SPONSORED BY
Photography:
Sneaker News

While it may not feel like it, 2020 is almost over. No one could’ve imagined how the start of the new decade was going to pan out, but as the holiday season gets underway and Black Friday nears, many have begun reflecting on what’s important, their goals for next year, and ways in which they can reward themselves for pushing forward when doing so seemed impossible. To many, sneakers offered solace in the face of interpersonal discord. “Got ‘Em” screens on the Nike SNKRS app; “package delivered” text messages; and sneaker collections (even if confined indoors) all gained new significance throughout 2020.

Even simply staying up-to-date with news of the Air Jordan line developed deeper importance as it provided a sense of familiarity in midst of uncertainty. And Jordan Brand gave enthusiasts much to follow. For our latest Shopping Guide, we’ve rounded up nine of the year’s best Jordans, including a selection of original pairs and refreshing takes courtesy of long-established partnerships. All of them, of course, can be yours today through eBay, which has recently solidified itself as the obvious marketplace for sneakers with its new Authenticity Guarantee program, starting with Jordans and Yeezys priced $200 and above.

Even with several logistical delays, NIKE, Inc. stuck to schedule in releasing some of its Jordan Brand subsidiary’s most iconic, original propositions. The Air Jordan 5 celebrated its 30th Anniversary throughout 2020. And while enthusiasts frantically checked the Nike SNKRS app on launch dates of collaborations with Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, they also did so when the model’s inaugural “Fire Red” colorway returned in May. While not in a milestone year, the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” caused the same uproar when it retroed at the tail-end of the same month after missing-in-action for a decade. The Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” had only been away for eight years, but its reissue with “NIKE AIR” branding on the heel was worth celebrating, especially among those bitten by the nostalgia bug after watching ESPN’s “The Last Dance” docu-series at the top of the year. Shop all three OGs right now at the links above.

Air Jordan 4 Fire Red
Air Jordan 4 Fire Red

As much as we love to reminisce about the OGs, Jordan Brand’s current-gen line-up is no less replete with praise-worthy standouts. Among them, the Air Jordan 1 has hit headlines multiple times — the most notable this past month being the Air Jordan 1 “Dark Mocha,” a sort of spiritual successor to Travis Scott’s take on the silhouette not too long back. And speaking of “successors,” the Air Jordan 1 Hi ‘85 took that to new heights this past year, turning heads as it emulated the originals to a near 1:1 spec. The Air Jordan 11 then rounds off this trio of “New Classics” in its 25th anniversary appropriate “Jubilee” colorway.

Air Jordan 11 Jubilee
Air Jordan 11 Jubilee

Today, collaborations are almost synonymous with sneaker culture. Whether for design or exclusivity, sneakerheads have never hesitated to line up in droves. And this past year — though most releases were re-directed to go virtual — Jordan Brand enlisted as strong a set of collaborators as ever. UNION LA celebrated the Air Jordan 4 with 80s-inspired touches, fragment joined the fray with their tuxedo-esque Air Jordan 3, and Off-White spun in OG flavor to their sold-out Air Jordan 5.