In my opinion, 1985-1999 are the most original jordans designed.

http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/historyofflight/

Why you ask? MJ created the first design in 1985 and ended his career in 1999 with his last pair of jordans (14s) that he rocked on the basketball court. From year 2000 and up, the designs just weren't as popular as the older ones, 1) because MJ didn't wear the shoes himself, 2) because they're ugly, 3) Not as comfortable. Nowadays, people rock the different styles of the popular 1985-1999 when different colorways are released annually. People find out the release dates online and usually line up at the mall or at plazas where finishline or footlocker are at just to get themselves a pair or two of the popular Jordan retros.

1999 Air Jordan 14

This was the very last Air Jordan model that Michael would sport in NBA before his retirement. During this time MJ owned a Ferrari F355F1. The design of the Ferrari F355F1 looks exactly like the shield on this shoe, and the vents on the side of the Ferrari F355F1 were also used on this. In 1999 there was a total of five different color ways released with a retail of $150.00

1998 Jordan Retros 13's

This was originally released in 1998. The design of the Jordan 13's were inspired by a panther. The design of the outsole resembles a paw. If you ever watched MJ play then you would see how he is similar to a panther. Michael Jordan would watch his players, and then all of a sudden he would make the move, and BAM he would have the ball in his own hands. The release of this shoe had a retail of $150

Chris Brown rocking the white/red/black colorway

Style versus Comfort/Usefulness

Back then in Micheal Jordan's era, the shoes were used for comfort and usefulness as he played with the different styles in  his basketball games. It was good for endurance and the different styles was a reflection on improvement in speed and agility. Nowadays, the shoes are more like an icon and style.When someone cops a pair of jordans and rocks them, they have "swag", they don't play basketball in them like MJ did back in the day. It's completely the opposite, people are too busy trying to keep their jordans clean, and not creased. So the people that make the shoes had put less work into making it more as a "basketball" shoe with the comfort, speed and agility. They are more interested in creating something "good looking" so they can attract their buyers which are mostly shoeheads. Even famous rappers are rocking the jordans nowadays. I'm telling you, it's more worn as an icon of style rather than dribbling and scoring points in basketball.

1996-1997 Air Jordan 12's

When the Air Jordan 12 were first released in 1996 they were sold for $135.00, and five different color ways were released. In 2003 two color ways released are also selling for $135.00 These were the first Air Jordans to utilize Zoom Air Technology for lightweight cushioning and is good for quick responses. MJ wore them as he scored 38 points against the Utah Jazz.

Why are Jordans so popular?

Michael Jordan made a big impact into their popularity. He endorsed them by constantly wearing the newest pair during his basketball games, since his name was so big back then, everyone wanted a piece of him. So why not grab a pair of Jordans to start off? They started to get in a high demand that people constantly had to keep recreating different styles and colors to keep the viewers interested, most of the viewers were something called a "shoehead"which is someone that collects shoes, not as a hobby but it got bigger and more extensive than that. They would get at least 3 pairs when they release the "new" pair or jordans, they would wear one for themselves, and keep two, possibly for selling for more money and the other one is called dead stock, never touched or worn. Being a shoe head gets ridiculous especially when you're spending $100-$200 per pair.

1995 Jordan Retro 10's & 11's

Jordan Retro 10's

MJ's new found baseball career was interrupted when a player strike broke out. Rumors broke out that he would return to the basketball court and on March 19th 1995 Jordan was back on the floor.These shoes had a heavy influence from the Air Jordan 3‘s, the Air Jordan 5‘s and the Air Jordan 6‘s.

1995 vs 2001 Jordan Retro 11's

Check out this link of all 25 different style or Jordan retros!

http://www.nicekicks.com/air-jordans/

1994 Air Jordan 9s

Retailed for $125. It features a leather upper surrounded by a durabuck, material, which made it very sturdy. The stitching on the upper seem to form a pattern which got smaller as you moved your eyes from the back of the shoe to the front. This could have been away to sort of focus your sight either from back to front or front to back. Michael Jordan has never played a full season of NBA Basketball wearing these sneakers. This model was created in the form of baseball cleats that Jordan used when playing minor-league baseball.

 

 

1992-1993 Air Jordan 7s & Air Jordan 8s

The Air Jordan 7 was released in 1992. It featured Huarache technology which made the shoe really stick to your foot. The shoe was much lighter weight than some of the previous Air Jordans as well. The Air Jordan 7 was also unique in that it did not feature the “Nike Air” logo, a visible air unit, or clear soles. They sold for a retail of $125 a pair 

The Air Jordan 8s were released in 1993. These had thick padding the shoe was heavy and also easily got very warm. Who knows, maybe the heat could have been the reason why Michael was bothered with athlete’s foot infections during the season.