The Air Jordan 8 Chrome is Getting Another Retro Right On Schedule

It can be hard to parse the perfect schedule for an Air Jordan retro colorway. How often is too often, how scarce is too scarce, and should ultra-limited collabs and exclusives even get retros? For a shoe like 2003’s Air Jordan 8 Chrome, the answer is easy: every 10 years, give or take a year or two. After popping back up in 2015, the black and silver 8 is once again taking center stage in 2026.

We haven’t seen images of the 2026 pair quite yet, but in ‘03 and ‘15, the Air Jordan 8 Chrome was covered in premium black nubuck across the entire upper, including the perforated side panels and the criss-crossing midfoot straps. The chrome name comes from the silver buckles attached to the straps, along with the silvery grey accents throughout. Grey tones appear across the model, including on the midsole, heel stabilizer, and chenille on the tongue. The AJ 8’s iconic painted TPU overlay is also done in greyscale. Finishing the sneaker is the white Jumpman logo on the tongue tag and the embroidered “23” on the strap.

The Jordan 8, with its distinct straps, is a standout in the early number Jordan line. But amidst a 40th anniversary celebration of the Jumpman brand, the 8 saw little hype in 2025, with an Aqua drop in July and a Bugs Bunny retro coming for the Holiday season. The Chrome returning next year doesn’t signify a flood of retros for 2026, but it's certainly a start.

The Air Jordan 8 Chrome will be released Fall 2026 through Nike and select Jordan retailers in-store and online. Available in full-family sizing, the retail prices are still TBD. To be the first to find out all the latest Jordan retro news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com