Happy Birthday MJ: 50 Famed Sneakerheads Talk About Their Favorite Air Jordan

In today's society, things are more debatable than ever. Arguments happen between friends, co-workers, competitors — face-to-face or on the Internet, it's a tiring aspect of life. That's why when there are rare statements that can be made which aren't debatable, it's a bit…refreshing. Here are two statements that aren't debatable: Michael Jeffrey Jordan is the best basketball player of all time, and Michael Jeffrey Jordan's sneaker line is the best collective sneaker range of all time.

We're 28 models deep in the Air Jordan line now, and you're not going to find anything here that hasn't been said already. Yes, they make you feel cooler when you put a pair on. Yes, retros make you feel nostalgic. Yes, they are a symbol of prosperity. Yes, they're technically ahead of everything else, and yes if you are wearing them, you stand out from everyone else both on and off the court. They have transcended the way people look at sneakers, and have convinced people that there's more to them than just rubber and leather. With MJ anchoring the line, Jordans have become something like a universal language when it comes to what people wear on their feet. Your father probably has a pair, your sister has a pair, you have 10 (or 100) pairs, and your children's children will probably have pairs. As the world gets ready to celebrate Michael Jordan's 50th birthday, we asked 50 famed sneakerheads/celebrities/footwear designers — and even Michael's middle son, Marcus — what their favorite Jordan is, and why it's so special to them. Happy birthday, MJ. Now let's all celebrate it together.

RELATED: 50 Things You Didn't Know About Michael Jordan

RELATED: The 100 Best Air Jordans of All Time

LIKE COMPLEX SNEAKERS ON FACEBOOK

Favorite Model: Air Jordan IX
Website: thisismelo.com
Twitter: @CarmeloAnthony

The Jordan IX are my favorite. That's one of the shoes that I played in, in high school. I never could afford a pair of Jordans so those were one of the first pairs of Jordans I played in because our team was sponsored by Jordan at Oak Hill Academy. I had a special pair. When Quentin Richardson was with the Clippers he sent me a pair of his IX's because he was on Jordan Brand. They didn't match the uniform, but they were an exclusive.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey"
Website: paulwallbaby.com
Twitter: @paulwallbaby


The XI was the first Jordan I bought. My mom and dad didn't have money when i was growing up. I got a $20 pair of Reeboks each school year. When the XI first came out, I bought Breds, That is the first Jordan I bought with my own money. I hustled to get it. The Cool Grey is my favorite colorway. I call them the Screw Tape Js — DJ Screw tapes were always on grey cassettes.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XIII "Black/Red"
Website: HouseofHit.com
Twitter: @Hit_Boy

The Jordan XIII, black/red. This colorway is beyond classic. You can wear these shoes with almost anything — the design is just super ill. The reflective mesh takes it over the top, and simply put it's just an incredible looking shoe.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "White/Zen"
Website: Hypebeast.com
Twitter: @Hypebeast

My favorite pair of Jordans are the first pair I ever got which were the Air Jordan Retro 11 White/Zen colorway. I never really had money to buy shoes so I had to save up a long time to get them. After finding out when they were releasing on Niketalk, I remember going into Footlocker (or Champs, I don't remember), there weren't any lineups and picking them up. I still remember the smell from the plastic of the new shoes. It's a smell a remember to this day.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XX3 "Titanium"
Twitter: @koolboblove

My personal Jordan favorite would be the XX3! Used to be the XI, but I thought the XX3 was a way superior shoe as far as playing ball. First time I wore the Titaniums to the gym, cats were screaming on me like, "You can't play in those, do you know how much they're worth?" I'm not a reseller or collector, though. I'm a ballplayer first and foremost (and besides, I didn't pay for them)!

