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When I first started collecting sneakers, the world of Air Jordans seemed confusing. I didn’t know which Air Jordan to get first! In this article we look at the Air Jordan 1-3 and pick good first colorways for your collection.
Which Jordan To Get First
The best first Air Jordan is a pair of Jordan 1s as they will more easily blend in with most casual wardrobes than any other Jordan model. An OG colorway is best for optimal looks and collectibility.
The Air Jordan 1 is the most popular model in the line to this day for a reason. Michael Jordan made history in them. When it comes to collectible kicks, it’s tough to beat the original model!
The great thing about getting the Air Jordan 1 first is you will automatically have a sneaker that has everything. You get history, looks, durability, collectability and the shoe will most likely work with your existing casual wardrobe. Jeans, a t-shirt or hoodie and some 1s will almost always work.
My suggestion here and throughout this article is to go for OG colorways first. While there are very popular (and pricey) new colorways out there, the best bet for a shoe that “has it all” including the historical factor is to go with an OG. The simpler color schemes equates to great wearability and the historical moments created in the OGs adds a whole new element, creating a good baseline for a Jordan collection.
What Air Jordan 1 To Get
Either the Chicago or Bred (Black/Red) colorways of the Air Jordan 1 are great choices for which Jordan to get first. The sneakers will work well with most casual attire and add a historical element to a sneaker collection.
The first Air Jordan 1 colorway
worn by Michael Jordan
The safest bet when starting your AJ1 collection is to grab one of the first colorways MJ ever wore. These pairs are iconic, and will look great with a lot of different outfits and wardrobes. The Jordan 1 is a relatively straightforward model as far as paneling. This works well with simple colorways, particularly black, red and white.
Out of the OGs (there are over 20 original Air Jordan 1 colorways), I would opt for one of the main initial pairs MJ wore in-game. While other OG 1s might add some fun into a collection, the more game-worn pairs make a better baseline for a first pair to get. My suggestion here is either the Chicago 1 or the Bred 1. The Chicagos are the first pair that Jordan ever wore in a game and the Breds (or “Banned”) are the colorway that famously got MJ fined each time he wore them!
BONUS: Jordan 1 Royal or Shadow
Once you’ve got a either or both of the Chicago or Bred 1, an advanced AJ1 pickup would be the Royal or Shadow 1s. These OG colorways are nearly as iconic as the Bulls-themed pairs above, but a bit on the quirky side as they are not Bulls team colors.
Royals and Shadows are just as collectible as the other OGs, but add a bit of a twist colorway-wise. Another good advanced choice are the Black toes – some even put Black toes above Bred 1s as far as historical colorways!
Which Air Jordan 2 Is A Good First Choice
When in doubt, get an OG colorway. While many newly popular Jordan 2 colorways exist, the safe bet for a beginning pickup are one of the originals such as the Chicago 2s.
I’ll keep it honest here: I’m not a big 2 guy. I don’t think I’m alone in this, as the Air Jordan 2 is seen by some as the black sheep of the OG Jordan model lineup. It was such a departure from the AJ1 and relatively (deceptively) plain looking. Especially compared with the designs that would come with the Jordan 3 and onward.
Still, if it comes down to it and I absolutely had to get a pair, I’d choose one of the most iconic pairs there are. In this case, it would be either the original Chicago (White/Black) or the White and Red colorway.
Which Air Jordan 3 To Get First
It is debatable whether the Black Cement 3 or White Cement 3 is the most iconic Jordan 3. For longevity and ease of maintenance, the darker-hued Black Cement 3 makes for a great first pair of Air Jordan 3s.
MJ only wore these once in the
1988 All Star Game.
Even though MJ only wore the Black Cement Air Jordan 3 once during an All-Star Game, it is a very iconic colorway and my favorite on the 3.
The Air Jordan 3 added in design cues that would begin the process of truly separating the Jordan line from other basketball kicks. The elephant print and Jumpman on the tongue forever tied the shoes to Michael Jordan with his own logo and unique style.
Many would state the White Cement 3 is the superior OG colorway. While this might be true for some, I think you want to go with something that won’t look as dirty on the uppers as quickly. The white leather on the WC3 might discolor over time, an effect that won’t be as noticeable on the BC3. So as far as first 3s go, the Black Cements take it in my opinion. However the White Cements make a good bonus pickup for building upon your existing 3 collection and completing the OG set.
A Good Start…
So there you have it, my picks for first Air Jordans. To sum up, go for the Air Jordan 1 Chicago or Bred, the Jordan 2 Chicago, and the Jordan 3 Black Cement. If you can only get one, opt for one of the AJ1s.
The OG colorways are pricier unless there’s a new retro dropping, which happens often. Still, they are worth it as good touchstone pieces to begin a collection. Again, they have it all: history, wearability and desirability.
If the OGs are out of your price range, you could always start with a more easily available colorway. Just keep in mind that something like a pair of Jordan 1 Chicago is going to add a lot more to a collection than a random general release colorway.
Ultimately though, there are no wrong choices when it comes to what shoes you personally like. In a future article, I’ll continue this series with the Air Jordan 4-6, so make sure to subscribe for email updates so you are notified when the next article releases!