Jordans for the First Time Buyer

Looking to purchase a pair of Air Jordans for yourself or someone you love this holiday season but have absolutely no idea where to start? With hundreds of colorways and a ton of silhouettes released every year, it’s hard to know which pair would be the right one for you. Even though there is no right or wrong sneaker to get (buy what you like and what looks good to you), there are certain colorways and models that are good places to start to get your foot in the door, whether that be for everyday wear or to flex in a collection.

Air Jordan 1 Obsidian UNC

When in doubt, get a pair of 1s. The Air Jordan 1 is a popular first pickup for many reasons: it was Jordan’s first signature sneaker, its sleek design makes it easy to pair with the skinniest or widest of pants, and it comes in an unending variety of colors to help complete any outfit. One of those varieties of colors is this 2019 release Air Jordan 1 High Obsidian. This colorway is a common trope for Jordans, as it pays homage to Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. You can find the light blue hue show up on other Jordan 1s as well as 3s, 4s, 11s, etc., but this version opts for more Obsidian and Sail colors, making it stand out from the pack. Thanks to its mix of tumbled and smooth leather, this shoe will naturally get more comfortable with each wear, making it a suitable option for everyday use. 

Air Jordan 3 Black Cement (2018)

For first-time Jordan buyers, a good rule of thumb is to get original colorways for that particular silhouette. These colorways helped to pave the way for today’s abundance of retros, and are some of the more memorable sneakers worn by the GOAT himself. The Air Jordan 3 Black Cement is one of those staple colorways. Michael Jordan had some of his most iconic moments while wearing the Black Cement 3s, one of which is his first NBA All-Star MVP in 1988. Since its release, the sneaker has gone through multiple retro treatments, with its most recent being this 2018 pair. This version is considered a great purchase for collectors and wearers alike for it being the only near-perfect remake of its ‘88 original, so far. Featuring the Nike Air logo on the heel (an important detail on many Jordan silhouettes, as it nods to its original construction), black tumbled leather, and signature Elephant print, the unique design of the Jordan 3 joins functionality with luxe elements, creating a versatile and stylish sneaker.

Air Jordan 1 Court Purple (W)

Like we said before, Jordan 1s are always a safe bet. But if you want something with an extra added zing to it, then look no further than the Air Jordan 1 High Court Purple. Like the AJ1 Obsidians, this sneaker features tumbled leather uppers throughout. But its most notable feature is its Court Purple metallic detailing on the Swoosh, collar, and signature Wings logo. This metallic addition draws inspiration from the original, 1985 Air Jordan 1 Metallic pack, which featured a Court Purple colorway. The sneaker being both an Air Jordan 1 and an original colorway checks all the boxes for first-time buyers, setting them in the right direction.

Air Jordan 4 White Oreo

If you’re looking for a Jordan sneaker that recently released and carries a certain level of clout, then the Air Jordan 4 White Oreo might be the sneaker for you. As a silhouette, the Air Jordan 4 has a lot of history behind it, both within basketball and sneaker culture. It was worn during Michael’s game-winning shot against Craig Eloh and the Cleveland Cavs in the 1989 NBA Playoffs. It was also the sneaker featured in Spike Lee’s famous, and still culturally relevant, movie Do The Right Thing. Lastly, the sneaker was a part of Nike’s Mars Blackmon marketing campaign, which featured both Lee and Jordan and helped coin the phrase “It’s Gotta Be The Shoes”. The Jordan 4 has had a major impact on Jordan Brand and sneaker culture as a whole, and this recent release shows the silhouette’s staying power, three decades since its debut. The Air Jordan 4 White Oreo features white tumbled leather uppers with hits of red, and Cement gray and black speckled accents, a design made popular on the silhouette’s original White Cement colorway. For a first-time Jordan buyer, this sneaker and the silhouette alone are enough of a flex that it’ll make you look as though you’ve been copping Jordans for years.    

