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When it comes to the Air Jordan legacy, the Air Jordan 8 stands as a bold and unique silhouette. First released in 1993, the AJ8 cemented its place in sneaker history with a mix of performance tech and polarizing design elements like the chenille tongue patch and crisscross straps. Here’s our breakdown of the top 8 Air Jordan 8s of all time, showcasing the best colorways and their impact on sneaker culture.


8. Air Jordan 8 “Three-Peat”

Air Jordan 8 “Three-Peat” 305381-142
  • SKU: 305381-142
  • Release Date: October 24, 2015
  • Description: This colorway paid homage to the Chicago Bulls’ first three-peat championship run. Featuring vibrant accents inspired by the teams MJ defeated, this pair was a celebration of dominance and legacy.

7. Air Jordan 8 “Chrome”

Air Jordan 8 “Chrome” 305381-003
  • SKU: 305381-003
  • Release Date: May 3, 2003 (Retro), December 19, 2015 (Retro)
  • Description: The “Chrome” 8s brought a sleek, monochromatic look to the lineup. Featuring a black nubuck upper with subtle chrome accents, this colorway was a fresh departure from the vibrant designs typically associated with the AJ8.

6. Air Jordan 8 “South Beach”

Air Jordan 8 “South Beach” 305381-113
  • SKU: 305381-113
  • Release Date: October 13, 2018
  • Description: Taking inspiration from Miami vibes, the “South Beach” 8s featured pastel tones of teal and pink against a white upper. This modern reinterpretation brought new energy to the AJ8 line.

5. Air Jordan 8 “Ice Blue”

Air Jordan 8 “Ice Blue” 316836-401
  • SKU: 316836-401
  • Release Date: October 20, 2007
  • Description: A women’s exclusive colorway that earned universal acclaim, the “Ice Blue” 8s feature a smooth leather upper dressed in soft blue tones, accented by white and silver highlights. This pair stands out as one of the most elegant designs in the AJ8 lineup.

4. Air Jordan 8 “Doernbecher”

Air Jordan 8 “Doernbecher” 729893-480
  • SKU: 729893-480
  • Release Date: November 23, 2014
  • Description: Part of Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle collection, this edition was designed by a young patient with a bold vision. The intricate details, including graphics and inspirational messages, made this a standout release with a meaningful story.

3. Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny”

Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny” 305381-103
  • SKU: 305381-103
  • Release Date: 1993 (OG), 2003 (Retro), 2013 (Retro)
  • Description: A nickname derived from its marketing campaign alongside Bugs Bunny, this white, red, and gray colorway is clean and classic. It’s the perfect representation of 90s basketball sneakers and MJ’s pop culture influence.

2. Air Jordan 8 “Playoffs”

Air Jordan 8 "Playoffs" 305381-062
  • SKU: 305381-062
  • Release Date: 1993 (OG), 2003 (Retro Low), 2007 (Retro), 2013 (Retro), 2023 (Retro)
  • Description: The “Playoffs” 8s are steeped in MJ lore, as he wore them during his first three-peat championship run. The black and red color scheme is quintessentially Jordan Brand, and the splashes of white and gray add just enough flair.

1. Air Jordan 8 “Aqua”

Air Jordan 8 "Aqua" 305381-025
  • SKU: 305381-025
  • Release Date: 1993 (OG), 2007 (Retro), 2015 (Retro)
  • Description: The “Aqua” 8s are arguably the most iconic colorway of the silhouette. With its vibrant teal and purple accents against a black base, this pair turned heads on and off the court. Worn by Michael Jordan during the 1993 All-Star Game, it’s a timeless design that continues to resonate with sneakerheads.

Nice Kicks has more information on retro Jordans and a full calendar of upcoming Jordan release dates.

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