PUMA Clyde All-Pro Performance Review

 The Puma Clyde All-Pro is our surprise best basketball shoe of 2020.

While 2020 wasn’t ideal for playing basketball indoors (or outdoors in a lot of places), the brands released some really good on court performers. The Clyde All-Pro managed to beat some really good shoes like the Nike KD 13, adidas DON Issue 2, and others on our Best Basketball Shoes list to take the top spot.

Traction

The traction is simply fantastic. No problems from start to finish. And I don’t feel like I’m done with the Clyde All-Pro just yet as they’re in my bag every time I head to the court.

Coverage is multidirectional in all areas and you can feel the grip bite the floor on every step and change of direction/speed. Utterly fantastic setup. This is traction we haven’t felt underfoot since the Nike Kobe 9.

Cushion

Puma Hoops shoes had one glaring issue on each of its new basketball shoes. That issue was a lack of cushioning. ProFoam is the brand’s go-to foam compound, but ProFoam+ is the best cushion they’re created. Yes, there’s a Pebax puck in the heel for cushion and impact protection, it works great when in use, but the star of the show is the ProFoam+. Whatever they did to change the compound wound up making the midsole a great balance of court feel, cushion, and feedback/responsiveness.

Due to current conditions I tested the Clyde All-Pro 100% outdoors. Playing outdoors is a cushion’s greatest test, and this cushion setup held up well against the rigors of outdoor basketball.

Materials

The build is touted as being a “seamless, lightweight woven upper with multi-zoned materials for targeted support and breathability.” All of which is true. While the materials lean a bit towards the stiff side of textiles, once broken in they feel amazing. Snug, form fitting, flexible and zero stretch in high-impact stress zones. They’ve remained durable as well. Which is a huge plus considering all the outdoor basketball most of us are doing.

Fit

I went true to size and that’s what I’d recommend. Wide footers may want to go up 1/2 size due to the zero-stretch fibers featured throughout the upper.

If you enjoyed the way the Kobe 9 fit, then you’ll feel like you’re right back in the driver’s seat. Snug, supportive and form fitting. There isn’t anything for me to complain about or criticize. The Puma Clyde All-Pro is a great basketball shoe.

Support

The support features are pretty standard at this point. There is a small outrigger, torsion bar, and internal heel counter. The fit/upper is where the support features are allowed to do their thing without giving it much thought. You lace up, play, and enjoy the game. The Clyde All-Pro is everything you want a basketball shoe to be.

Overall

Ever since the first day I played in the Puma Clyde All-Pro, I’ve called them the Kobe 9 reincarnate. While you typically wouldn’t want your shoe to be so closely compared to another brand’s model, the Kobe 9 is one of the greatest basketball shoes of all-time and this is a better version of that shoe. The few areas that needed improvement were improved. What you end up with is a beast that can handle anything on court.

If you enjoyed the jordans 2021, then you will likely enjoy these. If you never played in the Kobe 9, once you play in the Puma Clyde All-Pro, you won’t need to.

New Balance Kawhi Performance Review

After a big return to performance basketball in 2019 with the New Balance OMN1S, the New Balance Kawhi is the company’s second basketball model. Was New Balance able to recapture the magic in 2020 for its sole signature athlete, Kawhi Leonard? Let’s find out.

Traction

The data driven pattern used for the New Balance 327’s traction must be pretty specific data. I noticed (after over a month) that each shoe features a unique outsole. I shouldn’t say entirely unique. Each sole has a similar style pattern, wider-spaced grooves around the lateral edges, and a heel with a more compact pattern on the medial side of the foot. The patterns themselves, however, are far from exact and presumably based on dominant foot versus non-dominant foot.

Nerdy stuff aside, the setup performs well. Dust is heavily attracted to this translucent compound but it seems the compact, more aggressive traction under the ball of the foot bristles dust and debris to the outer edges. At the edges, wide grooves hold dust away from the rubber that contacts the floor.

In the dustiest setting, where I primarily ran full-court 5-on-5, I only recall needing to wipe between games. But I still needed to wipe. I also played outdoors where the rubber seems like it should last a decent amount of time. Given the Kawhi’s higher price tag along with some noticeable wear down, use them outdoors with caution.

Cushion

FuelCell foam makes up the midsole and there’s a bit more of it than in the New Balance OMN1S. Given this thicker slab and some extra support in the Kawhi, it’s not quite as smooth a ride as the OMN1S. The ride is still good, but you’ll need some break-in time.

Court feel is also not as abundant, yet this iteration of FuelCell retains stability. After playing outdoors I could feel it in my knees a little bit. Indoors, the Kawhi does the job with ample impact protection. This is especially true in the heel where the performance plate sits between the FuelCell and another thin slab of foam.

It’s not my favorite setup under foot, but I’d choose the New Balance Kawhi over plenty of other midsoles.

Materials

The construction of the New Balance Kawhi is even more elaborate than it appears from a glance. And I think that’s a good thing. The midfoot embroidery (which is also data driven) and the textile, synthetic, and raw material layered paneling all lends itself to support and durability.

