Image via Complex Original
It's worth noting right up front that there has been no shortage of Air Jordan retros. And we have fully appreciated them, whether they be a new style like the "Toro Bravo" IV or an original like the "Shadow Grey" 1 (both of which—public service message alert!—drop this weekend). But as many retros as there have been, there are still some styles that don't seem to get enough love. And what better way to right these wrongs than to release them all at once? Say, tomorrow? These Air Jordans Need To Be Retroed Right Now. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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12. Air Jordan III "Mocha"
Originally Released: 2001
Scorned (somewhat) in 2001, the Mochas have since become a bit of a cult classic. People who weren't ready for a "lifestyle" update of a classic Air Jordan a decade ago clamor for them now. What was once sales rack fodder will be sellout material. Trust us.
11. Air Jordan X "Sacramento"
Originally Released: 1995
The only original black-based drop of the AJX, the Sacramento pair was made for Mitch Richmond. Maybe they're not the best summer drop, but no one's saying no to these, whenever they hit.
10. Air Jordan 1 Low "White/Metallic Navy"
Originally Released: 1985
It's kind of funny. There were an untold number of colorways of the original Air Jordan 1, but only two ("natural" and metallic navy) of the lows. There have been plenty of low retros, but none have been true to the original design. Just give us one.
9. Air Jordan II "White/Red"
Originally Released: 1987
Here's how you do a proper Air Jordan II retro. Get the polyurethane midsole right, get that toebox right (too boxy, guys), and have them made in Italy again. If people will pay $250 for Foamposites and LeBrons, they won't mind paying $300 for an Italian-made Air Jordan. Well, we won't anyway.
8. Air Jordan XX "Stealth"
Originally Released: 2005
OK, fine, 2005 wasn't that long ago. But the "Stealth" AJXXs were the highlight of that drop, and the lasered storytelling would have made for a perfect re-release to coincide with Mike's 50th back in February. It's still not too late.
7. Air Jordan X "New York"
Originally Released: 1995
Come on, Jordan, Carmelo's been a Knick for how long now, and we STILL haven't seen the one actual pair of Knicks-themed original Air Jordans? Make Hubert Davis proud and get these back on shelves.
6. Air Jordan XVII+
Originally Released: 2002
The Air Jordan XVII+ did away with the superfluous accoutrements-the briefcase and the CD-Rom (remember those?)-and just came in a normal Jordan box with dustbags. They still retailed for $200, however, with mock croc and copper eyelets adding that luxury feel. These are perfectly suited to the Yeezy era.
5. Air Jordan XI "Columbia"
Originally Released: 1996
It seems logical that this drop will come soon enough, seeing that we've seen Space Jams, Concords, black/reds and Cool Greys again since the last Columbia retro in 2001. Christmas seems like the safe bet, but wouldn't it be better to get a fresh pair of these in the summer? Like, say, tomorrow?
4. Air Jordan 1 "White/Carolina"
Originally Released: 1985
We know, Carolina 1s dropped just this past year. But that mid-cut and the Jumpman branding just didn't feel right. And given the previous two Carolina AJ1 retros were patent leather and the "Alpha" versions, it's high time for a straightforward OG re-release.
3. Air Jordan IV "White-Columbia-Midnight Navy"
Originally Released: 1999
Purists gasped at the "Retro Plus" concept, which took the familiar Air Jordan IV silhouette and replaced the original mesh panels with perforated tumbled leather. This simply would not do. But we can't help but think that, 15 years on, the concept of a lux IV would be greeted with a bit more enthusiasm.
2. Air Jordan XVI "Ginger"
Originally Released: 2001
Sneakers done up in boot colors may be common enough now, but in 2001 it was still somewhat new. The "Ginger" XVIs met the same sales rack fate as their "Cherrywood" counterparts, only to become sought-after once they were gone. And with the success of the Air Jordan XX8, hey, shrouds are back.
1. Air Jordan VI "September Blue"
Originally Released: 1991
Whether the "SP" stood for "Sport" or "September," the white and blue Air Jordan VI belongs in the same family tree as the "True Blue" IIIs and "Military Blue" IVs, both of which have been retroed multiple times. It's high time the VI joined them.
