It's a fantastic time to be into Air Jordans and Yeezys. Over the past decade, Air Jordan retros have significantly improved as Jordan Brand continually revisits and tweaks reissues to resemble the originals more closely. Collaborations and special projects have flourished, and the resale market has cooled down, making it easier to purchase even general release Jordans without much hassle. With this abundance of options, it's only natural to rank and debate their qualities online. As we approach the year's halfway mark, here are our picks for the best Air Jordans of 2024 so far.
Similarly, Kanye West's passion for sneakers is globally recognized through his signature Yeezy line. Having collaborated with both Nike and adidas, West's influence on sneaker culture is undeniable. Fans worldwide continue to obsess over Yeezys, making it a perfect time to revisit some of the greatest releases from Kanye's career. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Yeezys, you'll likely discover something fascinating or appealing. So, let's dive into the archives and explore some of the most iconic Yeezy pairs ever released.
1. Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined'
- Release Date: 2/17/24
For many sneaker enthusiasts, including myself, the Air Jordan 4 in the “Black/Cement” colorway is considered the best Air Jordan ever made. Each time it’s released, it’s highly coveted. This year, Jordan Brand introduced a revamped version called the “Bred Reimagined.” This edition keeps the iconic black and red color scheme but swaps the nubuck upper for tumbled leather. This change has sparked mixed reactions—some traditionalists are not fans, while others embrace the new look. Ultimately, it’s still a black and red Jordan 4, which is a timeless design. The presence of the Nike Air logo on the heel tab might be a small detail, but it doesn’t overshadow the overall appeal. Jordan produced a substantial number of these, making them a common sight at Sneakercon and other events. Although the initial excitement has waned, they remain extremely popular this year.
2. Air Jordan 4 'Industrial Blue'
- Release Date: 5/4/24
It's finally here! After 35 years, Jordan Brand has brought back the iconic blue and white colorway of the Air Jordan 4 from 1989, now reimagined in all its original glory. This is the closest retro yet, featuring the darker shade of blue, the exact silhouette, and the classic “Nike Air” branding on the back. Every detail has been meticulously recreated.
However, there’s a twist: the name. The beloved “Military Blue” is now called the “Industrial Blue” Jordan 4. This change has sparked some buzz and even a few conspiracy theories, but don’t let that distract you. The color is still listed as “military blue” on the box, and once these beauties are on your feet, the name doesn’t matter. Celebrate the return of this legendary sneaker and enjoy the opportunity to own a piece of history, now better than ever.
3. Yeezy Boost 350 V2 'Zebra'
- Originally released: 2017 (multiple re-releases)
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive sneakers to come from Kanye’s partnership with adidas. I vividly remember when the "Zebra" colorway first dropped in 2017—the sneaker world was absolutely stunned. The bold black and white pattern immediately caught my eye, and it quickly became a personal favorite. Its popularity was undeniable, and I wasn’t surprised to see it re-released multiple times due to high demand. Every time it came back, I felt the same excitement, as it always sold out quickly. For me, the "Zebra" not only stands out because of its unique design but also because of the unmatched comfort and performance offered by the Boost technology. It’s a staple in my collection and a pair I always look forward to wearing.
4. Yeezy Boost 700 'Wave Runner'
- Originally released: 2017 (re-released in 2023)
I remember when the Yeezy Boost 700 first dropped in 2017 in the original “Wave Runner” colorway. It hit the market at the perfect moment, right as the “dad shoe” trend was taking off, making its unique design an instant hit. Even today, the Yeezy Boost 700 continues to be incredibly popular. When the "Wave Runner" colorway was re-released in 2023, it sold out just as quickly as the original release. The chunky silhouette, vibrant color accents, and the comfort of the Boost technology make it a standout in my collection and a testament to Kanye's lasting impact on the sneaker world.
