait for Jordan Brand to drop these beauties again. We’re patiently waiting, Jordan Brand. Any day now.

Air Jordan 3 White Cement

What’s there to say about the Air Jordan 3 White Cement? Here are a few facts that make the Air Jordan 3 so iconic. The Air Jordan 3 was the first Air Jordan model that Tinker Hatfield designed. The Air Jordan 3 was the first-ever Jordan mid-top model. The Air Jordan 3 was the first Jordan that introduced the Jumpman logo and the Elephant print. The Air Jordan 3 was also the first model to have a visible air unit. Michael Jordan even won the Slam Dunk contest, All-Star MVP, All-Defensive First Team and Defensive Player of the Year, all while wearing the Air Jordan 3. Do we really need to go on? I didn’t think so.

Air Jordan 4 Bred

The Air Jordan 4 Bred has got to be one of the most versatile Jordans ever made. You can dress it up, dress it down, wear it with shorts, pants, etc. Simply put, the Air Jordan 4 Bred is the perfect everyday sneaker. Subtle but at the same time packed with plenty of details to make a statement. Very few other “Bred” Jordans look as good as this one.

Air Jordan 6 Infrared

Yet another Black and Red Jordan on this like, the Air Jordan 6 Infrared earns a spot on this list because it was the sneaker that Michael Jordan wore when he won his first NBA Championship. It also doesn’t hurt that the design of the Air Jordan 6 is as tough and mean as it gets. I mean, peep that Porsche-inspired wing on the heel. Too dope.

Air Jordan 11 Bred

Known as the Air Jordan that you can wear with a tuxedo, the Air Jordan 11 Bred (and most Air Jordan 11s) are known for their use of patent leather on the toe/mudguard. There’s something about that shiny overlay that screams “fancy”, right? Oh yeah, MJ also wore these when he won one of his 6 championships. Some would even argue and say that the Air Jordan 11 Bred is the best Air Jordan release of all time. Whether that is factual or not, the fact that it’s even a topic of discussion just goes to show how iconic this Air Jordan 11 is.