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III ''White/Cement"
Website: NiceKicks.com
Twitter: @NiceKicks

The Air Jordan 1 might have started the franchise, but the Air Jordan III started the legacy. Teaming up with Tinker Hatfield for the first time, the Air Jordan III brought to us the iconic Jumpman, Slam Dunk title memories, and statistically, MJ's greatest season as a player. Not to mention, the Jordan III is Mike's favorite Air Jordan. Happy Birthday, Mike, and thank you for all the memories and continued inspiration.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan V "White/Fire Red"
Website: Undefeated.com
Twitter: @EddieCruz1

Tough question, but I’m going to have to go with the Air Jordan V in white which was released in 1990. Sneaker design legend Tinker Hatfield designed these of course. I’m a sports and military enthusiast. These kicks capture both. The 3M reflective with the red and white make it easy to wear with anything. Especially OG military-issue cargo pants in olive drab. I can go on and on about these. Peace.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Website: Stalley330.com
Twitter: @stalley

The first Jordan I bought when I had my own money was the III. It's my favorite. It's the most stylish and comfortable of all Jordans. You can dress it up, or down. Shorts, sweats, khakis, jeans... everything works with IIIs.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XIII "White/True Red - Black"
Website: grantland.com
Twitter: @Rembert

When I was 10, all that mattered was getting home from school, playing driveway basketball with my neighborhood, and saying "MJ" — aloud or internally — every time I drove to the basket, accidentally biting my wagging tongue or fading away for a jumper, even when no one was playing defense. Unfortunately, up until Christmas 1997, I did all this while wearing non-Jordans. And then, finally, mom blessed my feet and reputation with my first pair of Jordans, the XIIIs, which just so happen to be the most beautiful sneakers ever created. From the dots to the hologram to the fact they looked PERFECT with quarter-length black socks and And1 shorts (brand mixing is a gift, not a sin), I can never thank Tinker Hatfield enough for these gems.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: LDRS1354.com
Twitter: @RegularOlTy

Air Jordan III, greatest Jordan of all time. Simplicity at its finest. I watched my older cousin spend his entire paycheck for a pair in '88. I was a youngin' but my aunt scolded me as well for letting him do it.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Concord"
Website: Nike.com
Twitter: @GentryTwo3

Prior to the release of this shoe, we shopped it with consumers in U.S. focus groups and 90 percent of the consumers hated the patent leather and told us to get rid of it. "The team" loved the patent and knew that it would make a statement in the industry. We stuck to our guns and today it has proven to be one of the most coveted Jordan silhouettes of all time. While the AJXI is my favorite shoe, I've had the pleasure of working on a ton of prototypes that have never come to market, hopefully the world will have an opportunity to experience them, should they ever make it out of the Jordan Vault: XIs, IVs, Vs, IIIs and XX3s that would blow your mind!

Favorite Model: Air Jordan 1 "Black/Red"
Website: SoleCollector.com
Twitter: @_NDP

Favorite Model: Air Jordan V "Black/Metallic Silver"
Website: alifenyc.com
Twitter: @JesseHolySmokes

Jordan Vs, BDU shirt over a Public Enemy T, 501s and a Honda XR100. I was young enough for John Connor to be my elder, but old enough to know he may have had the best total kit in movie history. Like old Ray Barbee footage, gear pairings like these live forever. WWII Mustang fighter, shark teeth, and an integral piece of the reflective puzzle that is my life. Gawd bless America. Free Max B.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VI Retro 'Detroit Pistons'
Website: Sneaker Fiends Unite Podcast
Twitter: @Dallas_Penn

Jordan's struggle with Detroit was legendary. Sisyphus finally pushed the rock all the way up the hill. Jordan won his first 'chip in the VIs and isn't that the reason we all play our respective games? Suede, patina leather and red and blue hits are my definition of 'hood luxury. Shouts to Dilla and Detroit

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VII "Hare"
Webstie: theophiluslondon.com
Twitter: @theophilusL

My favorite Jordan now is the Jordan VII "Hare" Bugs Bunny wore in Space Jam. I'm all about Space Jam. Mike should have won an Oscar for that. To act most of the movie on green screen and with fictional characters and wear his own brand in the movie was so iconic to me. I wanted to be like Mike for sure. Handsome dude flying high, Air, all that meant everything to the nine-year-old in me. I love a lot of different Jordans but this month it's the Hares, bruh. The light grey Bugs Bunny trademark grey mixed with the white outline leather.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Space Jam"
Twitter: @therealjrsmith

I mean the patent leathers, the Space Jams, they just feel so comfortable, and they move to your feet so well. Plus they look good.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Twitter: @djgregstreet