5. J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 'Rio'
- Release Date: 5/22/24
J Balvin and Jordan Brand have truly hit their stride with their fourth collaboration, blending bright, vibrant colors on classic models infused with the Colombian artist’s unique signature details. While Balvin’s first two Jordan collabs—the rainbow canvas Air Jordan 1 and the bright blue cloud print Air Jordan 2—received some pushback for being too loud, the latest Air Jordan 3 designs have found the perfect balance. These sneakers feature clean hits of Medellin-inspired sunset gradient on the midsole and heel, offering a more refined yet still vibrant aesthetic.
The distinction between the “Rio” and “Medellin Sunset” versions comes down to personal preference: do you favor sleek black sneakers or a light cream pair? Regardless, both are among the top 5 Air Jordans of the year so far. As we look ahead, it will be exciting to see how these pairs continue to captivate sneaker enthusiasts and stand up against other releases in the coming months.
6. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low 'Canary'
- Release Date: 5/25/24
The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low "Canary" represents a significant departure in both colorway and narrative within the Houston rapper’s collaborations with Jordan Brand. Unlike previous releases that focused primarily on aesthetic appeal in earth tones, this iteration carries a deeper personal story. Its yellow and blue upper pays homage to Travis Scott’s alma mater, Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas, offering a rare glimpse into his personal life. This fresh approach not only refreshes the line but also resonates with fans on a more personal level.
Moreover, the colorway’s connection to Michael Jordan’s Laney High School colors adds another layer of significance. These colors have historically adorned iconic Air Jordans such as the 14, 1, and notably, the 5. While Travis’ CJ1-Trexx model doesn’t qualify as an Air Jordan, it continues the theme, making the “Canary” collaboration a standout anomaly. This departure from the norm is yet another reason why this release is worth celebrating and continues to capture attention in the sneaker community.
7. Air Jordan 11 Low 'Space Jam'
- Release Date: 5/18/24
While some may not think it’s the absolute best, there’s no denying the Air Jordan 11 holds a top spot among Jordan models. Picking the best colorway is tough. The original releases each have their stories. The Concords were famously shown off by Ahmad Rashad during the ’95 NBA Playoffs. Breds were on MJ’s feet for the ’96 Championship after the Bulls’ incredible season. The Columbias debuted at the ’96 All-Star Game. The Space Jam was in the movie but didn’t hit stores until the Air Jordan 11’s first re-release in 2000. It’s still as respected as the originals.
The low-cut version, like the Concord Lows Jordan wore for the ’96 Championship parade, was a slam dunk. Even though it was widely available, these shoes sold out fast. They’re a great option if you missed out on the traditional mid-cut, which hasn’t been around since 2016.
8. Yeezy Boost 350 'Turtle Dove'
- Originally released: 2015
The Yeezy Boost 750 marked Kanye West's debut with adidas, but it was the release of the Yeezy Boost 350 "Turtle Dove" in 2015 that catapulted the Yeezy line to new heights. Featuring a lightweight Primeknit upper and a sleek, minimalistic design, these sneakers also introduced the beloved Boost midsole technology. The "Turtle Dove" colorway quickly became iconic, setting the stage for the immense popularity of the Yeezy 350 line in the years that followed. Its blend of style and comfort laid a solid foundation for the subsequent hype surrounding Yeezy footwear.
9. Yeezy Slide 'Bone'
- Originally released: 2019
When the Yeezy Slide made its debut in 2019, it sparked curiosity and mixed reactions worldwide. However, in just a few short years, these one-piece slides have become a staple for sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts alike. Their minimalist design, characterized by simplicity and functionality, seamlessly complements a wide range of outfits. Among the various colorways released, the "Bone" edition from 2019 stands out as a fan favorite, praised for its versatility and style.
10. Yeezy 500 'Blush'
- Originally released: 2018
When adidas introduced the Yeezy 500 without Boost technology in its midsole, skeptics wondered about its success. Yet, contrary to expectations, the sneaker resonated deeply with fans. Combining various fabrics and debuting in the "Blush" colorway, it quickly gained popularity as a beloved choice among enthusiasts. Notably, the Yeezy 500 incorporates adiPRENE+ technology instead of Boost, enhancing comfort and support without compromising on style.