The shoe that started it all: Top 10 Jordan 1s
Most of us in the sneaker culture can’t remember the first time we picked up a basketball. Some can’t remember watching Michael Jordan play because they were just too young (glad my dad still has old Bulls games on VHS). However, one shoe in particular that hasn’t been forgotten, and is still the most iconic shoe today, is the Air Jordan 1.
Collectors, sneakerheads, and resellers alike flock to this shoe because of the aura that proceeds it. There have been many collaborations, colorways, and customs, but these are the Top 10 Jordan 1s that cracked our list (in no particular order)!
- Jordan 1 Retro Shattered Backboard
This shoe is still used to compare quality of materials on a Jordan 1. The buttery leather, the history behind the colorway, and the finished product make this an easy choice for a top 10 Jordan 1.
- Jordan 1 Retro High Spider-Man Origin Story
Who doesn’t love your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man?! The shoe has perfect color-blocking, collaborated with one of the most iconic superheroes, and made a very sticky shoe that people want to get their hands on.
- Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott
If you love the hype or hate it, you can’t deny the impact these shoes have had on the culture. The color-blocking paved the way for this shoe, but the backward swoosh really set this shoe apart. The hidden stash pocket is also a nice touch.
- Jordan 1 Retro High Dior
Most of us don’t have $2,000 laying around for shoes, but if you did, you could’ve made a pretty penny on this collaboration between Jordan and one of the most famous fashion brands in the world, Dior. With sneakers reselling for over $20,000 dollars, this shoe is one of the hottest pickups as of late.
- Jordan 1 Retro High SoleFly Art Basel Black
This colorway is so clean. When it dropped in Florida, the police were called because of the violence that broke out when waiting for this shoe. The colorway is sick, the materials are awesome, the hysteria it caused, and the exclusiveness of the shoe makes this an easy choice.
- Jordan 1 Retro High Union Los Angeles Blue Toe
Never did we think this shoe would be so popular. Many people said they didn’t like having the color clashing, especially on the high part of the shoe. The stitching looked weird, it looked like the shoe was two parts. Some called these bricks, but with time, minds have changed. The lacing, premium materials, and popular designer have made this shoe a grail for many. If you’ve seen them in hand, you know why they are a top 10 Jordan 1.
- Jordan 1 Retro Royal
What a classic shoe. The premium materials used on the older pairs and the colorway, nothing more needs to be said. There’s not as much hype around this colorway, but it is easily one of the best-looking Jordan 1s ever.
- Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White Chicago
Many have said that Virgil saved Nike with his “The Ten” collection. This is by far the stand out from that set. Virgil Abloh took the most popular Jordan shoe, used the classic colorway, gave it the distressed look, slapped that “AIR” on the heel, and bang bang you have one of the most hyped Jordan 1s ever.
- Jordan 1 Retro Banned
If you haven’t watched the Netflix documentary on the Jordan 1, then you should. This shoe was not the actual shoe banned by the NBA (and cost Jordan $5,000 each time he wore it), but it made a public statement. Nike decided to pay the fine for MJ and told him to keep wearing it. He later wore the Banned colorway in the dunk contest.
- Jordan 1 OG Chicago (1985)
The GOAT of all Jordans?! This is the shoe that started it all. Jordan never wanted to join Nike; he wanted Adidas. Thank the heavens his mom made him show up to the Nike pitch! We all want this colorway, if you haven’t got it yet, keep looking. There’s not a shoe with more history, swagger, or prestige than this Jordan 1.
What did we miss?? Let us know in the comments!
And as always . . . KREAM.
