You’re scrolling through sneaker resale sites, and the sheer number of Air Jordans feels overwhelming. Maybe you’re trying to buy a birthday gift for a friend who “loves Jordans,” or perhaps you’re finally ready to treat yourself to your first pair. You see names like “Retro 3,” “4,” “11,” and “1 High.” Then there are terms like “OG,” “Bred,” and “Chicago.” It’s easy to feel like you need a decoder ring just to understand the catalog. The honest truth? Even longtime sneakerheads sometimes lose count. The confusion isn’t your fault—it’s a natural reaction to a brand that has been releasing shoes for nearly forty years.

Let’s clear the air right now. The most straightforward answer to “how many Air Jordan models are there” is that there are 37 signature numbered models (Air Jordan 1 through Air Jordan 37) as of 2024. But here’s the catch: that number is almost meaningless by itself. It doesn’t include the countless retro re-releases, the spinoff lines like the Jordan Flight or Team models, or the collaborations. If you counted every single distinct shoe that has ever carried a Jumpman logo, you’d be looking at well over a thousand. For the purpose of this guide, we’re going to focus on the core numbered line, because that’s what most people mean when they ask this question. And once you understand how that numbering system works, the whole world of Jordans becomes much easier to navigate.

The Core Numbered Line: From 1 to 37

The original Air Jordan line started in 1985 with the Air Jordan 1. For over three decades, Nike and the Jordan Brand have released a new model almost every single year. The main exception was a gap between the Air Jordan 30 and the Air Jordan 31, as the brand took a bit more time to innovate. So, the official list goes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37. That’s 37 models. But don’t let the numbers from 24 to 30 confuse you—those models used the year as their name (like Air Jordan 2009) before switching back to numbers.

Here’s the crucial distinction: the numbered models are the “performance” or “signature” shoes. They are the ones Michael Jordan actually wore on the court (up until the Air Jordan 14, which was his last with the Bulls). After that, the numbered models became the flagship shoes for the brand, worn by players like Ray Allen, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook. When you hear someone say “I love the 3s” or “the 11s are the best,” they are talking about these numbered models. Each one has a distinct design, technology, and cultural moment attached to it.

The Retro Phenomenon: Why “37” Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Here’s where the number explodes. The Jordan Brand doesn’t just release a new model each year and forget the old ones. They constantly re-release past models, and they call these “Retros.” An Air Jordan 1 Retro is a re-issue of the original 1985 shoe. The brand has been doing this since the early 2000s, and some models (like the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11) are re-released almost every year in different colorways. So, while there are only 37 numbered models, there are hundreds of “Retro” versions of those models. For example, the Air Jordan 1 alone has been released in over 200 different colorways and variations since its original debut. That’s why you can walk into a store today and buy a brand-new pair of Air Jordan 4s, even though the original model came out in 1989.

This is the primary source of confusion. When someone says they “bought the new Air Jordans,” they might mean a brand-new numbered model (like the Air Jordan 37), or they might mean a new colorway of a classic Retro (like the Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” re-release). The term “model” gets used interchangeably for the shoe’s design and the specific release. To keep your sanity, just remember: the numbered line is the family tree, and the retro releases are the different branches and leaves on that tree.

Beyond the Numbers: Spinoffs and Sub-Lines

If the numbered line and the Retros weren’t enough, the Jordan Brand has also created several sub-lines over the years. These are shoes that carry the Jumpman logo but don’t have a number. They include:

  • Team Models: Shoes like the Jordan Jumpman Pro, Jordan Super.Fly, and Jordan Why Not? (Russell Westbrook’s signature shoe). These are designed for modern basketball performance and often use the latest cushioning tech.
  • Lifestyle Models: Shoes like the Jordan Delta, Jordan Max Aura, and Jordan 1 Low. These are more focused on casual wear and street style, often borrowing design elements from classic numbered models.
  • Collaborations: Special partnerships with designers (like Virgil Abloh’s Off-White or Travis Scott) that create unique, often very limited, versions of existing numbered models. These are technically still Air Jordan 1s or 4s, but they are so modified they feel like new models.

If you include all of these, the total number of distinct “Air Jordan” shoe designs easily passes 100. But for most collectors and casual fans, the conversation always comes back to the core numbered line.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Jordan Universe

Now that you know the landscape, here’s how to actually shop for Air Jordans without getting lost. First, decide your goal. Are you buying for basketball performance, for collecting, or just for everyday style?

  • For basketball: Look at the latest numbered models (Air Jordan 35, 36, 37) or the modern team models like the Why Not? series. These have the best cushioning and support for actual play.
  • For collecting and resale value: Focus on the classic Retro models, especially the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, and 13. These have the most cultural significance and hold their value best. Look for “OG” colorways (the original color schemes) as they are the most sought-after.
  • For everyday wear: The Air Jordan 1 Low, Air Jordan 3, and Air Jordan 4 are incredibly comfortable and versatile. They pair well with jeans, joggers, and shorts. Avoid high-top models with ankle straps (like the 8 or 9) for casual use unless you really love the look.

One final piece of advice: don’t get hung up on the number. The Air Jordan 1 is a timeless classic, but the Air Jordan 5 is also a masterpiece. The Air Jordan 11 is arguably the most celebrated sneaker of all time, but the Air Jordan 13 is a personal favorite for many. The best way to find your favorite model is to look at pictures, watch reviews, and consider what style speaks to you. The numbering system is just a catalog. The real magic is in how each model fits your life and your taste. So whether you end up with a pair of 1s, 3s, or 37s, you’re stepping into a legacy that spans almost four decades—and that’s pretty cool.