The IIIs were hands-down the freshest sneaker out when they dropped. Tinker killed 'em with the elephant print and tumbled leather. They came out in '88, even Eazy-E was rockin' 'em on his cover. I had my first brand new car, the BMW 325is and a fresh pair of IIIs. And the IVs followed with the crazy suit. I still have my original black IIIs, the OG suit to the IVs and the OG shorts

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VIII
Website: kixandthecity.com
Twitter: @Kixandthecity

The Air Jordan VIII was my first true love, and it was love at first sight. It was aggressive. It was sleek. It was bold. It was beautiful. It was the first sneaker that I couldn't live without. It was my first Air Jordan.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: Sneaker Fiends Podcast
Twitter: @premiumpete

By far, this is the greatest sneaker ever made! When these dropped, they were the official Neckbreakers Of The Year. Pause. I remember them being the first pair of kicks that had the ability to stir up conversation in the streets and in school. Even, teachers jocked kids' feet in classrooms and hallways like "what are those". You see, back in the day, it wasn't about being worried that you wasn't gonna get a pair of Jordans because they were sold out. Coming up with the funds was the biggest obstacle! The Visible Air unit, black tumbled leather, Jumpman soaring on the tongue and cement print are all reasons why these should be renamed to 'PERFECT.' I swear, they get better with age and I can wear 'em for the rest of my life.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan II "White/Black/Red"
Twitter: @Therealkiss


Original IIs, 'cause they were the first pair my mom bought me.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan II "White/Black/Red"
Twitter: @RussBengtson

When I was a sophomore in high school I wanted the black/cement Air Jordan IIIs and wound up with the white/black/red IIs because they were on clearance (for $70, if my shaky memory serves). As it turns out, I couldn't have a better first Jordan. Made in Italy, no Swoosh, that smooth, pre-Visible Air polyurethane sole. And in the 25-plus years since they first dropped, the II's design (thank you, Bruce Kilgore) has aged better than most. Tinker Hatfield's Air Jordan designs are justifiably lauded, but sometimes I have to wonder, what if?

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: Complex.com
Twitter: @JLaPuma

This sneaker is perfect. It's not only my favorite Jordan of all-time, it's my favorite sneaker of all time. From a traditional and basketball angle it stands for so much–Tinker's first design on the Jordan line, and the sneaker that saved MJ from jumping ship. I get why he stayed, there hasn't been a sneaker (besides the IV) that comes close to this. I have 4 pair of these, and I still wear my beat up pair from years ago the most. Whenever I'm on a big assignment for Complex, it's the sneaker I'm wearing. Wearing these makes me the most comfortable when I get dressed in the morning. They've been on the streets of NYC, in the desert of Cali, and in the South of France. They'll always be my go-to. Happy Birthday, MJ, hope this little feature we put together provides another example of how impactful you are.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Website: HipHopWired.com
Twitter: @Aqua174

The Air Jordan III, in any colorway — but black/cement is preferred — is perfection in sneaker form. Either fresh out the box or thoroughly broken in, the kicks always look like a win. Tinker Hatfield managed to seamlessly blend advanced (for the time) sneaker tech with clean lines that don't get in the way of the shoe's freshness. The Mars Blackmon co-sign was the deal sealer.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VII "Bordeaux"
Website: InsidetheSneakerbox.com
Twitter: @SneakerBoxClyde

This particular Jordan isn't necessarily my favorite but its the first Air Jordan I remember seeing as a kid. A dear friend of mine at the time (R.I.P Joshua Bowling) put me on to the Air Jordan line. From there I was hooked. These are very special to me. I'm glad they retro'd them in 2011. Of course I copped a pair. It's the one Air Jordan that I will buy every time they retro it. Thank you, Mike.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III/Air Jordan IV "Black/Cement"
Website: justdon.it
Twitter: @DC2

