ESPN Ranks All 29 Air Jordans

How do you rank the entire Air Jordan signature line? With 29 sneakers in the books and the Air Jordan XXX on the way this Friday, ESPN took up the task. The sports network’s Adam Reisinger and sneaker collector Chad Jones (“Sneaker Galactus”) chipped in commentary on the list, weighing history and design in the balance to sift each Air Jordan through to number 1. Catch the back 10 below and the full list here.

29. Air Jordan XV

Adam: The saddest thing about this shoe is realizing Mike might’ve actually worn these on court if he’d played one more season with the Bulls. And going out in these would’ve been worse than going out in a Wizards jersey.

Chad: Not even design cues taken from the X-15 fighter jet and woven Kevlar materials can save this shoe.

28. Air Jordan 2012

Adam: Two different sleeves, three different midsoles. Plain and simple, this shoe was just too complicated. As our friends at “His & Hers” would say, it’s doin’ too much.

Chad: At least Jordan Brand made the decision to go back to numbered models after this. That’s about the only good thing to come of this.

27. Air Jordan XIX

Adam: Something about this shoe — and I can’t pinpoint whether it’s the mesh shroud, the thick heel strap or the oversized outsole on the heel — always made it feel more like a boot to me. Also, the no-laces thing was weird.

Chad: This shoe might not have been the most aesthetically pleasing pair of Jordans, but was a decent pair of basketball kicks. Super supportive and very comfortable. Made you feel confidently locked down. Box design was also unique and pretty cool.

26. Air Jordan 2010

Adam: There’s a hole in the side of the sneaker. Need I say more?

Chad: Dwyane Wade was NBA top-five in points and rebounds wearing this shoe. Also MVP of the ASG. Nuff said. Give this shoe a few years and I think this shoe will be a classic.

25. Air Jordan XX2

Adam: I always thought this looked like an Air Jordan 2 that had a different shoe zippered to the back and bottom of it. And I was never a fan of the titanium midplate.

Chad: Best thing I can remember about the shoe was the commercial. Merp. 😐