Introduction – The Jordan Comeback Story
Few sneakers have had a bigger cultural impact than Air Jordans. Once the undisputed king of sneakers, Air Jordans faced a brief dip in hype during the early 2010s. But today, they’re back at the top, dominating resale markets, streetwear trends, and sneaker culture worldwide.
So, what fueled the Air Jordan resurgence? Let’s dive into the journey that brought Jordans back to their throne.
The Legacy of Air Jordans – Why They Were Always Iconic
Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker, the Air Jordan 1, dropped in 1985 and changed the game. Jordans weren’t just basketball shoes; they became a symbol of rebellion, style, and sneaker culture. Throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, each Air Jordan release—especially models like the Jordan 3, 4, and 11—cemented their place in history.
With Michael Jordan’s dominance on the court and Nike’s genius marketing, Air Jordans became the ultimate status symbol for sneaker lovers worldwide.
The Early 2010s – Did Air Jordans Fall Off?
Despite their legendary history, Air Jordans hit a rough patch in the early 2010s. Here’s why:
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The rise of Yeezys and Adidas UltraBoosts shifted sneaker trends.
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Nike overproduced Jordan models, making some releases feel less exclusive.
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Younger sneakerheads started gravitating towards hyped collaborations instead of retros.
During this time, some Jordans sat on shelves longer than usual—something almost unthinkable today.
2018-2025 – The Jordan Comeback Story
The Air Jordan resurgence didn’t happen overnight. Several key moments and collaborations brought them back into the spotlight:
1. Travis Scott x Jordan 1 (2019) – A Game-Changer
When Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG dropped in 2019, it reignited interest in Jordans. The reverse swoosh, premium materials, and hype-driven marketing made it one of the most sought-after sneakers in history.
2. OG Colorways & Retro Releases (2020-Present)
Nike tapped into nostalgia by re-releasing grail-status Jordan colorways, including:
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Jordan 1 ‘Chicago Lost & Found’
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Jordan 4 ‘Bred Reimagined’
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Jordan 3 ‘White Cement Reimagined’
Bringing back OG classics with a modern twist helped Jordans appeal to both OG sneakerheads and a new generation of buyers.
3. TikTok, Social Media & the Rise of Streetwear
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram made Jordans mainstream again. Fashion influencers and celebrities styled Jordans in ways that made them essential streetwear pieces, not just basketball shoes.
4. Resale Market Explosion
With limited releases and high demand, Air Jordans became a major player in sneaker reselling. Certain pairs now triple or quadruple in value, making them not just a fashion statement but an investment.
Why Air Jordans Are More Popular Than Ever Today
In 2025, Air Jordans are bigger than ever. Here’s why they’re still dominating:
🔥 Hype Collaborations & Luxury Crossovers
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Dior x Jordan 1 – Luxury meets streetwear
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Off-White x Jordan Collection – Virgil Abloh’s influence on sneaker culture
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Travis Scott x Jordan 4 & 1 Lows – Continuing the hype cycle
🎯 Gen Z & The Power of Retro Aesthetics
The younger generation is embracing vintage sneaker aesthetics. Air Jordan 1s, 3s, and 4s fit perfectly into this trend, making them a must-have for fashion lovers.
📈 Investment-Worthy Sneakers
Some Air Jordans now rival stocks and crypto as investment assets. Limited drops ensure resale values skyrocket, adding to their appeal.
The Best Air Jordans to Buy Right Now
If you’re looking to cop a pair of Jordans in 2025, here are the hottest options:
🔥 Jordan 1 ‘Lost & Found’ – The ultimate retro classic
🔥 Jordan 4 ‘Bred Reimagined’ – A modern twist on an OG favorite
🔥 Jordan 3 ‘White Cement Reimagined’ – Vintage vibes with updated materials
🔥 Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott – Limited, hyped, and stylish
🔥 Jordan 5 ‘A Ma Maniére’ – A luxurious take on a classic model
Where to Buy Air Jordans in New Zealand
Looking for authentic Air Jordans in NZ? Here’s where to shop:
For authentic Air Jordans in New Zealand, Basement NZ is the #1 choice. With years of experience, our team hand-authenticates every pair before shipping, ensuring 100% legitimacy. We specialize in hard-to-find releases, offering fast and secure NZ-wide shipping.
👟 Shop now at Basement.nz and cop your next pair today!
Final Thoughts – Will Air Jordans Stay on Top?
With hype collabs, nostalgia-driven releases, and mainstream fashion influence, Air Jordans are showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, collector, or just someone looking for a stylish everyday sneaker, Air Jordans remain the gold standard.
🔥 Ready to Cop Your Next Pair?
Check out the latest Air Jordan drops on Basement.nz and stay ahead of the sneaker game!
FAQs
1. Why did Air Jordans become popular again?
Air Jordans regained popularity due to hyped collaborations, social media exposure, and the return of OG colorways.
2. Are Air Jordans a good investment?
Yes! Many limited-edition Jordan releases increase in value over time, making them a great investment for sneaker collectors.
3. What’s the most popular Air Jordan model right now?
The Air Jordan 1 and Jordan 4 are the most in-demand models in 2025.
4. Where can I buy Air Jordans in New Zealand?
Basement.nz, StockX, Trade Me, and Facebook sneaker groups are the best places.
5. Are Air Jordans good for everyday wear?
Absolutely! Many Jordan models, especially the Jordan 1, 3, and 4, are comfortable and stylish for daily use.