Best of Jordan Brand 2023
Whether they're general release retros, limited collaborations, or performance basketball, Jordan Brand continues to evolve and grow. We've wrapped up the year of our favourite releases and moments from the Jumpman in 2023. Check out the list below.
Air Jordan 3 ‘Reimagined’
Starting with the Air Jordan 1 ‘Lost and Found’ last year, Jordan Brand introduced the Reimagined colourways, bringing a twist to OG Air Jordans. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Air Jordan 3 got the treatment in March of 2023, bringing a pre-aged look to the iconic ‘White Cement’ colourway. Even though it was a general release, the sneaker sold out instantly, and the few times they restocked, they went out of stock just as fast. On the short list of sneakers of 2023, the Air Jordan 3 ‘Reimagined’ was one of the standouts in a crowded field in 2023.
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'Pine Green'
While the and the Jumpman have , the two linked in 2023 on the . It may seem odd that the AJ 4 was chosen to get an SB makeover, but skaters such as Steven Cales rocked the sneaker when it was first retroed in 1999.
The SB AJ4 got some under-the-hood tweaks, opting for a shape closer to the OG from 1989, and the wings changed from plastic to rubber to help with durability while skating. Other improvements such as padding and impact protection made the sneaker more comfortable, which was welcome to skaters and sneakerheads.
Arguably the sneaker of the year, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 was one of the most sought-after sneakers this year and hopefully in the future, there’ll be more to come.
Jordan Zion 3
While Kobes always get the label of the best basketball sneakers, most people aren’t aware how much the game has changed in recent years, and Jordan Brand have a hit on their hands with the .
The third signature sneaker for Zion pulls a lot from sneakers such as the Kobe 8, using a drop-in midsole and upgrades it with a Zoom unit in the forefoot and a TPU plate in the midfoot for rigidity. Combine that with a radial and herringbone outsole for traction, the Zion 3 is an on-court beast, although we recommend going up half a size due to the extremely snug fit.
Performance basketball sneakers across the board from all brands are continuing to evolve, and the Jumpman have something special with the Jordan Zion 3.
Across the Spider-Verse x Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Next Chapter’
Across the Spider-Verse x Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Next Chapter’
The The first time they linked on the Air Jordan 1 for the ‘Into the Spider-Verse’, Kirby dots were placed throughout the upper to give it that comic book feel. This time around, the AJ1 looks like it was glitched in the Spidey universe, as abstract panelling and patterns make up the Chicago-inspired colourway.
The cherry on top is the glow-in-the-dark outsole, similar to the electricity Miles Morales emits in the movie. Another seamless collaboration between Spider-Man and the Jumpman has us anticipating a third collaboration when ‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ hits theatres in a few years.
'AIR'
Although MJ or Jordan Brand weren’t involved with the movie ‘AIR’, it did bring the story of how Mike signed with Nike and ultimately changed the sneaker landscape forever. Albeit very sceptical before watching the film, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Viola Davis put in amazing performances.
Storytelling and sneakers are reasons why we get some iconic and memorable colourways, so bringing the Air Jordan legacy to the big screen was a cool thing to see. Hopefully, they’ll be more sneaker stories told on the silver screen in the future.
The Jumpman and Cincinnati
While Chicago is always synonymous with Jordan Brand, Cincinnati has a special bond with the Jumpman as well. The University of Cincinnati Bearcats were the first Jordan Brand school, and while wearing Js on the collegiate hardwood isn’t a big deal today, it was back in 1999. The Bearcats got all the Jordans first and with their iconic Cat Scratch jerseys, UC was your favourite team’s favourite team. Fast forward to 2023, and the Jumpman and Cincy are together again as the basketball team’s official outfitter.
It wasn’t just a big year for the Bearcats in the city of Cincinnati, as local retailer Corporate got to link up with the Jumpman on the Air Ship. The bright emerald sneaker brought the city out, as the line extended down the block and garnered attention worldwide. As retailers and brands in bigger cities always get love, it’s cool to see that the Jumpman aren’t forgetting about Cincinnati and the connection they share.
J.Balvin x Air Jordan 3 'Medellin Sunset'
Collaborating on the Air Jordan 1 and 2 previously, it seems like J Balvin is trying to hit every Air Jordan consecutively, as he most recently linked up on the AJ3 this year. Taking inspiration from the Medellin sunset, the Prince of Reggaeton placed a gorgeous ombre on the heeltab and midsole of the collaborative AJ3 that contrasted smoothly against the cream upper.
Hopefully, there'll be more colabs on the way between Balvin and Jordan Brand. Fingers crossed that we get the black ‘Rio’ colourway of the collaborative AJ3 in 2024.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Golf
We’ve seen a good number of reverse Swooshes on Air Jordans, and that hasn’t slowed down in 2023. While a Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Olive’ dropped in April 2023, La Flame and Jordan Brand paired up on the Air Jordan 1 Low Golf in October 2023.
A move to bring more eyes to Jordan Brand’s golf sneakers and apparel, the signature reverse Swoosh is there with a toothy outsole made for golf. While resellers lurked to make a buck, golf retailer TRENDYGOLF deterred them by having customers hit the ball at least 200 yards for men and 150 for the ladies in order to purchase a pair. As golf continues to grow within a younger and new demographic, we’re hoping for more dope golf sneakers from the Jumpman.