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The 20 Best Air Jordan Releases Of 2015

The 20 Best Air Jordan Releases Of 2015

Best Of 2015 Jordan

That’s right – we’re doubling the count to twenty for the Jumpman, simply because there were too many great releases that would’ve been left out if we kept it at ten. 2015 was the year of Remaster and the collaboration, so filling out the twenty best Jordan Retros of the year was a rather fun and easy task. Let’s jump right into it with our picks for the best batch, and let us know if you think something isn’t worthy to be among this group.

Stay tuned for the 10 Best Nike Retro Releases of 2015 later today.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Chicago1

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago”

For the first time since 1994, the “Chicago” Air Jordan 1 returned in accurate shape and detailing. One of the most hyped and sought after releases of the year, it’s among the few shoes actually worthy of the hoopla. A huge year for the Air Jordan 1, the “Chicago” was accompanied by other great releases of the silhouette in 2015 like the original “Carolina” and brand­-new “Shattered Backboard” colorways.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Maroon 6

Air Jordan 6 “Maroon”

It might not have been the most hyped Air Jordan retro of the year, but it may just be the most significant. The shoe wasn’t important only because it was the first-­ever retro of the long­-awaited “Maroon” colorway, but it also marked the return of original “Nike Air” branding in its appropriate place on the heel, an initiative that will be continued by Jordan Brand in 2016. The “remastered” program also seemed to be in full effect for this very special Air Jordan 6, as it was built with quality leather with the painted detailing on the midsoles looking pristine. Well done, Jordan Brand.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Supreme

Supreme x Air Jordan 5

A contender for the most epic, hyped, and now sought-­after sneaker collaboration ever, Supreme and Jordan Brand teamed up in 2015 for a special three­-colorway set of the Air Jordan 5 Retro with bold “Supreme” branding on the translucent mesh upper. The fanatic followings of the two brands combined to ensure every pair sold out immediately, and they’re now garnering huge price tags on the resale market. It’s a sneaker release that nobody will forget any time soon.

Best Of 2015 Jordan7210

Air Jordan 11 “72-10”

No surprise here. The annual holiday season release of the Air Jordan 11 Retro will pretty much always make any top sneakers of the year list, and 2015 is no exception. Paying homage to Michael Jordan’s historic 72-­win season with the Chicago Bulls in 1995-­96, the shoe gets dressed in a luxurious black leather upper with a unique textured­ yet­ smooth treatment to the traditionally patent leather paneling. Part “Bred” and part “Space Jam” this new look for the XI will surely go down as one of the best non-­OG colorways for the shoe ever.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Donc

Don C x Air Jordan 2

Kicking off the year of Jordan collaborations was this unexpected partnership with Don C. His work on the Air Jordan 2 elevated the sneaker to new heights thanks to a tonal royal blue quilted leather upper that helped the shoe live up to its prized Italian origins. Alongside the Air Jordan 2 was a Don C x Jordan snapback hat, as well as a varsity jacket that fetched some high dollars. The Don C x Air Jordan 2 is the most limited Air Jordan collaboration of 2015 and surely one of the most coveted of the year.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Bred11

Air Jordan 11 Low “Bred”

After appearing on the feet of Michael Jordan off the court way back in 1996, the elusive PE Air Jordan 11 Low in “Bred” became almost a thing of legends to Jordan collectors throughout the years. After a long wait, this summer we finally got the low-­top Air Jordan 11 in the famous black and red colorway, complete with the red inner lining just like MJ’s original pair. Now that it’s all said and done, these arguably outrank the “72­-10” Air Jordan 11 as the best 11 Retro of the year.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Pinnacle

Air Jordan 1 “Pinnacle”

The most notable piece of Jordan Brand’s 30 year anniversary, the Air Jordan 1 was redesigned in luxurious fashion with the “Pinnacle” rendition. Indeed the pinnacle of Air Jordan 1 quality, the prestigious version of the silhouette initially released in black snakeskin and cream stingray textures with 24-­karat gold detailing. The only downside was the price—$400—that was a little too steep for many collectors. The fact that most of us couldn’t afford a pair doesn’t stop the Pinnacle from being one of the best Air Jordans of the year.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Mtmpack

Air Jordan MTM

Mark Parker, Tinker Hatfield, and the man himself Michael Jordan collaborated for this epic pack of Air Jordans celebrating Jordan Brand’s 30th anniversary with very first and most recent models. The ultra premium set flips the materials of the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan XX9, with the original model constructed in Flyweave and the new performance sneaker in leather. Both in sleek black colorways, either one by itself could have made the list, and combined they undoubtedly form one of the strongest Jordan releases of the year. What’s more key about MTM is that 2016 could hold some more legend-tier releases that our imaginations can’t yet fathom.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Hare7

Air Jordan 7 “Hare”

Last seen in 2008’s Countdown Pack collection, the Air Jordan 7’s original “Hare” colorway was one of this summer’s biggest sneaker releases. The beloved colorway was the most anticipated version of the AJ7 in a year that saw a number of new versions of the silhouette release, proving that OG still always reigns supreme.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Oreo4