At its core, the Kawhi is a one-piece bootie, but not the stretchy type you’d expect. Some may have trouble with this type of construction when combined with the many different material layers of materials. Remain patient and it’ll all break in and age nicely. Just like many of the tanks that released in the 90s. It’s a good shoe to “get that old thing back”.

Fit

Based on my experience with the OMN1S and OMN1S Low, I received a pair a half size down from my true size and I’m happy with that. I think it would run too long in my true size.

Expect a very snug fit to begin with. You’ll also have some difficulty getting your foot into the shoe unless you have a very narrow foot. However, as I mentioned already, the shoe will break in over time and improve this experience.

The New Balance Kawhi is not offered in wide sizes. I’m not sure how wide foot friendly this will be at true size, but that would be my recommendation. Definitely don’t go down a half size and beware you might have too much space up front in your true size.

Support

By far the best attribute of the New Balance Kawhi signature, in my opinion, is the support. When you think about it, it makes sense. The shoe was made for a man widely viewed as the best two-way player on the planet. He’s listed at 6’7”, 225 pounds. The same shoe made for him is what you’ll get as a consumer (minus a logo swap on the heel for most non ‘4 Bounces’ colorways.

Initially, it felt like almost too much support. Really what I’m trying to say is, they felt bulky. Stiffer midsole, stiffer materials, noticeably high arch area, heavier weight, et cetera. But as the shoe began to break in and mold to my foot, it quickly became one of the, if not the most, secure pair in my rotation.

The only area of concern had I had support-wise was the heel lockdown due to what I thought was an external heel counter issue. It turns out it was more of a material issue that faded away with more wear (thankfully). Everything else in addition to that big plastic heel piece is great for support. From the enlarged plastic torsional plate, the base width, the fit, and the materials all help support your foot. The Impala references on the Kawhi are fitting. They are built like an old school classic car.

Overall

I’d recommend the New Balance Kawhi to anyone except those who don’t have the patience to trust the process of breaking in the shoe and/or view the weight as a dealbreaker. Of course, if you’re a Kawhi fan, go for it. But for any hooper, I think there are benefits no matter your playing style. I’d especially recommend the Kawhi for bigger athletes that are looking for more support.

Thanks to kyrie 7 for sending a pair to review and everyone involved in allowing me to experience the Kawhi in this ‘4 Bounces’ colorway. New Balance has another solid performer on its hands and I look forward to what the brand does next.

 

Our Favorite Air Jordan 11 Lows

 Three things were certain during Michael Jordan’s playing career: he was going to average at least 20 points per game during the regular season; he wasn’t going to take to the court without his UNC Tarheels practice shorts underneath his Bulls uniform; and, on some nights he was going to trade in his high-top Air Jordans for low-top counterparts that gave him yet another advantage on-court.

His Airness wore low-top versions of the Air Jordan 1 and 2 in the 1980s and continued the trend a decade later in the ‘96 NBA Playoffs in the Air Jordan 11 IE Low. The Jordan 11 Low is now an established model in the collection which has allowed Jordan Brand to flex its creative muscles by offering plenty of exciting looks, including the new Air Jordan 11 Low “Concord Bred.” Save for the Air Jordan 1 Low, the Jordan 11 Low offers the greatest array of low-tops in the signature series. We’ve rounded up a few of the many great colorways of the silhouette.

Air Jordan 11 Low “Concord Bred”

The Air Jordan 11 “Concord Bred” is the latest combination colorway in the Air Jordan collection and one that could have easily been used to launch this all-time classic in 1996. The black patent leather seamlessly connects two of the Jordan 11's most beloved looks. From the mudguard up it looks like "Concord," and from the mudguard down it looks like "Bred."

Air Jordan 11 Low “UNC”

Designs like the Air Jordan 11 Low “UNC,” which was originally released in 2001, give credence to the argument that the early 2000s were a special time in Jordan Brand’s history. “UNC” colorways are now commonplace because of models like this one.

Air Jordan 11 Low “RE2PECT”

Based on the extremely rare Air Jordan 11 “RE2PECT” that was released only via a raffle system across from Yankee Stadium the day of Derek Jeter's retirement ceremony, the low-top version is a worthy substitute for all of us that have no chance at ever getting the mid-top.

Air Jordan 11 Low “Cool Grey”

The original Air Jordan 11 “Cool Grey” was created with the intention of capturing an audience that wanted to wear Air Jordans as lifestyle shoes in the early 2000s. Its legacy was sealed when Jordan wore the shoe with the Washington Wizards. For the low-top "Cool Grey" release, Jordan Brand switched the ballistic mesh upper to nubuck.

Air Jordan 11 Low “Closing Ceremony”

Celebratory in its appearance with a gold leather mudguard, the Air Jordan 11 Low “Closing Ceremony” was released in 2016 as an ode to that summer’s Rio Olympics.

