Remember 2017? That was the year Virgil Abloh dropped ‘The Ten’ collection, and let’s just say, the sneaker world was never the same. He didn’t just tweak shoes; he completely reimagined what a collaboration could be. And nowhere was this impact felt more strongly than in his partnership with Jordan Brand, which gave us some of the most talked-about and culturally significant sneakers of the past decade.
From the legendary AJ1 ‘Chicago’ that kicked things off to more understated designs that followed, Virgil used the iconic Jumpman silhouette as his playground. He deconstructed, questioned, and ultimately redefined what a sneaker could represent. So, let’s dive in and rank every single Virgil Abloh x Jordan Brand collaboration, from the ones that might have flown under the radar to the absolute all-time greats.
The Full Ranking: From Subtle to Iconic
9. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Canary Yellow”
Kicking off our list is the ‘Canary Yellow’ AJ1. It’s one of the more subtle entries in the Off-White x Jordan catalog. Built on the same deconstructed foundation as the ‘Chicago’ version, its yellow accents are just enough to distinguish it from the all-white model without being overpowering. While it didn’t create the same frenzy at release as its siblings, it’s definitely gained more appreciation over the years.
You still get all those signature Off-White details: the zip tie, exposed foam, deconstructed Swoosh, and the colorway itself holds up remarkably well. It’s a solid, if less flashy, addition to the collection.
8. Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “Black/Varsity Royal”
Arriving in November 2021, this AJ2 Low was part of a two-colorway drop that aimed to bring new life to the often-overlooked Air Jordan 2. Between the two, this ‘Black/Varsity Royal’ colorway stands out. The black upper, featuring a lizard-textured finish, pairs beautifully with the vibrant royal blue accents.
What really sells it is the cracked, aged midsole, giving it that perfect worn-in, vintage vibe that fits Abloh’s aesthetic. It gave the AJ2 a legitimate reason to be back in the spotlight.
7. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “White” (2018)
Interestingly, this ‘White’ AJ1 was Virgil’s original concept before the ‘Chicago’ colorway ultimately took center stage. He shifted direction because the all-white palette felt too similar to a white Nike Dunk. Released as a European exclusive in 2018, about a year after ‘The Ten,’ it showcases the same deconstructed elements: exposed foam, detached Swoosh, and zip tie.
The clean white canvas puts a stronger emphasis on the shoe’s construction and unique details. It’s a quieter release, but crucial for understanding Abloh’s initial vision for the iconic silhouette.
6. Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “White/Varsity Red”
Dropping in November 2021, the ‘White/Varsity Red’ AJ2 Low was one of Virgil Abloh’s final projects to be completed. It pays a direct homage to the original 1986 ‘White/Red’ AJ2 colorway, staying remarkably true to the source material with its white leather upper and red piping. The signature Off-White touches – Helvetica text, zip tie, and exposed foam – are applied consistently.
The deliberately aged look, complete with a pre-yellowed midsole and cracked sidewalls, adds to its vintage appeal. It’s a straightforward, well-executed design that honors its heritage while bearing Abloh’s distinct mark.
5. Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Muslin”
The ‘Muslin’ AJ5 gets its name from the unbleached cotton fabric often used in fashion prototyping, hinting at its raw, foundational aesthetic. Its light grey synthetic upper features a translucent grid overlay and circular cutouts on the mid-panel and collar, offering a more neutral and versatile look compared to many other Off-White x Jordan releases.
Consistent with Abloh’s aged aesthetic seen on other models, it sports a pre-yellowed outsole. While not the flashiest pair, the ‘Muslin’ AJ5 is a masterclass in subtle design and wearability.
4. Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail” WMNS
Exclusively released in women’s sizing, the AJ4 ‘Sail’ first graced the runway at Paris Fashion Week in February 2020 before its wider release later that year. It presents a more stripped-back version of the AJ4, featuring a deconstructed leather upper and semi-translucent TPU accents on the eyelets, wings, and heel. The monochromatic sail colorway unifies the design.
Upon its release, this sneaker became incredibly sought-after in the resale market and even served as a sample during Abloh’s ‘Figures of Speech’ exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s a testament to how a refined, deconstructed approach can elevate an already beloved silhouette.
3. Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Sail”
Released during NBA All-Star Weekend in 2020, the ‘Sail’ AJ5 draws heavy inspiration from the original 1990 ‘Fire Red’ Air Jordan 5. Abloh himself spoke about his deep personal connection to the AJ5, making this collaboration particularly meaningful. The light grey synthetic upper, translucent grid overlay, circular cutouts, and pre-yellowed outsole all combine to create a distinct vintage feel.
Widely considered the superior of the two Off-White AJ5 releases, its strong performance in the resale market consistently reflects its popularity and design excellence.
2. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “UNC”
Part of the original ‘The Ten’ collection in 2017, the ‘UNC’ AJ1 applies the same groundbreaking deconstructed approach to a classic powder blue and white colorway. The UNC palette has a rich history within Jordan Brand, adding an extra layer of significance to this collaboration beyond just the Off-White branding.
Featuring the signature exposed foam, semi-detached Swoosh, and zip tie, it’s a less obvious choice than the ‘Chicago’ but equally well-constructed. This pair has impressively maintained its value in the resale market, proving its lasting appeal.
1. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”
The undisputed king. Released as part of ‘The Ten’ in 2017, the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ is widely hailed as the most significant sneaker collaboration of the entire decade. Abloh took the AJ1’s legendary ‘Chicago’ colorway and applied his deconstructed magic, exposing internal construction, adding Off-White branding, and creating instantly recognizable details like the semi-detached Swoosh, exposed foam tongue, zip tie, and ‘AIR’ midsole stamp.
These defining visual elements didn’t just make a statement; they fundamentally influenced the direction of sneaker collaborations for years to come. Even now, nearly a decade later, its resale prices remain astronomical, and it continues to be the benchmark against which all other sneaker collaborations are measured. A true icon.
Which Virgil Abloh x Jordan Brand collaboration is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