They both have my favorite sole. The IIIs were debuted in the 1988 All-Star Game in Chicago, Jordan won MVP in front of the home crowd dropping 40 points. The black IVs were the shoe that Mike had on when he hit the buzzer-beater on Craig Ehlo to eliminate Cleveland. So both bring back great memories! Also, these two Jordans were the first two designed by Tinker. They are timeless and their appeal transcends beyond so many communities of people: sneaker lovers, sports enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, the hood, geeks, etc. alike all love these two styles.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan I "Black/Royal Blue"
Website: DiamondSupplyCo.com
Twitter: @BROCKYMarciano

For me, this is the shoe that bridged two worlds i was heavily involved in/influenced by both basketball and skateboarding. I first saw this shoe in Police Academy 4 starring the Bones Brigade and from that point on, for me, it was the greatest shoe ever. Just to see your skate idols rocking the same model that Jordan wore while dropping 63 at the Boston Garden... come on. It's the most iconic shoe of all time.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Twitter: @JustBlaze

Man that's a rough choice... The III was always my favorite because it was the first one I wanted and we couldn't afford it, I used to have to borrow my friend's pair! In adulthood I grew to love the IV, something about it just looks ill in any colorway and I love the way it fits with anything stylewise. I'm still a sucker for elephant print though...

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Fire Red"
Website: ltdmag.com
Twitter: @hwmk

The III is my favorite Jordan because it was my first pair and has the most sentimental value. Of course because they were my first, pops wasn't buying me kicks I wanted, even when the Jordan 1's were on sale 2/$60 or $80 at Copeland's in SF. But mostly because I got a job at The Athlete's Foot and they're the first, and only pair, of sneakers I ever acquired illegally. I remember rocking them with three pairs of Nike socks (high, mid and ankle) with all the Swooshes in line, killin' em.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan IV
Website: KarenCivil.com
Twitter: @KarenCivil

My favorite Jordan will always be the IV, I own close to 10 different versions...I always love the inspiration behind them, and its something about the IVs that make me feel like one of the guys, but still having the female finesse.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Website: CurrensySpitta.com
Twitter: @CurrenSy_Spitta

The Jordan III. The shoe had the best ad campaign. And, elephant print is the be-all and end-all of patterns. These are like tuxedos for your feet.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan II
Website: SneakerFreaker.com
Twitter: @snkrfrkrmag


Bruce Kilgore's de-Swooshed Jordan II design is one of those iconoclast moments that will always polarise Jordan heads. Its minimal design aesthetic and jacked stance are still an oddball sight 25 years later, and the fact it was 'Made in Italy' only adds to the intrigue. It's also one of Nike's most anonymous shoe designs, which is quite a feat. However, whilst the II might be a personal (and mostly secret) pleasure, if you really want the greatest of all time, then you have to hand it to the 1s. It's the OG. Forget the IIIs and the IVs. No other ball shoe commands such presence. Red plus black plus white will always add up to snap.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Black/Red"
Website: SoSoDef.com
Twitter: @MR_Dupri

11s. The black and red 11s. They call them 'Breds' or something now? It was the first time I've ever seen patent leather on a shoe. It was so shiny. They were Jordans, but not just Jordans: they were shiny Jordans. The most shiniest Jordans you could possibly... It felt like: You wanted to have on the Bulls colors, red and black. It felt like the ultimate shoe. I don't know what it was, but that shoe was just the craziest. Today, the Jordan 4s is probably my favorite to wear. But them black-on-black 11s, when they first came out? That was just incredible.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan V "White/Fire Red"
Website: SneakerNews.com
Twitter: @mryumingwu


The Fire Red Air Jordan V with the No. 23 isn't my favorite Jordan of all time, but it's the most important to me. In the 7th grade, I watched Michael Jordan play for the first time on TV and not soon after one of my classmates wore the Fire Red Air Jordan V with the 23 to class. I was blown away by everything about it. It's my earliest memory of falling in love with a pair of sneakers.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: Vashtie.com
Twitter: @Vashtie


My favorite Jordan ever is the black/cement Jordan III. In the lineage of early Jordans, this silhouette always stood out to me for being wild yet quite sophisticated. The combination of chic textured black leather with the adornment of elephant print yield the perfect recipe for a timeless shoe. It was also the first pair of Jordans I ever owned that I bought myself, so it holds an even deeper place in my heart. I love the 3's so much that I famously made them into a giant 3-D cake for my birthday in 2009!

