The Top 10 Best Air Jordan 13 Colorways

The Air Jordan 13 is one of Tinker Hatfield's boldest creations, and that's saying something. Released in '97, it took inspo from Michael Jordan's Black Cat nickname, with design details modeled after a panther – think the holographic jewel at the heel resembling a cat's eye and a paw-like sole pattern built for grip on the hardwood. Sleek, aggressive, and way ahead of its time, it was MJ's weapon of choice during the Bulls' '97-'98 season, a year that would later be immortalized as The Last Dance.

But the AJ 13's influence extends far beyond basketball. Its futuristic look made it a natural crossover into music, film, and fashion – most famously when Denzel Washington laced up a pair in He Got Game, cementing the shoe's place in sneaker and pop culture history. It's one of those Jordans that feels sporty, stylish, and slightly otherworldly all at once.

Over the years, the AJ 13 has launched in dozens of color combos and collabs, each offering a fresh twist on the cat-like classic. From OG gems to unexpected player exclusives, it's a silhouette that's only grown in stature over time. Below, we round up 10 of the very best Air Jordan 13s ever released – so let's get to it.

10. Air Jordan 13 Altitude

Release date: 2005 (OG), 2010 (Retro), 2017 (Retro)

Neon green accents against jet black leather made the Altitude instantly stand out when it first dropped in 2005. With the split material upper (mesh on the right pair and leather on the left), this AJ 13 had an edgier, street-ready look that set it apart. When it retroed in 2010 and again in 2017, demand was just as strong, proving that the Altitude remains one of the boldest Jordan 13s ever made.

9. Air Jordan 13 Retro Low Chutney

Release date: 1998 (OG), 2017 (Retro)

When it debuted in '98, the Chutney was divisive, a brown suede low-top wasn't really what fans were expecting. But over the years, sneakerheads grew to love its offbeat sophistication, pairing perfectly with casual fits. The 2017 retro finally gave it its flowers, cementing it as one of the most underrated 13s in the lineup.

8. Air Jordan 13 Grey Toe

Release date: 2005 (OG), 2014 (Retro)

The Grey Toe Jordan 13 first appeared as a sample back in the late '90s, but it wouldn't hit shelves until 2005. With its white leather upper, fiery red suede panels, and that clean grey toebox, it quickly became a cult favorite. When it retroed in 2014, it gave a new generation the chance to lace up what many consider one of the most versatile AJ 13 colorways ever.

7. Air Jordan 13 Premio Bin 23

Release date: 2010

Part of the ultra-exclusive Bin 23 line, this AJ 13 was a masterclass in craftsmanship. Made with premium leathers and a wax seal hangtag, it was limited to just 1,734 pairs. it's still considered one of the most collectible 13s. If you aren't one of the lucky few who own a pair of the Bin 23s, Jordan Brand created a nice consolation prize with the Dune Red colorway that launched in 2024.

6. Air Jordan 13 Cherry

Release date: 1998 (OG), 2005 (Retro), 2010 (Retro)

Nothing screams "Chicago Bulls" quite like the Cherry 13s. With its crisp white leather upper and spicy red suede midsole, it's the perfect embodiment of MJ's team colors. It debuted in '98, returned in '05, and again in 2010 – each time reminding fans why this simple yet striking colorway is one of the most beloved AJ 13s of all time.

5. Air Jordan 13 Ray Allen PE

Release date: 2011

Released to honor Ray Allen breaking the NBA's all-time three-point record, this Celtics-inspired AJ 13 is a grail in every sense. With its white leather upper and forest green accents, it mirrored Allen's Boston uniform perfectly. The release was limited to a handful of House of Hoops locations in Boston and Miami. It's both a nod to one of the greatest shooters ever and one of the rarest 13s you'll ever come across.

4. Air Jordan 13 Bred

Release date: 1998 (OG), 2004 (Retro), 2013 (Retro), 2017 (Retro)

Black and red is the bread and butter of Jordan Brand, and the Bred 13 may be one of the finest examples. With its black mesh upper that lights up under flash photography and bold red suede overlays, it's aggressive, stealthy, and unmistakably Jordan. Four releases in, it's still a day-one pickup for sneakerheads who want the AJ 13 in its purest Bulls form.

3. Air Jordan 13 Playoffs

Release date: 1997 (OG), 2011 (Retro), 2023 (Retro)

MJ laced these up during the '98 Playoffs en route to his sixth championship, giving this pair instant legendary status. The mostly black upper is contrasted with subtle yellow and red detailing, making it sleek but far from boring. After long absences, the 2011 and 2023 retros reignited demand, keeping the Playoffs firmly in the convo as one of the most important 13s ever.

2. Air Jordan 13 Flint

Release date: 2010 (OG), 2020 (Retro)

Arguably the most beloved AJ 13, the Flint boasts navy blue suede side panels and reflective mesh uppers that shine under the lights. It's a shoe that feels sporty yet refined, making it a fan favorite both on and off the court. Every retro has been met with massive demand, and the 2020 version was no exception, proving that the Flint will never lose its shine.

1. Air Jordan 13 He Got Game

Release date: 1997 (OG), 2008 (CDP), 2013 (Retro), 2018 (Retro)

Immortalized on the big screen in Spike Lee's He Got Game, this black and white colorway might be the most famous AJ 13 of 'em all. Simple yet bold, its contrasting palette makes it one of the easiest to wear. With multiple retros under its belt, it remains the ultimate crossover sneaker, tied forever to both Michael Jordan and Denzel Washington.

Adam Cheung

Adam Cheung is a writer and editor who specialises in sneakers and streetwear. Over the past few years, he's curated features and guides for everyone from Burberry to Nike. Often travelling between the UK and Hong Kong, don't be too surprised if you find Adam anywhere else around the world taking street photography or feasting on the local delicacies.