Air Jordan 4 “Oreo”

Starting off the “Remastered” initiative from Jordan Brand early this year, the beloved “Oreo” Air Jordan 4 colorway returned for the first time since its initial release way back in 1999. All those who never managed to get the originals were happy to finally have another chance, and they were also happy when they got their pair and it was actually made with good quality leather—something most Jordan retros haven’t had in years. The quality complaints with Jordan Brand are now a thing of the past after a full year of remastered retros, and since the Columbia and Oreo 4s dropped things have only gotten better.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Ovo10

OVO x Air Jordan 10

What a time to be alive. Drake had a Curry-esque run of dominance, and an Air Jordan Retro collaboration was just one of his many esteemed accomplishments of a career year. An Air Jordan 6 would’ve made more sense, but the white/cream/gold colorway with OVO branding made the otherwise under-appreciated Air Jordan 10 some much needed love. This was, of course, the only OVO x Air Jordan that actually hit stores, because Drake wore a series of other PE issues that had sneakerheads in fits of jealousy. Top notch release.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Aqua8

Air Jordan 8 “Aqua”

The most popular colorway of the Air Jordan 8 since the shoe first dropped in 1993, the “Aqua” Air Jordan 8 returned for only its second retro after last being seen in 2007. The long­-awaited return of iconic colorway in black, teal and purple synonymous with the early ’90s was a welcome sight for many Air Jordan collectors, and was actually easy to get, as Jordan apparently made enough pairs to go around. A win-­win situation for one of the coolest Air Jordans ever. And for those complaining about the glittery midsoles, take a look at an OG pair.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Shattered

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shattered Backboard”

There are so many narratives from Michael Jordan’s rookie year that we can most certainly expect themed Air Jordan 1 High releases for years to come. The “Shattered Backboard” is, of course, from an exhibition game in Italy when MJ furiously destroyed the glass with his signature dunks. Although the moment itself doesn’t really rank high among MJ’s other career achievements, the Shattered Backboard 1s made plenty of noise with its ridiculously good quality.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Db13

Air Jordan 13 “Doernbecher”

Doernbecher Jordans are meant to be over-the-top and somewhat out-of-touch with today’s trends. The shoes are, after all, designed by children who don’t really understand (or care) about what’s hot and what’s not, and it’s just fine that way. This year’s Air Jordan DB release was designed by the young John Charles, who implemented a list of awesome inspirations to his eye-catching design. Doernbechers are always the focus of heavy sneaker hunts, and this year’s version was no different.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Psny

PSNY x Air Jordan 12

Public School New York was a respected high-end menswear label that originated in the boroughs. Thanks to Jordan Brand, they’re a globally recognized brand, but don’t credit the mere partnership for providing all the weight – PSNY absolutely killed it with the Air Jordan 12. Outstanding quality and materials on a concrete-grey Air Jordan 12 made these pricey joints one of the best Retro Jays of the year, by far.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Bordeaux

Air Jordan 7 “Bordeaux”

Another OG Air Jordan 7 hit stores this year as part of the shoe’s 23rd Anniversary celebration. While not nearly as celebrated as the “Hare” (simply due to the fact these hit stores just a few years ago), the Air Jordan 7 “Bordeaux” made plenty of noise and for some, was the most important Air Jordan Retro release of 2015.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Xx3chi

Air Jordan 23 “Chi-City”

Out of nowhere comes the first-ever Retro release of the Air Jordan XX3. Dubbed the “Chi City”, this red/gum Air Jordan 23 turned out to be a celebratory release for the opening the 32 South St., the new standalone Jordan retail destination in the heart of the Chicago shopping district. This Tinker Hatfield-designed masterpiece brought in a tonal full-grain leather upper – something the shoe had never been seen in – while featuring an awesome embroidered logo on the heel. Let’s just hope more AJ23s drop in 2016.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Chrome8

Air Jordan 8 “Chrome”

The “Chrome” 8s rank super high on the list of best non-OG colorways of all-time. Despite having some hefty competition on the December 19th release, these Air Jordan 8s, originally debuting in 2002, were still a popular pick. The best part about these beauties sitting on shelves is that you might be able to cop a pair on discount.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Quai13low

Air Jordan 13 Low “Quai 54”

The Quai 54 releases hit a brick wall a few years back, but Jordan Brand was back with a vengeance with a sick collection of footwear that also included some Nike Basketball shoes. The hot pick of this year’s Quai 54 Pack was undoubtedly the Air Jordan 13, which featured the event’s signature logo as well as a graphic print inspired by French mosaic tiles on the upper. These Euro exclusive releases continue to be one of the more hunted pairs of the year.

Best Of 2015 Jordan Xx9 Photo Reel

Air Jordan 29 “Photo Reel”

Flyweave technology was the key innovation on the Air Jordan XX9, boasting an ability to imprint any sort of pattern thanks to the proprietary weaving methods. For the 2015 All-Star Weekend, Jordan Brand made waves by presenting the iconic “Jumpman” photo on the Air Jordan XX9 upper in place of the original enlarged logo in the debut releases.

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