10 Air Jordans That Skyrocketed in Value

Air Jordans have always been a symbol of style, performance, and sneaker culture. Over the years, some iconic pairs have risen in value, becoming must-haves for collectors. Whether it’s a rare collaboration or a classic colorway, certain models have become much more than just shoes – they are prized assets. The demand for these sneakers continues to grow, with prices soaring for limited-edition releases.

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Air Jordan 1 OG “Chicago”

The Air Jordan 1 OG “Chicago” is one of the most iconic releases in sneaker history. First released in 1985, this colorway features the classic red, white, and black design, which is reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls’ team colors. The combination of premium leather and historical significance has made this sneaker a holy grail for collectors. The Air Jordan 1 is known for its connection to Michael Jordan’s rookie year, cementing its place in sneaker culture.

In recent years, the “Chicago” colorway has seen a massive increase in value due to its rarity and nostalgic appeal. With the rise of sneaker culture and limited-edition releases, the prices for a pair in mint condition have soared. A pair of these vintage sneakers can be found for around $2,500 to $3,500, depending on the condition and size. The demand for this shoe continues to increase, making it a prime example of how Air Jordans have appreciated in value.

Air Jordan 3 “White/Cement”

The Air Jordan 3 “White/Cement” is another standout from the Jordan Brand’s early releases. This model was first introduced in 1988 and is best known for being the sneaker where Michael Jordan debuted the iconic “Jumpman” logo. The combination of white leather, grey cement print, and red accents made this sneaker a favorite among sneakerheads and basketball fans alike.

Due to its historical significance and the appeal of the “Jumpman” logo, the “White/Cement” has seen a sharp increase in value over time. As a result, the price for a pair of these retro sneakers can range from $1,500 to $2,000 for well-preserved pairs. With its connection to Jordan’s greatness and its limited availability, the Air Jordan 3 “White/Cement” remains one of the most sought-after sneakers in the market.

Air Jordan 4 “Eminem x Carhartt”

The Air Jordan 4 “Eminem x Carhartt” collaboration was a rare and highly anticipated release. Released in 2015, this shoe was part of a limited run of only 10 pairs, making it one of the rarest Air Jordans ever produced. The collaboration combined Eminem’s passion for sneakers with Carhartt’s durable workwear aesthetic, resulting in a unique design featuring grey suede, reflective materials, and subtle Carhartt branding.

Due to its extreme rarity, the “Eminem x Carhartt” 4s have skyrocketed in value, with pairs selling for well over $30,000 in some cases. The limited supply and high demand among collectors and fans of Eminem have made this collaboration one of the most expensive Air Jordans on the market. For sneakerheads looking to own a piece of sneaker history, this shoe represents one of the most exclusive and valuable releases in the Air Jordan line.

Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo”

The Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” is a Japan-exclusive release that has become a highly coveted collector’s item. Released in 2011, this special edition sneaker features a unique color scheme with a white leather base, silver accents, and a translucent sole. The design was influenced by traditional Japanese culture, with the shoe featuring subtle details like the “Tokyo” tag on the tongue.

Because of its exclusivity and the fact that it was only available in Japan, the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” has become a rare gem for sneaker collectors. With only a limited number of pairs released, the price for these sneakers has steadily increased over the years. Today, pairs of the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” can fetch prices between $3,500 and $5,000 depending on the condition and rarity of the specific size.

Air Jordan 6 “Carmine”

The Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” is a classic colorway from the early 90s that has experienced a surge in value due to its history and color scheme. The sneaker first dropped in 1991 and was worn by Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ first NBA championship win. The combination of white, red, and black in the design is a staple of the Air Jordan 6 series, making it a beloved release for collectors.

As one of the most iconic colorways in the Jordan 6 lineup, the “Carmine” has seen its value increase over the years. The most recent retro release in 2021 rekindled interest in this sneaker, and the value for a pair in good condition has now reached up to $500 to $700. Its timeless design and connection to Jordan’s success on the court have made this shoe a valuable addition to any sneaker collection.

Air Jordan 7 “Olympic”

The Air Jordan 7 “Olympic” was first released in 1992 and is best known for being worn by Michael Jordan during the Barcelona Olympics. The sneaker features a white leather upper with gold, red, and navy accents, representing the colors of the U.S. Olympic team. The shoe is iconic not just for its design, but also for its association with the “Dream Team,” one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled.

The connection to the 1992 Olympics and the legendary performances of Michael Jordan has driven the value of the “Olympic” Air Jordan 7 upward. A pair of these sneakers can now command prices around $1,200 to $1,800. As an Olympic collector’s item and a piece of basketball history, this sneaker’s value continues to rise.

Air Jordan 11 “Jubilee”

The Air Jordan 11 “Jubilee” was released in 2020 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic Jordan 11 model. The design is a tribute to the original “Concord” and “Space Jam” colorways, but with some modern updates, including a sleek black leather and patent leather upper with metallic silver accents. The sneaker features a 25th-anniversary logo on the heel and comes with a special commemorative box.

Given its limited-edition status and the popularity of the Jordan 11 silhouette, the “Jubilee” has seen an increase in value. The market value for a pair of these sneakers ranges between $500 and $700. The celebration of the 25th anniversary, coupled with its nod to some of the most popular Jordan 11 colorways, has helped this sneaker gain popularity and rise in value among sneaker collectors.

Air Jordan 13 “Flint”

The Air Jordan 13 “Flint” first released in 1997 and was retroed multiple times, with the most recent release in 2020. The shoe features a unique combination of flint grey, navy, and white, giving it a clean, classic look. The design is known for its durability and comfort, making it a favorite among basketball players and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

Over time, the “Flint” colorway has become a highly sought-after item. Its unique color scheme and connection to Jordan’s success on the court have helped it maintain a strong following. A pair of these sneakers in excellent condition can now sell for $300 to $600, with rarer sizes reaching even higher prices.

Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder”

The Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder” is a modern release that has rapidly gained traction in the sneaker market. Released in 2021, this colorway features a bold black and red design with a leather and suede upper. The sneaker’s striking appearance and connection to the popular Jordan 4 silhouette made it an instant hit.

Although it is a relatively recent release, the “Red Thunder” has increased in value due to its demand and limited availability. These sneakers are now trading for $350 to $500 on the resale market, reflecting their appeal to both collectors and casual sneaker enthusiasts. The clean design and iconic silhouette make this Air Jordan 4 a valuable addition to any collection.

Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”

The Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard” is a colorway that became famous due to its unique combination of orange, black, and white, inspired by the uniform Jordan wore when he shattered the backboard during a game in Italy. Released in 2015, this sneaker quickly gained a cult following due to its striking design and the legendary backstory behind it.

The “Shattered Backboard” has become a highly coveted pair of Jordans, with prices now exceeding $2,000 for a pair in good condition. The combination of the iconic colorway and the historical reference to one of Michael Jordan’s most memorable moments has made this sneaker a standout in the Air Jordan lineup.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.