Air Jordan 1 Chicago (2015)

We’re all about the Jordan 1s, and for good reason. The Air Jordan 1 Chicago was the first colorway to introduce Jordan’s partnership with Nike. The sneaker and colorway is a combination that has not only withstood trends but is still in the center of new trends every year. And, as sneakerheads and fashion are opting for more vintage, retro designs, the Air Jordan 1 Chicago becomes more and more coveted for its instant tie-in with nostalgia and Michael’s dynamic impact on the association. With that said though, for anybody’s first-time AJ purchase, the Chicago does lean more on the expensive side. But with its hefty price tag, not only are you getting a nicely constructed sneaker, you’re getting all the history that comes with it. Secure your pair as soon as possible, as this sneaker will be on many wish lists causing prices to shoot up during the peak holiday rush.   

Air Jordan 1 Bred Banned (2016)

Similar to the Chicago 1s, the Air Jordan 1 Bred, aka Banned 1, is another coveted colorway that holds history. The now commonly known story amongst the sneaker community is that this sneaker is the first of its kind to get “banned” by the NBA, giving way to its nickname. This “Banned” story, which also stated that Michael Jordan was ordered to pay fines for every time he wore the shoe on court, is now known to be nothing more than a marketing story by Nike. But despite its interesting, untruthful tale, it continues to be a story that stays relevant long past its debut, leading to a number of retro releases such as this more recent 2016 pair. Outside of its shape, this 2016 retro is the closest version to its OG. Similar to other Jordan 1s, the Banned 1s are constructed with black and Varsity red leather uppers. If you or someone you know is looking for something with true relevance for years to come, but also a clean colorway that can be worn through any season, look to pick up a pair of these for the holidays.

Air Jordan 5 Fire Red (2020)

If vintage 90s designs are more your thing, then the Air Jordan 5 Fire Red is a solid pick up as a first pair of Jordans. The sneaker was made popular not only by Michael Jordan but also The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air himself, Will Smith. The show featured Will in some of the silhouette’s most popular colorways, one of which being the Fire Red. The Air Jordan 5 Fire Red is complete with a reflective tongue, Fire Red lining, and Nike Air logo on the heel. The ‘90s were a good time for fashion, so if you’re in the market for a sneaker that embodies that aesthetic, then get a pair of these, as the sneaker is still selling close to its $200 retail price tag in most sizes.   

Air Jordan 6 Carmine (2021)

Another OG-colorway that’s a great first Jordan purchase is the Air Jordan 6 Carmine. The Carmine colorway was one of the more flamboyant OG Jordan 6s to release in 1991, as its Black and White Infrared packmates are considered more muted in color. The Air Jordan 6 Carmine features Varsity red underlays with white overlays. Black accents across the tongue, heel tab, and midsole bring boldness to the bright sneaker. This is more of a shoe for people looking for a sneaker that’s hard to miss when worn, which, if anything, makes them a very good first choice for a Jordan. They won’t be forgotten. 

Air Jordan 7 Bordeaux (2015)

Compared to other Air Jordan 7 original colorways, the Bordeaux is easily the silhouette’s most unusual. Outside of the usual Chicago Bulls-centered color blocking, this colorway opted for more greys, blacks, and burgundys. But that doesn’t take away from their impact on MJ’s other sneakers that followed, as the Bordeaux possibly helped various color palettes, such as the Aqua 8s and Columbia 11s, make their way onto other silhouettes. The Air Jordan 7 Bordeaux has grey and graphite Durabuck uppers, with hits of burgundy on the Jumpman, and zig-zagged graphics on the tongue. For those looking to go against the grain and journey on the path less traveled, the Air Jordan 7 Bordeaux is the right choice.

Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey (2021)

Being a first-time Jordan buyer, you probably don’t know that Air Jordan 11s dominate the holiday season. Every year for the past few years, sneakerheads eagerly wait to see either a new or OG colorway surface. The sneaker is so sought-after that it is possibly one of the reasons why so many releases are done through raffles these days, seeing that those annual releases caused long crowded lines outside of sneaker stores. The Jordan 11 is the first sneaker in Jordan’s line that featured shiny patent leather, making it very unorthodox during its 1996 debut. Although the Cool Grey isn’t an original colorway, its clean monotone nubuck and patent leather materials are a few of the reasons that it retroed three times since its 2001 debut. This year’s retro sees the sneaker return in a full OG construction. From the raised patent leather to its unique lacing system, if you want a timeless design that will never lose its flavor, then the Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey will fulfill those needs.