Air Jordan 11 Low “Cherry”

In what felt like a lifetime between releases, the Air Jordan 11 Low “Cherry” finally made its way back to shelves in 2016, fifteen years after its original release. As you can see, it was well worth the agonizing wait.

Air Jordan 11 Low IE “Bred”

When the Air Jordan 11 Low IE “Bred” appeared on Jordan’s feet during the ‘96 NBA Playoffs, it was only the third time that Nike had offered a secondary height variance of an Air Jordan. The IE (International Edition) was the only iteration of the Air Jordan 11 Low to release in 1996; the patent leather version didn't debut until 2001.

Air Jordan 11 Low “Blue Snakeskin”

One of the first Air Jordan 11 Low colorways ever in 2001, and one of the earliest Jordans to employ a reptilian pattern, the “Blue Snakeskin” returned in Summer 2019 to the exact specifications as the original release. As you can see, Jordan Brand isn’t new to this lifestyle footwear game.

Explaining the Differences Between the Nike Dunk and Nike SB Dunk

 

There are two types of Nike Dunks in this world: Those with performance modifications primed for skateboarding that are released under the Nike SB umbrella, and those that closely mirror the look of the original version of the shoe that debuted in 1985. At a casual glance, both are obviously Dunks, but they are actually more different than you may have realized.

So, what are the key differences between the SB Dunk and “regular” Dunk? Why does one feature “fat” shoelaces and the other a thin tongue? And why would anyone even want to skate in a pair of old basketball shoes anyway? We’ll answer all these questions and more in this comprehensive Nike Dunk Explainer.

How Many Nike Dunks Are There?
Before we get into the crux of this Dunk overview, let’s start by calling out that there are in fact more than two Nike Dunk models. If you want to get super specific, there are five kinds of Dunks: A high and low-top version of both the SB Dunk and “regular” Dunk, and a mid-top version that is exclusive to the Nike SB line. When the original Dunk was released in 1985, it came in high and low options. Which brings us to our next topic of discussion, the origins of the Dunk.

Origins
The Nike Dunk was originally released in 1985. While the similar-in-design Air Jordan 1 was making headlines on the feet of star rookie Michael Jordan in 1985, Nike aimed the Dunk at college hoops. Both were a boon to the popularity of not only their intended wearers, but also Nike’s burgeoning basketball program. Like the Jordan 1, there were plenty of colorways of the Dunk to choose from in ‘85. Seven collegiate-inspired Dunk colorways known as the “Be True to Your Shool” pack were created for Nike sponsored schools including Kentucky, Michigan, Syracuse, Iowa, St. John’s, UNLV, and Arizona. Players from these programs rocked the models during some of the biggest games of the mid-80s, putting the original batch of Dunks in the spotlight.

Transitional Years
The Dunk’s demise as a performance basketball shoe was as swift as its ascension through college basketball’s ranks. Footwear’s progressive technology rendered the model practically archaic just a couple years after its debut. The Dunk may have been obsolete for basketball, but it was quickly adopted by another collective in the sports world: skateboarders. Why? It’s simple. Skaters never met a shoe with a sticky sole, padded ankle collar, and leather construction that couldn’t be skated within an inch of its life. But the silhouette didn’t evolve into a full-fledged skate shoe until the advent of Nike SB in 2002.

The Birth of Nike SB
In 2002, Nike SB was officially launched as a dedicated skateboarding brand. To promote it as such and make inroads within the skate community, Nike SB recruited underground skate shops like Supreme and several highly regarded pro skaters for their take on the new SB Dunk. From the years 2002 through roughly 2007 or 2008, there wasn’t a hotter shoe on the planet than the SB Dunk. The “regular” non-SB version of the Dunk was still kicking around, largely in Japan as part of the country-exclusive “Concept Japan” series, and usually in low-top form.

Getting Technical
Let’s recap. You know about the origins of the Dunk; the “Be True to Your School” pack from 1985; and you can know why skateboarding culture quickly adopted the model after it was written off by basketball players. Now let’s break down the design intricacies of both the SB Dunk and “regular” Dunk. We'll be comparing the Nike Dunk Low “Syracuse” with the Nike SB Dunk Low “Chicago.” Comparison shots below will each feature the standard Dunk first, followed by the SB Dunk.

Dunk Differences

Padding
To better protect the feet of skaters, the Nike SB Dunk has more padding throughout the design, most significantly on the tongue and collar.

Laces
SB Dunks have, for lack of a better term, “fatter” laces that are designed to be more durable for skateboarding. The thicker, oval-shaped laces last longer than standard laces when battling grip tape abrasion.

Zoom Air Cushioning
Since 2002, SB Dunks have always featured a Zoom Air cushioning unit in the bottom of the insole’s heel for impact absorption while skating. The rest of the insole is also more padded than a standard Dunk’s sockliner.

