Best Air Jordans Coming Back in 2026
Published
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: nostalgia always sells. Jordan Brand perfected this formula, filling its release calendar with plenty of throwback kicks you missed out on when you were a kid or those you have fond memories of copping in years past. To follow up on the massive 40th anniversary celebration last year, Jordan Brand is bringing back late 2000s and early 2010s retro releases throughout 2026, many of which were brand-new colorways at the time.
While the focal point seems to be on this era of Jordan Retros, there are a few OGs slated to come back as well. This includes the Air Jordan 13 Retro Chicago and the Air Jordan 13 Retro Flint, with the Chicago last releasing in 2017 and the Flints in 2020. Other pairs, like the Toro Bravo 4s and Black University Blue Jordan 14s, have been in the archives since their original release in 2013 and 2006, respectively.
Check below for a full list of all the Air Jordans coming back in 2026. As more are confirmed, we’ll be sure to update this list. For real-time updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Air Jordan 9 Retro Flint Grey - January 24
One of the non-OG Air Jordans making a comeback in 2026, the Air Jordan 9 Retro Flint Grey was originally released during the Jordan 9’s first retro run in 2002 and has been off the market since. The release in January will mark its first return, and a start to the slew of bring-backs for the new year.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Wolf Grey - February 2026
The 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5 was in 2025, but Jordan Brand will continue to show love to the model in 2026. Included in the AJ 5s releases is a retro of the Wolf Grey colorway, a lifestyle favorite that dropped in 2011.
Virgil Abloh Archives x Air Jordan 1 Retro Alaska - Spring 2026
This one is technically not a 1:1 retro or bring back, but it definitely counts in our book. We’re talking about the Virgil Abloh Archives x Air Jordan 1 Retro in the Alaska colorway. The pair is essentially a retro of the EU-exclusive Off-White Jordan 1 in white, but Jordan Brand reached an agreement with Virgil’s estate to bring the design back without Off-White branding.
Air Jordan 14 Black University Blue - Spring 2026
Jordan 14s may not get the most love on an annual basis, but most colorways that drop are instant sell-outs. That’ll likely be the case here with the Air Jordan 14 Black University Blue, a non-OG colorway that first released in 2006 and is making its return for the first time this year.
Air Jordan 13 Retro Chicago - Spring 2026
One of the few OG Air Jordans getting a retro release in 2026, the Air Jordan 13 Chicago was last seen in 2017. Prior to this, it was released in 2010 and in 1998, meaning the 2026 retro is only the fourth time it's ever been offered to the public.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro Bravo - Summer 2026
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro Bravo is probably one of the best non-OG Air Jordan 4s to ever hit shelves. The Chicago Bulls-inspired red, black, and white AJ 4 was initially released in 2013 and became an instant classic. Translate the name to English, and you’ll see the connection to Chicago’s NBA franchise; Toro Bravo means “Brave Bull.”
Air Jordan 13 Retro Flint - Summer 2026
Luckily, Jordan Brand has been pretty consistent with retros of the Air Jordan 13 Flint, dropping the model in 2005, 2010, and 2020 following its original release in 1998. The ‘05 retro can also be linked to inspiring Soulja Boy to start his rap career, so that’s a plus. We’ll have another shot at the Jordan 13 Flint later in 2026.
Air Jordan 5 Retro OG White Metallic - Summer 2026
When Jordan Brand first brought back Air Jordans under the retro line, they toyed with how they would offer up brand-new colorways compared to the OGs. That’s where the moniker “Retro+” comes from, with the first of this concept being the Air Jordan 5 Retro White Metallic. The pair was first released in the year 2000 and featured the number “23” embroidered on the lateral heel, a detail originally reserved for original colorways. The 2026 release marks its first retro since a 2015 release, and the first time the colorway has Nike Air on the heel.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Low White University Blue - Summer 2026
It’s honestly wild that Michael Jordan’s favorite silhouette, the Air Jordan 11, doesn’t have a ton of UNC-friendly color schemes. If you count 11 Lows, there is a pair that would be perfect for those residing in Chapel Hill, the Air Jordan 11 Retro Low White University Blue. The two-tone white and uni blue colorway first dropped in 2017 and will return for the first time later this year.
Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue - Fall 2026
Another OG Air Jordan colorway getting the retro treatment in 2026, the Air Jordan 3 True Blue was last seen on shelves in 2016. It previously received retro releases in 2001, 2009, and 2011, as well as an original release during the Jordan 3s first run in 1988. Jordan never wore the True Blue's in-game, with the pair originally being designed for MJ to wear during the All-Star game. However, he laced up the Black Cement 3s instead.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow - Fall 2026
The Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 was technically the first Jordan 4 to feature the Velcro patch that reveals “Jordan Rare Air” on the tongue. Still, the Tour Yellow colorway was the first widely available one when it hit shelves in 2006. Luckily, the UNDFTD’s came back, and so too will the Tour Yellow (aka Rare Air).
Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam - Fall 2026
Before we see MJ lace up the Jordan 11s in Space Jam, the Bulls legend can be seen wearing the Air Jordan 9 OG. Due to Jordan retiring from the NBA in 1993, we never saw him lace the sneaker up in-game during its original run. However, he would rock the Cool Grey Jordan 9 in 2003 as a Washington Wizard. Aside from its original release in 1994, the Space Jam Jordan 9 would be released in 2002, 2008 as part of the Countdown Pack with an AJ 14, 2010, and finally in 2016.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Black University Blue - Fall 2026
Following Jordan Brand’s “Retro+” experiment, the mid-2000s would see the label delve fully into lifestyle colorways with pairs like the Air Jordan 5 Retro Black University Blue. They would label the pair “LS” to denote that it was a non-OG and meant for off-the-court wear. It was first released in 2006, and will retro for the first time in Fall 2026.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Space Jam - Holiday 2026
Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny teaming up is always a recipe for success. No, not the Air Jordan 8 Bugs Bunny, that just retroed at the end of 2025. We’re talking about the most famous example of the two joining forces, the movie Space Jam.
In the film, MJ saves planet Earth with the help of the Toon Squad, dunking the ball in the final seconds of the game against the Monstars in a pair of Air Jordan 11s. The pair would not release during the Jordan 11s original run, but we got a shot at the pair in the year 2000, followed by retro releases in 2009 and 2016.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