Favorite Model: Air Jordan V "Fire Red"
Website: Fresh Off The Boat
Twitter: @MrEddieHuang

The Jordan that got me into sneakers was the Fire Red Air Jordan V with the 3M tongue. These days I probably like XIs more, but I still remember seeing this kid in 3rd grade with those Vs and the 3M shinin'. Just had to have them. In a lot of ways as a grown-ass man collecting sneakers you're just catching up on your past.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Twitter: @Sneakersensei

My favorite Jordan of all time was and still is the Jordan III. It introduced me to aspects of the sneaker game that will forever be embeded in to my style DNA; Tinker Hatfield, the Jumpman logo, elephant print, visible Air, and Mars Blackmon. The deal was sealed when as a budding DJ I copped the "Greatest Man Alive" single by a Philly group called 3x Dope and on the back EST, Woody Wood, and Chuck Nice all had my favorite sneaker on. The sneaker stands for fashion and function before I was able to understand what that meant.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared"
Website: TheShoeGame.com
Twitter: @TheShoeGame


They were my first pair of Jordans, so the Infrared VI will forever have a special place in my heart. We may not remember our first pair of sneakers, but we remember our first pair of Jordans. I remember like it was yesterday. My single-parent mother came home on a Saturday afternoon with my first pair of Air Jordans. I had been invited to a classmate's birthday party, and I guess my mom was serious about me making a lasting impression. Yeah, I'll never forget that day or that special pair of Jordans, Thanks, mom!

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Carolina"
Website: KithNYC.com / RonnieFieg.com
Twitter: @RonnieFieg

My favorite Air Jordan changes from month to month. Right now I'd have to go with these XIs. They give me that crazy 1996 feeling — you know, that feeling that only an old sneaker or song can give you. Nobody cared about Carolina blue until these dropped, a total game-changer and one that we haven't seen retroed since 2001. Happy birthday, Mike.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: KicksonFire.com
Twitter: @KicksOnFire

They're my favorite pair because of the style and history behind the shoe. Style wise, if you've ever owned a pair, you'd know you can throw them on with almost everything. What's not to love about them? A classic Jordan silhouette, tumbled leather, iconic cement print topped off with an amazing colorway. You always have to have a fresh pair in your rotation at all times! And when it comes to history, people should know that the Air Jordan III is what kept Michael Jordan from leaving Nike. He soared in them at the dunk contest (white/cement) and switched into the black ones for the All Star game. He received his first MVP that year. Well, he actually won all the major honors one can think of. The black/cement Air Jordan III may be the most iconic Jordan of all time.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan IV "White/Cement"
Website: garywarnett.wordpress.com
Twitter: @gwarizm

I should say something deliberately obscure, but the white/cement Jordan IV is my favourite Air Jordan of all time. I never had them back in the day - I had the Fire Reds because they sold them in my town, but the white/cements were never in any store I lurked in circa 1989. If you asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said white/cement Jordan IIIs, but it pains me to say that ubiquity has deaded their aura - that shoe should have presence; not be worn by 30 guys in any square mile I occupy. The III was only available from a handful of stores in London and the price was £100+ in 1988. I never knew anyone that had them. I remember people deriding the Mocha III Retro+ for being a new colourway, but you know what? At this exact moment in time, I'd know somebody wearing that shoe gets it. I can't say that about anyone wearing the OG colourways. I hope they never reissue those, because I wouldn't be surprised if my mum broke out some True Blues these days.

I actually really like the Jordan XI Low IE, but nobody else seems to. That shoe used elephant print when using elephant print was an amazing thing to do. I don't know if it's internet folklore, but I heard that IE stood for "International Edition" because we overseas folks couldn't cope with patent toes. I wear my white/cement IVs a lot. They've been in the sea, sand and snow over the last 12 months. That speckle is a good dirt camo and despite the build quality they've held up pretty well. I hate it when friends meet me wearing the same shoe though. Unless you were Heavy D or one of the Skinny Boys, wearing the same Jordans as all your boys was and is still the corniest thing ever.