Outsoles
Most releases of the SB Dunk from 2011 onward have a more detailed tread pattern to better grip the skateboard. The updated outsole design also has a cutout portion in the midfoot with foam in place of the rubber to reduce weight. However, some collaborators with Nike SB opt to use the classic Dunk sole. The Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low is an example of a newer SB Dunk with the original outsole construction.

Lacing Options
One smaller detail that you’ll find on Nike SB Dunks is the option to “hide” the bottom two loops of the laces to give skaters more protection against griptape. The SB Dunks have a “flap” at the bottom of the eyestay panel that allows you to loop the laces only through one set of the holes, resulting in the loose panel covering the laces.

And One Last Detail...
There is one more detail that’s different between the two Dunks, and it’s so minute you may have never even noticed it. Standard Dunks have a single line of stitching over the side Swooshes that was removed from the SB Dunk construction. This stitching was removed from the SB Dunk construction at the same time the outsole was updated in 2011.

The 10 Best Women's Air Jordan 1 Releases

 Stadium Goods presents our picks for the best Women's Air Jordan 1 releases essential to any collection.Not so long ago, being a female sneaker collector was the pits. All that seemed to exist were cliché pink colorways with cliché designs that sneaker brands thought appealed to women. In actuality, everyone just wanted to wear the classics or something equally as timeless and inclusive.

It looked like we were headed in the right direction when Jordan Brand announced it had struck a partnership with Vashtie Kola to produce a Women’s Air Jordan 2. After that collaboration, things changed, people got excited, and then it was a slow crawl to the next time a monumental women’s shoe got everyone talking again.

Then, Aleali May’s collaborative Air Jordan 1 in 2017 was the beginning of a new era for Women’s Air Jordans. Specifically, the Jordan 1. Since that Los Angeles Raiders tribute of a colorway dropped, there’s been a steady stream of desirable Women’s Air Jordan 1s flooding the market.

We dug through our inventory to bring you 10 of the Best Women’s Air Jordan 1s. In this list, you’ll find a nice selection of high, low, and mid Air Jordan 1s. And don’t worry, there’s not a single pink colorway included.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 “UNC to Chicago”

The two basketball teams most closely associated with Michael Jordan are represented on the Women’s Air Jordan 1 “UNC to Chicago.” The shoe lives up to its enormous billing with its contrasting colors and rich black tumbled leather base.

Women’s Air Jordan 1 Low “UNC”

Jordan Brand’s interpretation of “University Blue” has changed over the years, and this Women’s Air Jordan 1 Low “UNC” is a lighter example of the baby blue hue. No matter the shade, this Women’s Jordan 1 proves that any “UNC” is always a hit.

 

Melody Ehsani x Women’s Air Jordan 1 Mid “Fearless”

The rise in popularity of the Women’s Air Jordan 1 has contributed to the success of the model’s alternate Mid silhouette. And there may be no greater example than Melody Ehsani’s “Fearless” design. For her first-ever sneaker collaboration, the luxury jewelry designer turned the venerable shoe completely on its head by incorporating a gold watch face into the shoelaces at each toe.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Satin Black Toe”

Based on an original colorway, the Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Satin Black Toe” uses a luxurious satin material on its collar and heel to differentiate itself from the “OG” look. There’s also gold accented metal medallion “Wings” emblem on the collar that is specific to this intriguing design.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 “UNC Patent Leather”

There’s a little bit of that old Nike Air Force 1 “Sheed” magic worked into the design of the Women’s Air Jordan 1 “UNC Patent Leather.” The glossy finish and mostly two-tone appearance takes it back to the way Nike used to style its Air Force 1s in the ‘90s and 2000s.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Satin Shattered Backboard”

The third entrant to the popular “Shattered Backboard” series, the Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Satin Shattered Backboard” is laid out exactly like the first colorway from 2015. Except this time, Jordan Brand utilized a satin finish to the model’s perforated toe, collar, and heel.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Twist”

In 1985, Nike released a plethora of original Air Jordan 1 colorways. One of which was a black and white based look that doesn’t appear all that different from the Women’s Air Jordan 1 “Twist” from 2019. The modernized version, however, is treated with black faux hair panels and waxed cotton laces for an updated look.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 High Zip “Vogue”

Legendary entities in their respective fields, Vogue and Jordan Brand formed an unlikely partnership in 2018 when they collaborated on the Women’s Air Jordan 1 Zip. The zipped-up Jordan 1 in premium leather released in two colorways, cream and the all-red version seen here. The classy design features an “Edited by Vogue” hang tag and the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour’s “AWOK” sign-off on the translucent outsole.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 Mid “Lightbulb”

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that the Air Jordan 1 originated as a high-performing basketball shoe. The Women’s Jordan 1 Mid “Lightbulb” masks the shoe’s performance roots with a mixture of washed out hues and materials in favor of a more casual vibe.

 

Women’s Air Jordan 1 Low “Multicolor”

What do most of these Women’s Air Jordan 1s have in common? Color. A rainbow’s worth appears on the Women’s Air Jordan 1 Low “Multi-Color,” and the mixed-and-matched hues and textures work together perfectly.

