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Designed by Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore, the Air Jordan 2 was a pivotal sneaker to the Jordan line. Following a broken foot injury, MJ needed much more cushioning than what he had received with the Air Jordan 1. A full length soft midsole and Nike Air might seem standard today, but back then it was a revolutionary move. The Air Jordan 2 was also the first Air Jordan shoe to retail for $100 back in 1987 thanks in large part to being made in Italy rather than Asia.
On the court the shoe is best remembered for being on the feet of Michael Jordan when he won his first NBA Slam Dunk title during the 1987 All-Star Weekend. He would go on to defend his title on his home turf the following season.
Predating the iconic Jordan logo, the shoe instead sported the Air Jordan Wings logo across the tongue. It would be the second and final shoe to not feature the Jumpman.
Have look through the list below of the 10 best Air Jordan 2s of all time and let us know which one is your favorite. Which future Air Jordan 2 are you most excited for? Which colorway would you like to see return?
10. Don C x Air Jordan 2 “Beach”
- SKU: 834825-250
- Release Date: January 30, 2016
- Description: Another stunning collaboration with Don C, the “Beach” colorway combined premium quilted leather and suede for a luxurious, lifestyle-focused take on the Air Jordan 2.
9. A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 2 Retro SP “Airness”
- SKU: DO7216-100
- Release Date: June 4, 2022
- Description: This collaboration with A Ma Maniére brought a sophisticated edge to the Air Jordan 2, featuring premium materials and a refined color palette.
8. Air Jordan 2 “Maison Chateau Rouge”
- SKU: DO5254-180
- Release Date: June 24, 2022
- Description: A collaboration with Parisian brand Maison Chateau Rouge, blending artisan craftsmanship and vibrant storytelling inspired by African culture.
7. Air Jordan 2 White/Red
- SKU: 385475-102
- Release Date: 1986
- Description: The original White/Red colorway laid the foundation for the Air Jordan 2’s legacy. Its clean lines, premium leather, and lack of a Swoosh made it a standout for its time.
6. Air Jordan 2 “Wing It”
- SKU: 834274-103
- Release Date: March 5, 2016
- Description: Part of the “Poster Collection,” the “Wing It” colorway draws inspiration from a 1986 ad campaign, featuring clean white and black tones with “Wing It” lettering on the heel.
5. Air Jordan 2 Retro “Melo”
- SKU: 385475-122
- Release Date: April 15, 2004
- Description: Paying tribute to Carmelo Anthony’s Denver Nuggets era, this pair’s light blue and gold accents made it a standout retro.
4. Eminem x Air Jordan 2 “The Way I Am”
- SKU: 308308-002
- Release Date: December 18, 2008
- Description: A grail for collectors, this ultra-rare collaboration with Eminem featured a unique colorway and exclusive design elements.
3. Air Jordan 2 “Doernbecher”
- SKU: 318304-071
- Release Date: November 9, 2007
- Description: Designed by patient Sheridan Brenton, this pair features bold colors and personal touches that embody the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s mission.
2. Just Don x Air Jordan 2 “Varsity Royal”
- SKU: 834825-410
- Release Date: January 31, 2015
- Description: A luxurious collaboration with Don C, featuring quilted leather and rich detailing on a rich blue pallet. Also known as the ‘Quilted’ or ‘Don C’, this release elevated the Air Jordan 2 to high-fashion status.
1. Air Jordan 2 OG White/Black/Red (“Chicago”)
- SKU: 308308-102
- Release Date: 1987
- Description: How can you beat the best? A classic Chicago-inspired colorway, this pair exemplifies MJ’s early dominance and style both on and off the court. This colorway was part of NBA history when it was on the feet of Michael Jordan when he won his first NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1987 in Sacramento, CA at the Arco Arena. There have been a number of solid releases of the shoe, collaborations, and other special editions, but you just can’t top the OG.
Snkrs Day has more information on retro Jordans and a full calendar of upcoming Jordan release dates.