Prior to the III, I wouldn't really consider myself a "sneakerhead" per se. I mean, I did cop the 1s and IIs in all their various color iterations, but something different happened with the IIIs. With the kicks before, I actually wore those shoes for their intended purpose (i.e., played tennis in tennis shoes, played ball in basketball shoes! Wow!). But when the IIIs dropped, I started to care for them differently. I started to treat them like a prized possession and I think that stems from the progressive design. I remember when I first wore the IIIs to school, everyone in the classroom INCLUDING the teacher looked down at my feet. I snapped 35 necks in one shot! I've been a sneakerhead ever since...

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement" / Air Jordan XI "Concord" (tie)
Twitter: @DJClarkKent

The last time black/cement IIIs released I bought 30 pair, the last time Concords came out I copped 25, and then another re-release I copped five more pair. The black/cement was perfect execution of the Jordan 3. If the white/grey/cement Fire Red ever released it'd be equivalent to the black/cement. If you ever see a picture of Jordan with those white/grey cement and Fire Red. My fucking GOD! It was the same cement that was on the True Blues. I'm still blown away by that shoe. I always thought to myself I had an ability to do a shoe with Jordan, I'd do that shoe.

But Concords are just absolutely perfect looking. They are the tuxedo of all Jordan shoes. They are the most perfectly clean looking Jordan I've ever seen. No Jordan ever looked that clean, period. The white on them, look super-white. They are just perfect looking. Me personally, I have trouble wearing them. I have a bunch of them, but I have issues pulling a pair out the box and wearing them, it has to be a perfectly sunny day for me to wear them. Concords? Motion picture, movie shit. It's like I shouldn't even do one-a-days with a camera, I should do it with a video camera. If I could only have two Jordans for the rest of my life, these would be it.

Happy Birthday, MJ, thank you for setting the bar every basketball player since you has tried to reach. Thank you for providing the goal for the future. People don't say "that's very Kobe-like, or Bird-like or Magic-like" no one wants to be like any other player than Mike. In their heart, they want to be the new Mike. He's the official bar.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III (tie - "Black/Cement" & "White/Cement")
Website: http://butchersblocktv.com/
Twitter: @FrankTheButcher

I have three reasons the Air Jordan III is my favorite Jordan (and sneaker, period) of all time. 1. The 1988 Dunk Contest win versus Dominique Wilkins. Nail biting. (white) 2. KRS-One wore them in Boogie Down Productions' 'My Philosophy' video (black) 3. The three members of Philly rap group "3x Dope" wore all three first versions on the cover of their 12-inch single 'Original Stylin'' (white, black, fire red).

Nick Diamond

I have a lot of favorite Jordans, but if I could choose one it would be the Jordan 1 due to the simplicity of the styling and its functionality for skateboarding. Growing up skateboarding in the '80s the Jordan 1 was the best shoe to skate in not only because it was good, but because it was cheap. I'm not sure how the Jordan translated to basketball shoe consumers back then but I would always buy two pairs for 25 bucks on the sale table at Copelands in SF. It seems like they had so many in backstock that they had them on sale for a couple years and every skater in SF had them. A lot of skateboarding shoes to this day are still based on the simple athletic design concept of the Jordan 1 which makes it my no. 1 pick.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III
Website: http://ifandco.com
Twitter: @BenBaller

I have to say after being able to get both the Air Jordan 1 in the 6th grade (and barely making the fit of a 6.5 to make the Air — not the Sky — Jordan was a big deal) then in 7th grade to be able to get the Jordan II which I heard was designed in Italy made me feel blessed in life like I was already down with high fashion.

But I had a few small jobs as a teenager, one was working in a deli, and when the III's came out, $100 was a LOT of money to me. Shit, minimum wage back then was like $3.50 an hour! So it would take me about two weeks of work after taxes just to get that one pair! That's when my favorite director at the time Spike Lee (my brother was a big film buff and I got to see cool independent films like "She's Gotta Have It") directed the commercial for the IIIs, "Is It The Shoes?" so when the commercial dropped, I was like hot damn I need these. I remember getting them at Foot Locker in West L.A.. I could only afford one pair and it was a big deal. This was an expensive shoe and even at Beverly Hills High not everyone had them. it was a baller's dream to cop these...

