The Air Jordan line is the most iconic signature sneaker franchise in history. Launched in 1985 with the Air Jordan 1, the line represents Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike — a deal originally projected to generate $3 million over four years that instead earned $126 million in the first year alone.
Across more than 40 numbered signature models, the Air Jordan silhouette has evolved from a rebellion (the "banned" AJ1) to a performance icon (AJ3 "White Cement") to a lifestyle staple. Tinker Hatfield designed models 3 through 15, authoring most of the line's defining silhouettes. Jordan Brand spun off as its own Nike subsidiary in 1997 and continues to release new signature models annually — Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Paolo Banchero now carry the Jumpman alongside the retro archive.
The Jumpman logo — based on a Life magazine photo of Jordan dunking in the 1984 Olympics — appeared on the Air Jordan 3 in 1988 and has been the brand's primary identifier ever since.
Key eras:
- 1985-1998 (MJ era): AJ1 through AJ14. Each model tied to a specific NBA season and championship run.
- 1999-2002 (post-retirement retros): Jordan Brand began re-releasing classics; "retro culture" was born.
- 2003-present (modern Jumpman): Numbered models continue (AJ20 onward), but retros of 1-14 dominate release calendars and collector interest.
Cultural weight:
Collaborations with Travis Scott, Virgil Abloh's Off-White, Dior, fragment design, Union LA, and A Ma Maniéré have redefined the sneaker resale market and introduced the silhouettes to new audiences. Retail prices span $125 (Low variants) to $190 (High OG) and $2,000+ (Dior). Secondary market multipliers on top collabs routinely exceed 5x.
JustFreshKicks tracks every Air Jordan release — retros, collaborations, brand-new models, and Jordan Brand player exclusives — with confirmed launch dates, images, retail links, and restock alerts. Browse below for the full Air Jordan archive.