The year 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for the Jordan brand, and it couldn't come at a better time. The popularity of the Air Jordan 1 model, which is a cornerstone of Retro products, suddenly declined. Regular customers who supported its massive growth in the first half of the 2020s set aside their AJ1s and turned to other lifestyle trends. While Generation Z and Alpha are increasingly distancing themselves from the undeniable greatness of Michael Jordan.
To respond to these market changes, Jordan Brand is focusing on major icons in its Retro collection in 2025. This step will definitely attract back the core Air Jordan community that loved what made this brand so great, while also helping to reach a wider audience again. In short: start saving, because 2025 will be the year of huge Jordan sneaker releases.
We have prepared an overview of the 25 best Air Jordans that will hit the market in 2025 (from those we know about so far). This list does not include what will come in the fall and during the holidays of 2025, which will likely push some models down the list as we update it throughout the year.
Without further ado, here is our ranking of the Top 25 Air Jordans that will be released in 2025. The previews are from @zsneakerheadz.
25. Air Jordan 11 Low "Bred"
The original color variants of the Air Jordan 11 are always a hit, even in the low cut. In 2025, it will be hard to resist the OG color combination "Bred".
24. Air Jordan 12 "Melo"
Originally released in 2004, the "Melo" 12s earned their nickname due to their resemblance to the new powder blue jerseys of the Denver Nuggets. However, the color combination always left something to be desired; if the mudguard had the entire university blue, we would rank them higher. Nostalgia is pleasant, but that's all.
23. Air Jordan 10 "Steel"
Hot take? The Air Jordan 10 "Steel" may have caught attention, but the cap toe works better as a piece of history than as a GR release. The AJ10 didn't shine much in retail markets, so if you really need them, you might be able to find them even below MSRP.
22. Air Jordan 4 SB "Varsity Red"
In 2025, the Air Jordan 4 SB is making a comeback, and "Varsity Red" will be one of these cross-category releases. While "Midnight Navy" is higher in the ranking, these could also rise.
21. Air Jordan 9 "Cool Grey"
Even though Jordan Brand is bringing back the OG colorways of the Air Jordan 9, these shoes have mostly been categorized for golf. Although no OG color combinations have been confirmed for next year, we will receive a re-release of the "Cool Grey," which first debuted in 2002 and was on Jordan's feet during his time with the Wizards.
20. Air Jordan 3 "Rare Air"
At a certain point, this model was removed from our list of the 25 best Jordans for 2025. However, the unique detail – the inverted Nike Air logo on the heel – caught our attention.
19. Air Jordan 14 "Ferrari"
In 2025, the Air Jordan 14 "Ferrari" returns, a luxury version of the XIV model. When they first came out in 2014, they were a hit and will likely be in demand again next year.
18. Union x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP
After a series of alternative projects, Union LA seems to be returning to its third colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP model. The preview below shows a possible result of the well-known color variant.
17. Air Jordan 5 "Black Metallic Reimagined"
If it were a true Retro version and not just a Reimagined release, it would be in the Top 5. However, the updated reflective elements will definitely deter purists.
16. A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 5
The connection between Jordan Brand and A Ma Maniere remains strong. In 2025, the focus will return to the Air Jordan 5 with the promise of the colorway White/Diffused Blue/Violet Ore/Black/Clear.
15. Air Jordan 8 "Bugs Bunny"
The Air Jordan 8 is not for everyone, but respect is deserved when the original colorway associated with one of the best marketing campaigns in Nike's history makes a comeback.
14. Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Shattered Backboard"
One of the best non-OG color combinations of the Air Jordan 1 model is returning in its original form. Let's hope that this return brings new joy around the modern colorful variants of this iconic basketball model.
