Even though Michael Jordan hasn’t played in the NBA for over 20 years, his sneakers remain among the most coveted in the world. One of his game-worn Jordan XIII Bred sneakers even sold at auction in 2022 for $2,200,000. To date, it is the most expensive shoe ever sold.
In addition to the basketball shoe series, Jordan’s casual shoes have also become popular items. This makes it almost impossible to narrow down your choices if you can only choose from 3 models. For his part, Jordan was asked in an interview with “NBA 2k” what his three favorite pairs of Air Jordan sneakers were. It took him a while to answer because he felt forced to choose his favorite child. Luckily, I dug in eventually.
1. Jordan XI
This should come as no surprise to any basketball or sneakerhead. Design aside, the Jordan XI was produced at arguably the most pivotal moment in Jordan’s career. When the design process for the shoe began the year Jordan announced his first retirement, sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield went on to create a model even as Nike considered discontinuing his signature line. When Michael Jordan announced his comeback, the shoes he wore in his first game back and when he won his fourth NBA championship were XI shoes.
Whether it’s a high-top or low-top version, you can guarantee that every sneakerhead in the world has these in their shoe closet.
2. Air Jordan III
Known as the shoe that convinced Jordan to stay with Nike long-term, the Jordan III revolutionized the sneaker game. This is the first sneaker to bear the Jumpman logo. This is also the first mid-top sneaker in the Jordan line rather than a high-top sneaker. But the biggest change to the Jordan III that wasn’t seen in any shoe from the ’80s was that it was surrounded by leather, making it easier to use when first wearing it.
The shoe debuted in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest, where he defeated Dominique Wilkins. Soon after, Jordan also won his first league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
3. Air Jordan XII and Air Jordan XIII (tie)
In the interview, Michael Jordan did not elaborate on why he prefers the XII and XIII over other models. What we do know is that they were the shoes he wore most often when he won his fifth NBA title in 1997.
He also wore this XII shoe during the famous Flu Game. The best part about the Air Jordan XIII is that, as we mentioned earlier, it’s still technically the most expensive pair of shoes in the world.