A Bright Start: The First Air Jordan 1 of 2021 is Wilder Than Ever

 After releasing dozens of kooky Air Jordan 1s over the last few years, Jordan Brand’s opening salvo of 2021 is of the lovingly unkempt variety. The new Air Jordan 1 High “Volt Gold” releasing in family sizing Saturday, January 9th, and available now at Stadium Goods, is exactly the kind of anything-goes vibe we all expected “JB” to drop following a year that saw Nike enlist Ben & Jerry’s and the Grateful Dead as collaborators. What strange times we’re livin’ in, man.

Like the Nike Dunk and Air Force 1, the Air Jordan 1 has long attracted attention from creatives outside of the sneaker bubble because of its blank canvas-like qualities and cultural cache. In the last few years, music artists J Balvin and Travis Scott, jewelry designers like Melody Ehsani, and many others have added their signature flair to the Jordan 1. Each as unique and popular as the next. In turn, Jordan Brand has seized the opportunity to give non-collaborative Jordan 1s the same kind of personalized feeling.

Enter the “Volt Gold.”

If you closed your eyes and tried to picture a Jordan 1 with white, black, Volt, and University Gold panels, you might think of a shoe created on Nike By You by someone with too much time on their hands, but as you can see, the discordant array of colors actually works. And there’s more to the “Volt Gold,” too. The look is balanced out by a set of vintage-inspired cream shoelaces that jives with the way people are rockin’ shoelaces these days, and it even features a reversed, orange-tinted translucent tongue tag with “Nike Air” branding on it. Can anyone say, Off-White?

Speaking of Virgil Abloh’s high fashion brand, there are other references to his past work with Jordan, specifically the Jordan 1, on the “Volt Gold.” The design displays what could be best described as “overcut” leather panels, notably on the black leather at the toe and the University Gold panel on the heel. Underfoot, a cream colored sole, like the one that appeared on “The 10,” finishes off the look.

The Air Jordan 1 High “Volt Gold” is available now at Stadium Goods in Men's and Grade School sizing.

The 10 Best Air Jordan 1s of 2020

 The Air Jordan 1 is the people’s shoe. It comes in three wearable silhouettes (low, mid, and high) and in an insane amount of colorways in all three of those options. Plus it looks decidedly at-home in today’s style zeitgeist obsessed with minimalism and keeping a clean, casual look. It’s hardly surprising that the first signature shoe of the greatest basketball player ever, Michael Jordan, is having yet another banner year in 2020.

It all boils down to this simple ideology: the Air Jordan 1 is the greatest sneaker of all-time. To prove our point, we’ve rounded up the ten best Air Jordan 1s of 2020. So without further delay, let’s get into it.

Air Jordan 1 High “Royal Toe”

The “Royal” was an original colorway of the Air Jordan 1 High when it debuted in 1985, and has since been featured across various Jordan models over the years. But it always looks most at-home when employed on the Jordan 1. The “Royal Toe” is a worthy consolation prize for the much-coveted Fragment x Air Jordan 1, and based on its great look, we predict that it would be just as big of a hit if that rare collaboration never even happened.

Women’s Air Jordan 1 High “UNC to Chicago”

With all due respect to the other sports teams that Michael Jordan has played for from his childhood to his adult life, none are more closely associated with his legacy than the North Carolina Tar Heels and Chicago Bulls. So it was only a matter of time before an Air Jordan model featured the uniform colors of both basketball teams, as the Women’s Jordan 1 High “UNC to Chicago” does so well.

Dior x Air Jordan 1 High

Dior’s upscale version of the Air Jordan 1 High and Low is the best sneaker collaboration of 2020. The first Jordan to be sourced and produced in Italy since the original Jordan 2 in 1986, the Dior-assisted colorway features the luxury fashion brand’s signature Dior Grey leather overlays, a monogram Swoosh on either side, and dual Dior and Air Jordan insignia on the tongue tag. Both the High and Low also hold another unique distinction: the first Air Jordans to retail for $2000.

Air Jordan 1 High “Dark Mocha”

Next to Virgil Abloh, no other sneaker collaborator currently has as much clout as Travis Scott. The Houston rapper’s off-the-wall Air Jordan 1 collaboration from 2019 is one of the only designs that can stand toe-to-toe with the Off-White x Jordan 1 “Chicago” as far collaborative Jordan 1s are concerned. So it’s easy to see why there was plenty of excitement surrounding the release of the Air Jordan 1 High “Dark Mocha” when you consider the popularity of the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1. Minus the inverted Swooshes found on Scott’s pair, the “Dark Mocha” is laced in the same color scheme of white, black, and a coffee bean shade of brown. It’s a quintessential Jordan 1 made for today’s lifestyle-heavy looks. And, like the Travis Scott x Jordan 1, it owes a lot of its success to the original Jordan 3 “Mocha” from 2001. Do your Googles.

Air Jordan 1 High Co.Jp “Metallic Silver”

Intentionally retro vibes are hitting in the streetwear and sneaker worlds this year. Baggy clothes and throwback sneakers have everyone dressing like they just hopped off the same time machine Jordan Brand boarded when it went back to the early 2000s for the revival of the Air Jordan 1 High Co.Jp “Metallic Silver.” Back for the first time since its original Japan-only 2001 release, the modern version of the colorway features several updates to its design that only enhance its appeal. Tonal “Nike Air” embroidery now appears on the silver tumbled leather tongue, and the overall silhouette receives a slightly higher cut and improved shape. What hasn’t changed is the fact that pairs purchased in Japan still come inside of a briefcase.

Air Jordan 1 High Co.Jp “Midnight Navy”

A second once rare Air Jordan 1 High Co.Jp returned in 2020, the “Midnight Navy” colorway. As much as we’d love to tell a tale of the its exciting product backstory, one simply doesn’t exist. Rather, the eye-pleasing design came to be simply because a color block of a white tumbled leather base with smooth Midnight Navy nubuck overlays and a silver Swoosh on either side was as timeless in 2002 and it is in 2020.

Women’s Air Jordan 1 High “Tie-Dye”

The Women’s Air Jordan 1 High received a number of strong looks in 2020, and one of the most memorable is easily this tie-dye edition sporting some cool summertime vibes. This colorway marks the first time the popular tie-dye motif has appeared on the Jordan 1.

Air Jordan 1 High “Bio Hack”

Perhaps the most random release of the Air Jordan 1 High this year was this “Bio Hack” design in a multicolor mix of colors across the leather and nubuck upper. The look has drawn many comparisons to Undefeated’s 2005 Nike Dunk High collaboration in a similar mix of colors. Why Jordan Brand dropped a Jordan 1 mimicking the Undefeated Dunk 15 years later is unclear, but when the results are this good, who cares?

Air Jordan 1 Mid “Chicago Black Toe”

A general release Air Jordan 1 Mid will never get the hype of most Jordan 1 High releases, but they certainly will move units. The “Chicago Black Toe” colorway of the mid-top has been one of Stadium Goods’ best selling sneakers of the year, so we wanted to make sure to show it some love in this list. The colorway perfectly combines the OG “Chicago” and “Black Toe” colorways of the High, and it’s easy to see why it’s been such a hit.

Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘85 “Varsity Red”

We hesitate to put this one on the list since almost nobody could actually get a pair, but the Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘85 is just too good to leave off. Looking just as it did when it debuted way back in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 ‘85 “Varsity Red” in a color block very similar to the OG “Bred” colorway features a true-to-original height, panel shapes, materials, and branding to look just like a 1985 release. Here’s hoping Jordan Brand will release more of these meticulously remastered Air Jordan 1 Highs in 2021 and beyond—in greater quantities, of course.

The 15 Best Air Jordans of 2020

 In these times of uncertainty, one of the few steady ships in 2020’s restless waters was Jordan Brand. On any given week, the line His Airness built filled up the sneaker release calendar with heat.

In February, Jordan Brand kicked off yet another promising year by paying tribute to… you guessed it… Michael Jordan. The “New Beginnings Pack” was released during NBA All-Star Weekend (which was held in Chicago of all places) and included an original colorway of the seldom-seen Nike Air Ship and an Air Jordan 1 in a color block influenced by an even rarer Player Exclusive version of the shoe Mike wore during his rookie season. Next came Virgil Abloh and Off-White’s collaborative tear-down-and-rebuild of the Air Jordan 5 to celebrate the shoe’s 30th anniversary. Jordan Brand was just getting warmed up.

In the midst of the pandemic in the spring, ESPN began airing episodes of “The Last Dance” well ahead of its planned release, and everyone gained a newfound appreciation for the late model Air Jordans that filled up episodes of the docu-series. In the spring and early summer, you couldn’t find two hotter pairs of shoes than the Air Jordan 12 and Air Jordan 13. The hype surrounding the Jordan 12 “University Yellow” and Jordan 13 “Flint” can attest.

Where did JB go from there? So many places. There are too many collaborations, new colorways, and returning “OGs” to name in the intro alone. So instead, let’s just cut to the chase. You probably want our list of the 15 Best Air Jordans of 2020, and we won’t keep you waiting any longer.

In no particular order, these are the very best Air Jordans released in 2020.

Air Jordan 12 “University Gold”

When you have a good thing, you don’t want to mess it up. Original colorways of the Air Jordan 12 like the “Flu Game” and “Cherry” are nearly perfect. So for the “University Gold” colorway of the Jordan 12 released in July, Jordan Brand simply applied the same two-tone color block and, what do you know? It was a home run. That it looks a lot like a Player Exclusive colorway worn by Gary Payton with the Los Angeles Lakers back in the day doesn’t hurt its popularity, either.

Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Black”

When Jordan Brand wanted to fully embrace the lifestyle movement happening all around sneaker culture, it turned to Virgil Abloh to create “The 10” collection. When it came time to roll out the red carpet for the Air Jordan 5’s 30th anniversary this year, Jordan Brand once again turned to Virgil Abloh. The Windy City native has been studying the intricacies of Jordans as a designer for the last few years and wearing them to show support to his hometown hero for even longer. Ironically enough, the Air Jordan 5 was the first Jordan model purchased by Abloh as a teen way back in the day. Although unlike the “Black/Metallic” colorway Abloh likely wore into the ground in the ‘90s, his Off-White rendition of Mike’s fifth signature shoe features innovative design elements like die-cut circular patterns placed randomly on the upper and a pre-yellowed sole for an already-worn aesthetic.

Air Jordan 1 High “Dark Mocha”

We didn’t really appreciate the Air Jordan 3 “Mocha” like we should have when it came out in 2001. At the time, we, the sneaker community, wanted to wear the original Jordan colorways that Mike wore with the Bulls or the new Jordans done up in the Washington Wizards’ blue and white. Long removed from those days now, a shoe like the Air Jordan 1 High “Dark Mocha” owes some of its success to the original coffee-influenced design that paved the way for it and many other lifestyle-based Jordans to exist.

Dior x Air Jordan 1

There are Air Jordan 1 collaborations, and then there is the Dior x Jordan 1. It isn’t so much a shoe as much as it is artwork that happens to be in the form of something you could wear on your feet. It’s $2,000 retail price, a first for any Jordan model, underscores its made-in-Italy, high-fashion origins. As do the “Dior Grey” leather overlays, dual-branded Dior and Nike Air nylon tongue tag, and embroidered monogram Swoosh detailing on both sides of the upper. A regular Jordan 1, this isn’t.

Air Jordan 6 “DMP”

In the 2000s, Jordan Brand used to honor some of Michael Jordan’s greatest on-court accomplishments by releasing “Defining Moments Packs” consisting of two classic Jordan shoes in new championship inspired colorways. The idea was quietly dropped somewhere along the way, but the “DMP” collections are remembered fondly by collectors for their unique packaging, retooled colorways, and exclusivity. Few were more sought after than the gold-accented Jordan 6 and Jordan 11 tandem that celebrated the kicks Mike had on his feet during his first and fourth NBA championship victories. The Air Jordan 6 “DMP” dressed in all black with gold accents received a standalone release for the first time this year. And it looked every bit as regal as we remember the OG design being in the aughts.

Air Jordan 3 “Red Cement”

The Bulls have been wearing road red team uniforms since Jerry Sloan and Artis Gilmore were members of the team. So it’s curious as to why more original Air Jordans didn’t come in a red leather base. The Jordan 3 “Red Cement,” released by Jordan Brand in February over All-Star Weekend in Chicago, imagines what an original red-based colorway of the iconic shoe might have looked like had it been around in 1988. Dressed with a red tumbled leather upper, elephant print on the toe and heel, and an embroidered Jumpman on a cement grey leather tongue and “Nike Air” on the back, the “Red Cement” is as OG looking as any of the four pioneering Jordan 3 colorways.

Fragment x Air Jordan 3

Originally, Hiroshi Fujiwara, not Virgil Abloh, was supposed to have his own collection of Nikes and Jordans called “The 10.” That’s if you believe the rumors that have been circulating since 2017. While it’s never been confirmed by Nike, Abloh, or Fujiwara, there’s reason to believe there’s some truth to the idea. Just this year, Jordan Brand and Fujiwara’s streetwear label, fragment design, released an Air Jordan 3 that was supposedly part of the scrapped collaboration. The look is vastly different from Abloh’s vision of “The 10.” Clean white tumbled leather combines with a smooth black leather mudguard for a less-is-more approach that draws comparisons to the elegant styling of the Air Jordan 11 “Concord.” We may never get to see a fragment x Nike x Jordan Brand “The 10,” but if this Air Jordan 3 is any indication, there’s plenty of room in the sneaker universe for two “The 10” collaborations to live.

Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red - Silver Tongue”

One of the greatest original Air Jordan colorways ever worn by its model’s namesake is the Jordan 5 “Fire Red - Silver Tongue.” Flashy with the innovative performance chops to match, some of the most memorable moments of Michael’s career occurred while wearing the fierce-looking Jordan 5 “Fire Red.” On March 28, 1990, Michael scored a career-high 69 points on the Bulls’ division rival and perennial nemesis Cleveland Cavaliers while wearing the colorway. When it came time to celebrate the Air Jordan 5’s 30-year anniversary this year, there was only one logical shoe for Jordan Brand to bring back to life as a one-to-one remake that hadn’t already been its proper “true-to-original” just do: the “Fire Red - Silver Tongue.”

Union x Air Jordan 4 “Guava Ice” and “Off Noir”

While we can all agree that the Air Jordan 4 is one of the greatest sneakers of all-time, it’s not perfect. No shoe is. There isn’t a pair of sneakers on the planet that fits everyone’s foot the same—that’s why medium and wide sizing exists, after all. In terms of design, though, the Jordan 4 is a masterpiece from every angle. But even that is subjective. Union LA’s Chris Gibbs has been enamored with the silhouette since forever, but always found the height of its tongue to be too tall for his liking. So he set out to change it. The Union x Air Jordan 4  in both the “Guava Ice” and “Off Noir” features a stitched down tongue (the wearer has the ability to remove the stitches to obtain the traditional Jordan 4 look) that don’t get in the way of pants or exposed ankles. The result is a little less chafing and a whole new look for a timeless icon.

Women’s Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail”

From sample to sold out, the Women’s Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail” has lived an eventful life. Last year, in 2019, the cream-based monochromatic Jordan 4 appeared as merely a prop on a shelf at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s “Figures of Speech” exhibit honoring Virgil Abloh’s career. From there, well, you know what happens next. A proper retail release turned the clean, cream-colored shoe from a dream into a reality for sneakerheads.

Women’s Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange”

Far removed from the “shrink-it-and-pink-it” era of women’s sneakers, new colorways, like the Women’s Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange,” speak to the kind of shoes women have always wanted to wear. The Jordan 3, in particular, has become a go-to for female sneaker collectors ever since Anna Wintour and Jordan Brand teamed up in 2018. The “Laser Orange” isn’t as ambitious as Wintour and Vogue’s multicolor tweed “AWOK,” but it makes use of a timeless Jordan 3 design—tumbled leather, elephant print, and a secondary accenting color to bring the look together.

Air Jordan 11 “Jubilee”

A few of Nike and Jordan Brand models celebrated a milestone this year. As previously mentioned, the Air Jordan 5 got the red carpet treatment for its 30th anniversary—Nike had a similar rollout for its Air Max 90, which also turned 30-years-old in 2020. Another classic shoe in the Nike pantheon also had a special birthday recently, too: the Air Jordan 11. Originally released in 1995, the classy design is now 25-years-old, and Jordan Brand wasn’t going to let this accomplishment go unnoticed. Colorways like the Women’s Jordan 11 Low “Concord Sketch” and the Jordan 11 “Jubilee” bring to life early design concepts sketched by the shoe’s designer, Tinker Hatfield. The “Concord Sketch” had a moment in the summer when it was released and remains a super clean look for the Jordan 11, but the “Jubilee” is more in the way of some of the models iconic colorways like the “Space Jam” and “Bred.” Its unique “JORDAN” detailing on the side of the eyelets is supposedly how Hatfield intended for the shoe to look before he did away with it for the final product. With slightly more pairs in circulation thanks to its full family sizing release, the “Jubilee” is our pick as the year’s best Air Jordan 11 25th anniversary design.

Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red”

Patience is a virtue. Jordan Brand sure likes to test that premise. With all due respect to the retro Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” from 2012 (and one “Mars Blackmon” and one “Laser” colorway from the mid-2000s that are based on the OG “Fire Red” look) that have been released, worn, and enjoyed by sneaker collectors, it always felt like something was missing with those shoes. A nagging feeling. The new “Fire Red” 4 absolves the sensation. Now, for the first time since the model’s original release year, 1989, a “Fire Red” colorway exists with “Nike Air” on the back. Like the remastered “Bred” before it, the updated-for-2020 “Fire Red” is as close to the original style, shape, and materials used by Nike all those years ago.

Air Jordan 1 Mid “Chicago Black Toe”

The Air Jordan 1 Mid had its biggest year ever in 2020. It’s no coincidence that the silhouette has been one of our best sellers of late, too. The Jordan 1 model is the people’s shoe, and the inclusive Jordan 1 Mid is an ever-popular choice for people just dipping their toe into the hobby of sneaker collecting and aficionados alike. Colorways like the “Disco Ball” live harmoniously with high-profile collaborations like Melody Ehsani’s watch-clad design in the Jordan 1 Mid’s world, as do looks that honor the silhouette’s heritage, like the “Chicago Black Toe.” The medley design combines the original “Chicago” and “Black Toe” colorways for a style that is both familiar and refreshing.

J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 “Colores Y Vibras”

Does J Balvin ever do anything quietly? That’s a rhetorical question, because we all know the answer is a resounding no. You won’t find the Colombian-born reggaeton superstar’s face next to the word “bashful” in the dictionary any time soon, and the word certainly can’t be used to describe his “Colores Y Vibras” take on the Air Jordan 1. An explosion of color and vibes as its nickname translated to English suggests, the look is all show with the go to match. Jagged panels in a rainbow-like assortment of colors combine with the artist’s smiley face logo on patches on the heel. Then there’s the dual branded tongue tags, the pink sole, and frayed canvas overlay on the toe. The first Air Jordan 1 designed by a person of Latin descent, J Balvin’s collaborative “Colores Y Vibras” is definitely one of the best non-original looks of the iconic shoe ever made.