Air Jordan price comparison

Air Jordan is Michael Jordan's signature line at Nike and, since 1997, a brand in its own right under the Nike umbrella. A new basketball model was released every year, numbered from I up to the present day. Nike uses the term "Retro" for re-releases of earlier models, often in the original colours with nicknames such as "Chicago", "Bred" or "White Cement".

The most popular are the Air Jordan 1 (High, Mid and Low) and the Air Jordan 4. There are also newer models such as the Jordan Tatum or Jordan City, which are aimed more at sport and everyday wear and are less often limited.

The Air Jordan 1 High OG is the original with a high collar and usually higher-quality leather; limited colourways are priced accordingly. The Mid has a different collar line with fewer eyelets and is produced in larger numbers, so it is cheaper and easier to get. The Low is the flat, everyday cut. For collectors the difference is important; for everyday wear, a Mid or Low is often the more relaxed choice.

The Jordan 1 generally fits true to size but has fairly flat cushioning. The Jordan 4 is often described as a little tight in the forefoot; with wide feet, half a size up helps. The models are heavier than today's running shoes – if you're on your feet all day, a good insole makes sense.

Fakes are very common with Jordans. Look for commercial sellers with plenty of ratings, complete photos of the label, box label and sole, and a style code that matches the colourway. Pay with a method that offers buyer protection. Our guide to fake sneakers shows you the most important checks.

With Jordans, prices for seemingly identical shoes vary widely. General-release retros and Mid models are produced in large quantities and regularly discounted. Limited releases, by contrast, are traded by resellers according to supply and demand, often well above the retail price. Checking the price history and other offers for the same style code helps you judge whether a price is in line with the market. Be especially critical of offers for sought-after colourways that look far too cheap.