Air Jordans: 26 years of the coveted collectible sneaker

Nike has a tradition of creating shoes that inspire a cult following.

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Air Jordan XI

The Air Jordan XI was the first basketball shoe to have patent leather. Nike aimed for a "formal look." The Air Jordan XI was first released in the 1995-96 season for $125. The shoe was rereleased in 2011 for $180. Nike revenue, 1996: $6.5 billion.

Courtesy of Nike /

Air Jordan 2010

The window represents basketball great Michael Jordan's "ability to see through his opponents." The Air Jordan 2010 was released in the 2009-10 season for $170. Nike revenue, 2010: $19 billion.

Courtesy of Nike

Air Jordan 2009

Air Jordan changes its naming convention, ditching Roman numerals for the year unlike previous Air Jordans. It was released in the 2008-09 season for $190. Nike revenue, 2009: $19.2 billion.

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Air Jordan XX3

The first Air Jordan that sought to be environmentally friendly. The Air Jordan XX3 was released in the 2007-2008 season for $185. Nike revenue, 2008: $18.6 billion.

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Air Jordan XX2

The camouflage reflected inspiration from the F-22 stealth fighter jet. The Air Jordan XX2 was released in the 2006-07 season for $175. Nike revenue, 2007: $16.3 billion.

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Air Jordan XXI

The Air Jordan XXI was inspired by the Bentley Continental GT Coupe. It had a seamless diamond-quilted bootie. The Air Jordan XXI was released during the 2005-06 season for $175. Nike revenue, 2006: $15 billion.

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Air Jordan XX

The Air Jordan XX was inspired by motorcycling shoes. The strap on top had etching of Jordan's milestones. The Air Jordan XX was released during the 2004-05 season for $175. Nike revenue, 2005: $13.7 billion.

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Air Jordan XIX

The Air Jordan XIX was inspired by the Black Mamba snake. The Air Jordan XIX was made to be light and flexible. It was released in the 2003-04 season for $165. Nike revenue, 2004: $12.3 billion.

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Air Jordan XVIII

Jordan wore for the Air Jordan XVIII during his last game. The Air Jordan XVIII was inspired by Lamborghini. It had a "Drivers Manual." The Air Jordan XVIII was released in the 2002-03 season for $175. Nike revenue, 2003: $10.7 billion.

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Air Jordan XVII

The Air Jordan XVII was the most expensive Air Jordan ever made with a price tag of $200. The Air Jordan XVII was sold in a metal briefcase with a CD-ROM. It was released in the 2001-02 season. Nike revenue, 2002: $9.9 billion.

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Air Jordan XVI

The Air Jordan XVI's removable top turned it into a game shoe. It symbolized a move to the front office. The Air Jordan XVI was released during the 2000-01 season for $160. Nike revenue, 2001: $9.5 billion.

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Air Jordan XV

The Air Jordan XV was inscribed with "23/6/15," for Jordan's number, his titles, and the shoe model. It was released during the 1999-2000 season for $150. Nike revenue, 2000: $9 billion.

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Air Jordan XIV

The Air Jordan XIV was inspired by Jordan's Ferrari 550 M. The Air Jordan XIV was considered one of the most comfortable. It was released in the 1998-99 season for $150. Nike revenue, 1999: $8.8 billion.

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Air Jordan XIII

The Air Jordan XIII was inspired by a blank panther. The Jumpman hologram mimics a panther's eye. The Air Jordan XIII was released during the 1997-98 season for $150. Nike revenue, 1998: $9.6 billion.

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Air Jordan XII

The Air Jordan XII was inspired by a 19th-century dress boot. Jordan wore the Air Jordan XII in the famous NBA Finals "flu game." It was released during the 1996-97 season for $140. Nike revenue, 1997: $9.2 billion.

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Air Jordan X

Jordan rejoined the NBA in March 1995. The color patterns of the Air Jordan X were made for different cities. The Air Jordan X was released during the 1994-95 season for $125. Nike revenue, 1995: $4.8 billion.

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Air Jordan IX

The Air Jordan IX was released after Jordan's retirement to pursue baseball. It was also made into a cleat. The Air Jordan IX was released during the 1993-94 season for $125. Nike revenue, 1994: $3.8 billion.

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Air Jordan VIII

The Air Jordan VIII was issued in only three color patterns. Jordan won three titles. It was released during the 1992-93 season for $140. Nike revenue, 1993: $3.9 billion.

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Air Jordan VII

The Air Jordan VII had a neoprene sock liner. Jordan won his second title and an Olympic gold this year. The Air Jordan VII was released during the 1991-92 season for $125. Nike revenue, 1992: $3.4 billion.

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Air Jordan VI

Jordan won his first title with these. The Air Jordan VI had a rear pull tab that was inspired by Porsche. The Air Jordan VI was released during the 1990-91 season for $125. Nike revenue, 1991: $3 billion.

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Air Jordan V

The Air Jordan V was inspired by the WWII Mustang fighter planes, with a shark-teeth profile on the midsole. The Air Jordan V was released during the 1989-90 season at $125. Nike revenue, 1990: $2.2 billion.

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Air Jordan IV

Filmmaker and actor Spike Lee featured the Air Jordan IV in a scene of his movie "Do The Right Thing." The Air Jordan IV was released in the 1988-89 season for $100. Nike revenue, 1989: $1.7 billion.

Courtesy of Nike

Air Jordan III

With this shoe, Nike introduced the Jumpman logo. Ads for it featured Spike Lee. The Air Jordan III was released in the 1987-88 season for $100. Nike revenue, 1988: $1.2 billion.

Courtesy of Nike

Air Jordan II

The Air Jordan II was made of leather in Italy. It was the only original release not made in black. The Air Jordan II was released in the 1986-87 season at $100. Nike revenue, 1987: $877.4 million.

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Air Jordan I

The Air Jordan I was banned by the NBA for violating a uniformity rule. Jordan wore them and was fined. The Air Jordan I was released in the 1984-1985 season for $65. Nike revenue, 1985: Not available.

Courtesy of Nike

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

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