The Coolest Jordan Brand Crossover Sneakers Ever
This article was originally published on May 17, 2019.
If recent pop culture has taught us anything, it’s that people go ape over an epic crossover event. In comparison, sneaker history has also been blessed with countless cross-disciplinary creations – some acclaimed, some panned. Genre-bending creps aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be, but no one has consistently drawn more rave reviews than Jordan Brand.
Sticking to its tried-and-true script, the Jumpman have represented the gold standard for crossover sneaker releases for the best part of three decades, taking their legendary hardwood heritage to other sporting fields.
The brand has delivered a stunning universe of crossover sneakers worth marvelling at, so we’ve assembled some of our favourites. Grab that popcorn and enjoy!
Air Jordan 11 Low Golf ‘Concord’
This ‘Concord’ doesn’t take off – it tees off. The popular Air Jordan 11 colourway recently traded the runway for the fairway, with the debut release of the Air Jordan 11 Low Golf back in February.
The Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’ was one of the highest-selling sneakers of 2018, so it was no surprise that the golf version sold out instantly across the globe (okay, maybe it was a little surprising…). Still commanding some hefty resale prices, the course-ready ‘Concord’ has opened the door for more follow-up AJ11 Golf drops this year.
Air Jordan 1 Golf
You don’t see high-tops on the golf course very often, but when you do, the old hackers lose their minds! Aussie golfer Jason Day rocked Air Jordan 1 Golfs at the British Open back in 2007, only to get proper roasted by purist factions of the golf fraternity.
What in the hell is Jason Day wearing? https://t.co/FSQ7S3BEG0
— Dan Daly (@_DanDaly) July 20, 2017
Wtf, you can't wear those on a golf course! #nba #theopen #jasonday pic.twitter.com/Lli6iSfFxW
— john silva (@Johnsilva10) July 20, 2017
He may have copped flames from some of the fans, but we think Jason’s AJ1s were straight fire.
Nike Zoom Vapor RF x Air Jordan 3 ‘atmos’
Before he left Team Swoosh for Uniqlo, Roger Federer had built up a stunning array of signature court shoes, none more memorable than the NikeCourt Zoom Vapor RF x AJ3 ‘Atmos’.
Borrowing the famed scheme from one of Roger’s favourite Air Max 1 colourways, the sneaker also adopts elements from the famed Air Jordan 3, most notably the iconic elephant print.
Neymar Jr x Jordan Collection
In 2016, Brazilian star Neymar Jr became the first footballer to feature the Jumpman on his signature cleat. The NJR x Jordan Hypervenom cleat was accompanied by a ‘Neymar Jr’ Air Jordan 5 Low colourway and a swag of co-branded apparel.
The cleat drew inspiration from the AJ5’s fighter-jet shark teeth detailing, opting for a similar saw-like pattern on the upper. So sharp!
Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 ‘Lance Mountain’
The Air Jordan 1 holds a special place in sneaker folklore, and for good reason – its unrivalled heritage was forged on hardwood and the halfpipe. The high-top was a staple among skaters following its release, so it was a no-brainer for Nike SB to drop their own collaborative colourways almost three decades on from the OG’s debut.
Released in 2014, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 was a project undertaken with skate legend Lance Mountain, who wanted to emphasise how skaters of the bygone era mismatched pairs and painted over them. As each pair is worn, the paint wears away to reveal the new colours underneath, making each unique to the wearer.
Air Jordan 11 PE ‘Randy Moss’
Minnesota Vikings legend Randy Moss is regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Back in 2001, the ‘Super Freak’ spent the season sporting a stunning pair of Air Jordan 11 cleats with a Viking purple mudguard and regal gold detailing.
Like Randy, the pair has been seriously evasive, infrequently spotted in the stashes of die-hard collectors since 2001.
Air Jordan 14 ‘Michael Jordan PE’ and ‘Derek Jeter PE’
Following his shock retirement in 1992, MJ couldn’t quite translate his court prowess to his career in the baseball minor leagues. His time at the Chicago White Sox proved frustrating, but at least he didn’t need to worry about his cleats.
Jordan Brand decked out the GOAT in his own pair of signature Air Jordan 14s. Dressed in lush black leather and nubuck with white accents, the cleats delivered an unmistakably clean look. At the heel, the number 45 replaced his famed 23.
Years later, Yankee icon Derek Jeter rocked the same model on his way to winning the 1999 World Series. Coming through with a few slight tweaks, Jeter’s Jay sported the familiar yellow Ferrari-inspired emblem and white/red accents, with number 2 replacing the 45 on the heels.
