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It is easy to locate a sneakerhead with at least one Air Jordan model in their collection. However, not every Air Jordan sneaker has been a hit with sneakerheads and fashion critics. Some pairs in the illustrious Air Jordan line qualify as the ugliest or worst ever made. From mismatched color schemes to misguided material choices, these ugly Air Jordans frequently raise eyebrows and cause one to wonder what the designers were thinking. Follow along as we break down the ugliest Air Jordans of all time.
Images via Nike & Flightclub
10. Air Jordan 11Lab4 Black
The Air Jordan 11Lab4 Black is one of the ugliest Jordans. A part of the Air Jordan Lab series, this line takes iconic elements from one Air Jordan and applies them to another. The AJ 11Lab4, for example, takes classic patent leather from the Air Jordan 11 and applies it to the entire upper of the Air Jordan 4. While patent leather may work on the AJ 11, it doesn't work on everything; in this case, it doesn't work on the AJ 4. Maybe in a smaller dose, but the entire upper? No bueno.
9. Air Jordan 7 Retro J2K Filbert
After experimenting with jacquard print on an Air Jordan 1 Retro High in 2010, Jordan Brand revisited this design on the Air Jordan 7 Retro in 2012. Coming in an already ugly color scheme of filbert, natural, obsidian, and white, the Air Jordan 7 Retro J2K's all-jacquard upper and embroidered details sealed this pair's fate. Even the limited nature of its release couldn't save them from being hated on.
8. Air Jordan 1 Retro Leroy Smith
Everyone knows Michael Jordan's origin story from high school, how the man who would become the greatest player of all time was cut from his Laney High Buccaneers team, only to come back a year later, better than ever. Well, a name many weren't familiar with was Leroy Smith. Smith is the man who took MJ's spot on the team. Jordan never let that down for his entire career. He mocked Smith during his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Shortly after, Jordan Brand released an Air Jordan 1 Retro Leroy Smith edition, paying homage to the man. But when you look at the design of this AJ 1, you have to wonder if MJ did this in tribute or as a cruel joke to get back at Smith. There's nothing good about the Air Jordan 1 Retro Leroy Smith, but nevertheless, if there was no Leroy Smith to push Jordan to greatness, we might not have Air Jordan sneakers today. So, thanks, Leroy Smith, I guess?
7. Air Jordan 2 Retro Rivals (W)
Rivals. When you think of rivals, you immediately think of the enemy. In the case of the women's Air Jordan 2 Retro Rivals edition, that is exactly what this shoe was inspired by. Featuring a multi-colored, multi-material design throughout the upper, this pair is dressed in colors that were worn by the teams Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls battled en route to their six NBA championships. Even the nostalgia and the "What The" vibe on this pair couldn't save it from instant ridicule.
6. Air Jordan 16+ Ginger
The Air Jordan 16 Ginger, released in November 2001, was the final colorway released for the model. This pair came during a time when any sneakers that came outside of primary colors were scoffed at. The ill-advised light ginger-colored nubuck upper, coupled with dark charcoal and white accents, did no favors to the design of the Air Jordan 16. Nothing could save it, not even MJ wearing it on-court during his comeback with the Washington Wizards. Shroud or no shroud, the Air Jordan 16 Ginger is unflattering.
5. Air Jordan 8 Retro Low Cinder (W)
The women's Air Jordan 8 Retro Low Cinder was the final release for the silhouette in 2007. Instead of going out with a bang, the second run of the Air Jordan 8 Retro fell flat on its feet thanks in part to this awful low-top release. Featuring a cinder-colored leather and nubuck upper, champagne and sail accents throughout finish things off. On paper, the color blocking made logic, but in reality, it produced a murky and unpleasant aesthetic. While Jordan Brand intended to provide women with more options, the AJ 8 Retro Low Cinder demonstrated that less is more. They sat on shelves for years at $20 a pop, with resellers unwilling to touch them.
4. Air Jordan 2010 Welcome Home
When Dwyane Wade was introduced as the newest Jordan Brand athlete in 2010, he became the face of the Air Jordan line. Looking into the future, literally and figuratively, the Air Jordan 2010 featured a transparent hole on the sides. This unappealing look hindered the design of the Air Jordan 2010, marking the second consecutive flop from Jordan Brand since doing away with numbered models after the AJ 23. While some say, it performed well on court, the eyesore that is the Air Jordan 2010 made it not only hard to look at but inconceivable to purchase, especially at a $170 price point. While some colorways were better than others, the Air Jordan 2010 is still ridiculed for that hole on the side, especially in the Welcome Home iteration.
3. Air Jordan 15 Retro Obsidian
Initially released in June 2000, the Air Jordan 15 Obsidian was the last high-top colorway released. Its lackluster obsidian, metallic silver, and white colorway didn't do any favors to what most people deem is the ugliest Air Jordan silhouette of all time, the AJ 15. Even Tinker Hatfield himself has stated that it is probably his least favorite design he has done and, looking back, probably would've done it differently, even though he loves the concept behind it. This shoe was a design failure from the start. People can't get over that tongue, no matter what it symbolizes. Add this poorly color-blocked colorway to the design, and you have a lose-lose situation with the Air Jordan 15 Obsidian. It was retroed in 2017. Can you believe that!?
2. Air Jordan 20 Chutney
The Air Jordan 20, released in 2005, marked the 20th Anniversary of the Air Jordan line. What should've been a landmark silhouette fell short due to its otherworldly design. The first few colorways were well-received, but the Air Jordan 20 went downhill in a flash when it came to the Regional Pack. Even though specific colors were available in select markets, such as the East Coast, Mid-West, and West Coast, their limited nature couldn't save them from their unfriendly design. The use of laser print on most of the upper hurt the look, especially regarding the East Coast exclusive Air Jordan 20 Chutney. Resembling the AJ 16 Ginger, this was a poor choice by Jordan Brand, not learning from their mistake in 2001. This pair sat in outlets for many years, even hitting deep clearance prices. Still, people overlooked this pair due to how awful it is on the eyes.
1. Air Jordan 2009 Black White
We can all agree that the Air Jordan 2009 is the worst Air Jordan silhouette of all. The start of a new era, the Air Jordan 2009, was the first Air Jordan model to be named after the year it launched rather than the number it was in the lineage. Its unique design, which had nothing to do with basketball, made fans skeptical. That heel, too, ouch. With only four releases under its belt, the Air Jordan 2009 Black White takes the top position as the ugliest Air Jordan ever. Even diehard Jordan fans had to acknowledge that this pair crossed a line. It stripped the experimental shoe of anything redeeming or enjoyable. It is a cautionary tale that shows how not to honor the legend of Michael Jordan.
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