Then later, around spring break time, I went to Palm Springs with some friends and washed some cars and was able to get the white ones. Fuck, I thought I had just got myself some Hermes. THIS WAS THE FIRST SHOE THAT I NOTICED BREAKING NECKS AROUND KOREATOWN TO BEVERLY HILLS TO PALM SPRINGS! Everyone would stop. It was nuts... the design is perfect, not too low as a low top and not something high. I always loved a midtop/low shoe and it's crazy, the only time I liked hightop kicks was around 2006-2009 when it was the fad to show the tongues out. So overall, the III is the greatest to me, but the IV is really close. I also have to shout out the 1 because it's the OG and real OG's fuck with 1's. I hate the retro game though, so much love to NIKE for finally putting out these 88s with the NIKE AIR on the back.

Favorite Model: Air Jordan VIII "Black/Chrome"
Twitter: @fatjoe


The black VIIIs with the strap. My second favorites would be the Bugs Bunny VIIs. But, the way the color pops out on the VIIIs and the straps, that shoe is just mean, it feels original. It's hard to describe but that shoe has always caught my eye, like 'wow'. As soon as they came out, I got them. I have probably three pairs of those, untouched. Jordans in general I have at least 1,000 pair. The thing is, not only is Mike the greatest basketball player of all time, but being an entrepreneur, he's been retired for like 10 years now, and the fact his brand and his sneakers continue to grow and be hotter, his legacy inspires us as entrepreneurs to push forward. We know it can happen because of him. He set the blueprint.

Favorite Model: Jordan Retro V "Raging Bull Pack," Air Jordan V "Black/Metallic Silver," Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared," Air Jordan XI, Air Jordan 1 "Banned."*
Twitter: @SASBMJ

Air Jordan V:

One of my all-time favorites definitely have to be the Vs! I believe they debuted in '90 and I was also born in '90 (on December 24th). I also like to think I'm the luck that brought the championship run in '91, haha. Also, my "lucky" number you can say is 5, which subsequently became my jersey number (2+3= 5) I also have a tattooed left upper arm sleeve that has the number 5 written in different languages!

Air Jordan VI:

The design of this shoe is just beautiful and the black and Infrared colorway are such a NASTY look that this is one of my favorites for sure. I still have several in the silver packaging! Ha.

Air Jordan XI:

Obviously this could easily be one of the best shoes EVER created. Any colorway in this shoe is a MUST HAVE. Don't even get me started on these! Also, fun fact: if you go back and look at pictures from my UCF hoop days I always debuted whatever colorway was that year in like the first week of December! (Space Jams, Cool Greys, Concords, freshman, sophomore, junior seasons.)

Retro 1 "Banned"

I love this shoe for so many reasons. Just the boldness of taking a stand and doing something different and still doing it while getting fined is just too gangsta to go unrecognized. The black and red with the Bulls uniform has truly become art now. And that always deserves a salute! AND I have a few game-worn that my dad kept for me, Jeff and Jasmine to go with our jerseys and rings.

*Mike's kids can pick as many favorites as they want

Favorite Model: Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Website: FoolsGold.com / InfiniteLegroom.com
Twitter: @Atrak

I believe the black/cement IIIs are the dopest sneaker ever created. The elephant print, the way it uses original materials and prints without looking obnoxious is very rare. The shape is unusual, it almost looks like a little tank. But they never look too boxy on anyone's feet. It's like a classic piece of furniture, there's a reason why they're timeless and no one can ever hate. When you see someone in some IIIs, congratulate them.

Bun B

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI "Space Jam"
Twitter: @BunBTrillOG

My favorite Jordan has changed once or twice, but in the end I think the XI has my heart. That patent leather, aka "candy" is a killer. The Bred colorway is a classic but I'm more partial to the Space Jams. I recently wore them with a suit to my Gulf Coast museum induction.

Tinker Hatfield

Favorite Model: Air Jordan XI
Website: Nike.com
Twitter: N/A

My favorite shoe is the XI as it really pushed the boundaries of style and innovation. I had just begun working on it when MJ retired to play baseball, so I was showing him versions of it all over the country. It was an amazing project from start to finish.