words // Brandon Richard
In 1999, Jordan Brand changed the game when they dropped two previously unreleased colorways of the Air Jordan 4. Initially referred to as Retro+ colorways, these styles breathed new life into classic Jordan shoes and helped redefine the sneaker business. Fifteen years later, new Jordan colorways are being released more than ever, like today's launch of the Wolf Grey 3s. They're generally hit or miss, and there may be too many, but activity at the registers doesn't lie.
Not all new Jordan colorways are bad, though. In fact, there's quite a few that hold up well next to the original releases. Today, we're running through Air Jordans 1 through 14 and picking our favorite non-OG colorway of each model. Scroll through and let us know where you agree and disagree in the comment section.
Air Jordan 1 'Knicks'
With MSG being the scene of some of MJ's greatest performances, a Knicks-themed colorway of his debut sig was a no-brainer. The high-cut 'OG' treatment helped put it over other candidates.
Air Jordan 2 ' Melo'
There aren't many Air Jordan 2s that have stirred up sneakerhead frenzy, but Carmelo Anthony's 2004 drop was an absolute must-have and still is to this day.
Air Jordan 3 'Cool Grey'
The ironic thing about this colorway is that Cool Grey isn't actually a part of the color description. Sneakerheads gave the shoe its nickname before it became the first new colorway of the Air Jordan 3 to drop in February 2007.
Air Jordan 4 'Fear Pack'
The standout shoe in the 'Fear Pack,' the Air Jordan 4 features great blocking, tastefully applied speckle and can be laced up daily.
Air Jordan 5 'Black Grape'
Back when sneaker information was mostly shared on message boards, this colorway frequently popped up in 'What If?' Photoshop threads. In 2013, Jordan Brand made the shoe a reality and it lived up to expectations.
Air Jordan 6 'Olympic'
Originally released during the initial wave of what were known as Retro+ colorways in 2000, the 'Olympic' 6 was a celebration of MJ's Team USA legacy and a nod to the team competing for gold in Sydney. It's generally regarded as one of the best retro colorways of any model.
Air Jordan 7 'GMP'
A salute to the Dream Team's dominance in 1992, the 'Golden Moments' Air Jordan 7 was packaged with a new colorway of the Air Jordan 6 for the 2012 Olympics. Medal-inspired hits of gold gave this shoe a true championship feel.
Air Jordan 8 'Chrome'
The 'Chrome' 8 was the first new colorway of the model to release and those 'bling bling' accents didn't really age that badly. At least not yet.
Air Jordan 9 'Cool Grey'
Following the success of the 'Cool Grey' 11 in 2001, the style was transferred to the 9 a year later and it pretty much yielded the same results.
Air Jordan 10 'Cool Grey'
Not only has the Jordan Brand refused to give us 'City Pack' retros, but the new colorways of the Air Jordan 10 that they have released are pretty much awful. The exception may be this year's 'Cool Grey' drop, which looked like it could have been on shelves in '95.
Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam'
Though made for MJ to wear during the filming of Space Jam, we weren't able to get our hands on a pair until 2000. Hard to argue against what many would consider the best new Air Jordan colorway of all-time.
Air Jordan 12 'Nubuck'
After hitting the court as a Carmelo Anthony PE, the 'Nubuck' 12 was released exclusively online in 2003. One of the shoes that helped shape modern Jordan collecting, the limited edition colorway was dropped as part of a pack that included matching gear. Popular demand brought it back in '09.
Air Jordan 13 'Altitude'
In a classic case of less being more, the 'Altitude' 13 features an all-black upper, textured panels and green hits on the Jumpman logo and outsole. First spotted on the feet of T.O. in an issue of Jordan Brand Magazine, this pair was released in limited quantities in 2005 and was one of the most popular retros of its time. The colorway re-released in 2010 with a ballistic mesh upper.
Air Jordan 14 'Light Graphite / Chartreuse'
In short, we all want the 'Indiglo' retro, and this is the closest thing to it that Jordan Brand has been willing to give us.
