Best Air Jordan 1s of the Decade

Sneakers - December 24, 2019

Last updated on December 25, 2019

Top 10 Jordan 1s of the Decade

Morgan Baylis

Morgan is a writer and sneaker analyst based in Detroit, MI. He is the Content Coordinator of StockX.

We love Jordan 1s over here at StockX World HQ. We also love a good Top 10 list. From collaborations to modified designs, there were many firsts out of the 1,023 Jordan 1s that released in the last decade. It would be easy to make a list including OG Jordan 1s, so we decided not to consider them. We shifted our focus on designs and colorways that debuted in the 2010s that left their own footprint in the Air Jordan lineage. After compiling an assortment of selects, we found a common ground that is The Top 10 Jordan 1s of the Decade.

jordan 1 off white

Off-White x Air Jordan 1

The Jordan 1 Off-White Chicago is single-handedly responsible for changing the way sneaker collaborations are done. In the past, a sneaker collaboration meant adding new colorways, different materials, and specialized branding to a pre-existing design. Virgil Abloh tore down these expectations with The Ten capsule collection and more specifically the Air Jordan 1. By modifying this previously untouched design, he challenged all future collaborators to think outside of the box and do more than just a simple color switch. Hyped releases like the Travis Scott 1, Travis Scott 6, and Union LA 1 wouldnā€™t exist without Virgil laying the groundwork with his reconstructed collaborative model.

jordan 1 rebel

Jordan 1 Rebel

In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 released as a menā€™s shoe. Regardless of the amount of newer releases in womenā€™s sizing, it is still associated with being just a menā€™s shoe and this couldnā€™t be any further from the truth. To drive this point home that Jordans are for everyone, Jordan Brand took itā€™s most popular design and redesigned it exclusively for women.

jordan 1 fragment

Fragment x Air Jordan 1 Retro High

Prior to 2014, the Air Jordan 1 was strictly known as a legacy shoe. Any colorway that wasnā€™t OG was ignored and sat on shelves. Once Hiroshi Fujiwara of Fragment was given the opportunity to design his own Jordan 1, the climate quickly changed. This release ended up being extremely limited and sent shockwaves throughout the after-market. For the first time, a non-OG colorway was on top and the power of exclusivity was exposed.

jordan 1 travis scott

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1

If you take one of the biggest artists in the world and pair them with the most iconic sneaker silhouette of all-time then obviously history will be made. From the moment these shoes were unveiled during Travis Scottā€™s first headlining arena tour, everybody and their mother wanted a pair. The Travis Scott 1 is arguably the most hyped Jordan 1 of the decade, posting $26.6M in sales on StockX alone.

jordan 1 flyease

Jordan 1 FlyEase

The Jordan 1 FlyEase was a sign of growth and understanding in the sneaker industry because it addressed a rising issue that differently abled customers have difficulty getting on and off Jordan 1s. In response, Jordan updated the design by adding FlyEase technology for easy and quick entry. Although this design is completely reimagined, Jordan maintained key design elements to make this sneaker feel like a traditional Air Jordan 1.

Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard

The Shattered Backboard 1 started as nothing more than a general release shoe with an exceptional colorway and quality. It was one of those shoes that you would see in person and wonder why you didnā€™t buy it. By the time the light clicked for many, it was too late. What makes this Jordan 1 a highlight of the decade is the fact that this release was the first time that word of mouth created hype for a non-OG Jordan 1 and drove it to unthinkable premiums.

colette x Air Jordan 1 Friends & Family

The story behind these sneakers is what transforms this from a product into a monument. Opening its doors in 1997, Colette became Parisā€™ first concept store and quickly became known for pushing the cultural needle, building a foundation rooted in change. After 20 years of breaking fashionā€™s newest talents and inspiring the next generation, Colette closed its doors in 2017. To celebrate Coletteā€™s cultural impact, Jordan Brand gifted the store itā€™s own Air Jordan 1. The Jordan 1 High Colette was gifted those who played a part in Coletteā€™s journey that spanned two decades. Due to the extremely limited production numbers that are unknown to this day, this Jordan 1 never saw an official release.

Top 10 Jordan 1s of the Decade

Union LA x Air Jordan 1

The Jordan 1 Retro High Union LA Blue Toe is the ultimate response to the mass obsession of vintage legacy sneakers. Although OG colorways comprise this design, Union did an amazing job giving this shoe its own identity. We feel like this Jordan 1 personifies street style of this decade.

Top 10 Jordan 1s of the Decade

Aleali May x Air Jordan 1

This Jordan 1 serves as a reminder of the growing inclusive atmosphere in the sneaker world. We have seen various men in popular culture put their mark on a pair of Jordan 1s but never before a woman. In 2018 this changed as Aleali May became the first woman to have her own Jordan 1, a feat that few people and even fewer non-athletes have accomplished. For this, we place the Jordan 1 Aleali May in the books and look forward to more women putting their touch on sneaker history.

Top 10 Jordan 1s of the Decade

Hornets FoundationĀ Air Jordan 1

Something you normally donā€™t see is the man himself, Michael Jordan, designing a shoe. We were shocked to hear that he was credited in the design process for this Jordan 1 because honestly, this colorway is really good. Only 300 pairs were produced and the only way to get your hands on a pair was to either win them in an auction, raffle, or buy it now price of $20,000. All proceeds were donated to the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.