Michael Jordan Unveils His Top Picks: The Best Air Jordan Sneakers

Even though Michael Jordan hasn’t played in the NBA in over 20 years, his sneakers remain some of the most sought-after in the world. In 2022, a pair of his game-worn Jordan XIII Bred sneakers was auctioned for a staggering $2,200,000, making it the most expensive shoe ever sold. Beyond his basketball sneaker line, Jordan’s lifestyle shoes have also become highly desirable, making it challenging to narrow down choices, especially if limited to just three options.

Jordan once disclosed his top three favorite pairs of Air Jordan sneakers during an interview with NBA 2k. Despite the passage of time since his playing days, selecting these favorites proved to be a difficult task for him, as he likened it to choosing a favorite child. Nevertheless, he eventually relented and shared his top picks.

The Air Jordan XI is a unanimous choice among basketball fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Beyond its iconic design, these shoes hold significant historical importance as they were crafted during a pivotal moment in Michael Jordan’s career. The XI’s design process began when Jordan announced his first retirement, and despite Nike contemplating discontinuing his signature line, sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield persisted in creating a mockup. When Jordan announced his comeback, the XI became the shoes he wore in his first game back and during his triumphant 4th NBA championship win.

Whether it’s the high or low-top version, you can be sure that the XIs have found a place in every sneakerhead’s collection worldwide.

The Air Jordan III holds a special place in Michael Jordan’s sneaker legacy, famously convincing him to commit to a long-term partnership with Nike. This shoe played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the sneaker game in several ways. It introduced the iconic Jumpman logo and marked a departure from the traditional hi-tops in Jordan’s collection, being the first mid-cut shoe. Notably, the Jordan III was a trailblazer in the 1980s, being one of the first shoes surrounded with leather, enhancing its readiness for immediate wear.

The shoe made its debut in the 1988 dunk contest, a memorable occasion where Jordan emerged victorious over Dominique Wilkins. Following this triumph, Jordan went on to secure his first league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, further solidifying the Jordan III’s significance in his illustrious career.

Michael Jordan’s preference for the Air Jordan XII and Air Jordan XIII is notable, although he didn’t delve into specific reasons during the interview. What is clear is that both sneakers held significance as they were predominantly worn by Jordan during his triumphant 5th NBA championship win in 1997.

The Air Jordan XII gained additional prominence as the pair Jordan wore during his legendary flu game, a historic moment in his career. On the other hand, the Air Jordan XIII stands out for being technically the most expensive pair of shoes in the world, as previously mentioned. The combined impact of these two models adds to their allure in the eyes of sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike.