Which are the 10 rarest Air Jordans in the world currently?

Which are the 10 rarest Air Jordans in the world currently?

Claudia Kogi
updated at October 8, 2023 at 9:29 AM

Since dunking from the first free throw line in 1988, Michael Jordan has been considered a legend not bound to gravity or physics, making his shoes products of what can be termed as magic. The sneakers produced by Nike for the five-time MVP helped Michael become the greatest basketball player ever to live. Consequently, thanks to him, some of the rarest Air Jordans in the market today have defied the initial make of Air Jordans.

Rarest air Jordans ever
A look at Diana Taurasi's Jordans during the game on 3 August 2023 at Footprint Centre in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Chris Coduto (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Each release dropped in various limited quantities and is known in the sneaker world as the rarest Air Jordans ever. However, no matter the style or colourway, the shoe model has become a household name within and without the basketball and streetwear communities.

What is the rarest Air Jordans in the world?

Jordans have since been among the most coveted shoe brands globally, following their rarity and immense value. As a matter of fact, most enthusiasts and collectors are said to often go to great lengths to acquire these pairs of shoes.

After an in-depth analysis, Sports Brief has compiled a list displaying some of the rarest Air Jordans in the market as of 2023.

10. Air Jordan I High Strap Just Don BHM

Even though the pair barely makes it to the list, Nike again partnered with designer Don C of Just Don to create a special edition of Air Jordan Is for Black History Month.

In February 2015, during the commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the occasion, 39 pairs of these particular sneakers were exclusively crafted to support charitable causes.

9. Air Jordan I x Just Don BHM Pack

As a tribute to Black History Month's 37th anniversary, Nike released the AJ I in February 2013. Created by Don C, owner of RSVP Gallery and Just Don, 37 pairs were consequently produced.

These unique shoes featured the exclusive Be Bold Be True graphic print over black leather. In addition to 37 BHM Just Don, snapback hats were auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting charity.

Air Jordans worth money
A detailed view of the Nike Air Jordan's X worn by Dewayne Dedmon of the Sacramento Kings against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA game at Golden 1 Center on 19 November 2019 in Sacramento, California. Photo: Thearon W Henderson
Source: Getty Images

8. Air Jordan XI 25th Anniversary with Jumpman

Nike honoured the 25th anniversary of Jordan's debut with a limited-edition release of the AJ XI. These unique pairs of sneakers quickly sold out on the anniversary day. While it was initially priced at $150, as of September 2023, its value is alleged to exceed $6,000 on selective resale platforms.

7. Air Jordan VIII Retro PE - Ray Allen

Initially designed exclusively for Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, this sneakers release comprised only 24 pairs that were available for retail. Displaying Allen's moniker, Sugar Ray, amazingly stitched on the ankle the pronounced black and green reminiscent of the Celtics' jersey.

And while this pair of sneakers was initially priced at $140, its value allegedly soared to an astonishing $10,000 on selective reselling platforms.

Air Jordans worth money
Various pairs of the Ray Allen's Air Jordan VIII Retro PE. Photo: @footweargalore (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

6. Air Jordan 8 Retro PE - Q-Rich

In early 2008, Nike did a great job introducing the VIII Retro PE - Q-Rich edition. Designed specifically for Quentin Richardson of the New York Knicks, these sneakers featured his jersey number, 23, and the initial Q for his name.

Distinctively crafted with white leather and accented with blue and orange colours, 24 pairs were sold exclusively at the House of Hoops in New York City.

How much are Air Jordans 1 worth?
A detailed view of the AJ Retros worn by LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs against the Golden State Warriors during a game at Oracle Arena on 8 March 2018 in Oakland, California. Photo: Thearon W Henderson
Source: Getty Images

5. Nike Air Jordan 1 x Dave White Wings for the Future

Back in 2008, artist Dave White designed a limited edition of these sneakers for charity. The collection included 23 pairs that were auctioned at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. As a result, it allegedly raised over $23,000.

As if that was not enough, Nike later released a retail version. So, if there is a question about which Air Jordans are worth the money, be sure to have this pair on the list.

4. Jordan 1 Retro High Legends of Summer Glitter

The famous entertainment stars Justin Timberlake and Jay Z joined forces with Nike for an exclusive Air Jordan collection during their Legends of Summer 2013 tour. Each style was limited to only 14 pairs as a representation of the tour stops.

These coveted sneakers were reserved for Timberlake, Jay Z, their inner circle, and a fortunate few who completed a time-sensitive scavenger hunt.

What is the rarest Air Jordans in the world?
A pair of Air Jordan 1 Retro sneakers are seen before being packed to ship out of StockX on 10 January 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky
Source: Getty Images

3. Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro x Carhartt x Eminem

At the third position is the collaboration between Eminem, Nike, and Carhartt, which resulted in the coveted Jordan IV Retros. Crafted as a tribute to Eminem's legendary Marshall Mathers LP, these limited-edition sneakers are said to hold immense value.

With only ten extra pairs launched, there has so far been a generous donation of approximately $227,552 for MSU's Literacy through the Songwriting program.

The rarest Air Jordan 1
A detailed view of the AJ Retro 4. Photo: @airjordan4retro (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

2. Air Jordan X Special "Grimm" Edition

Why is this pair of sneakers so rare? Nike teamed up with the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in 2016 for the Grimm Gala, a charity event around NBC's Grimm. As part of the event, four black pairs, along with four women's pairs in white, were auctioned off.

Additionally, Michael Jordan and designer Tinker Hatfield signed one pair of each colour. The auction took place on eBay.

rarest Air Jordans ever
A detailed view of the AJ X Special Grimm edition. Photo: @airjordanx (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

1. Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette Au Revoir

Released in 2017, the available colourways of the sneakers are blue and white. Because the Colette Au Revoir is currently not for sale, it is the rarest Air Jordan 1 in the market as of September 2023. The Jordan Brand produced the design in honour of Colette, a French-based streetwear retailer that shut down after 20 years of activity.

The sneakers feature Collete's bright blue and white colour scheme and signature dots, as well as 1997 and 2017 on either heel to mark the occasion.

How much are Air Jordans 1 worth?
A detailed view of the blue and silver Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette. Photo: @nook.phi (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

How much are Air Jordans 1 worth?

According to various online sources, they typically sell between the price range of $90 to $170 a pair, depending on the colourway, collaboration, and model.

What are the most expensive Jordan shoes on the market?

Some of the most notable pairs of Air Jordans worth money, according to online sources, include,

  • 1984 Nike Air Ships - $1.5 million
  • 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1 High Sneaker "Shattered Backboard" - $615,000
  • 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1S - $560,000
  • 1984 Michael Jordan Olympic Converses - $190,373
  • 1995 Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' Sample - $176,400

How much is the Jordan Brand worth?

Significantly contributing to Nike's growth and profitability, the Jordan Brand is valued at approximately $10 billion. The brand alone is said to have generated nearly $5 billion in revenue for Nike, underscoring its immense financial impact.

There is nothing more refreshing than a good shoe game, especially when it comes to sneakers. Although pricy, some of the rarest Air Jordans hold immense appeal in the market. The brand's widespread fan base keeps growing drastically daily.

READ ALSO: Charles Antetokounmpo's bio and details: Everything about the father of the Antetokounmpo brothers

Sports Brief recently featured Charles Antetokounmpo, the father of several sporting legends, including Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Nigerian national worked hard to earn his family a decent lifestyle, and his legacy is evident in the successful careers his children boast today.

Although Charles Antetokounmpo did not live to see his children become who they are today, he left a permanent mark that has shaped their lives and careers. Follow the above link to learn more about him.

Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.