Image via GOAT
In 2001, Jordan Brand entered the new year with new objectives. With Michael Jordan back on the court as a member of the Washington Wizards, the Jumpman logo was all about telling new stories for the next generation by revising old favorites with modern palettes.
That spring, the Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cool Grey” changed the landscape of retro releases by rolling out an all-new colorway on a classic model that instantly proved as universally beloved as the originals. Canvassing the court favorite in a neutral palette allowed the brand to extend its cache to a younger audience that viewed retro Jordans as a fashion statement first and a basketball shoe second.
In honor of the Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cool Grey” returning for its 20th anniversary this holiday season, we’ve rounded up the best grey Air Jordan retros available now on GOAT.
Air Jordan 9 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2012
There’s no guarantee that a sequel will be as good as the original. Whether in film or footwear, doubling down on a successful story can sometimes water down the original product. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with 2002’s Air Jordan 9 Retro “Cool Grey” release.
Coming on the heels of a classic, Jordan Brand revisited the same palette they introduced on the Air Jordan 11 Retro a year prior. The roll of the dice proved fruitful as the new model received a respectable amount of fanfare. Ten years later, in 2012, the classic colorway returned to the delight of collectors worldwide.
Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021
In 2007, Jordan Brand continued to grow their limited Lifestyle line through off-kilter colorways and matching apparel. Among them was the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Cool Grey,” which quickly turned heads with its citrus contrast against the famed neutral palette.
After a decade and a half in the vault, Jordan Brand finally brought the LS launch back to shelves in 2021. Grey leather and iconic elephant print express the mix of off-court cool and hardwood nostalgia, speaking convincingly to a changing of the guard era for sneaker collecting.
Air Jordan 8 Retro 'Cool Grey'
Much like the Air Jordan 11, the Air Jordan 8 released at retail in only three original mid-top colorways. Over the course of its run as a retro, the strapped signature from 1993 continued to tell new stories through unique shades.
The 2017 Air Jordan 8 Retro “Cool Grey” extended the legacy of the model Michael Jordan wore to win his third NBA Championship, offering even more leverage in the lifestyle space. A suede upper balanced cool grey and wolf grey shades on the shoe’s fuzzy tongue and paint stroke TPU counters, resulting in a fresh take on the beloved theme.
Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Wolf Grey'
When the Air Jordan 5 arrived in 1990 it was as technically as savvy as any model ever worn by Michael Jordan. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the fifth signature shoe from the Air Jordan franchise featured a metallic tongue, breathable mesh sidewalls, and a grippy, translucent outsole.
Although the shoe was first built to help the Bulls shooting guard battle opponents in the playoffs, it was later reborn as a retro made to take on new stories. In 2011, the Air Jordan 5 Retro “Wolf Grey” leaned into a neutral palette that was brought to life via rich nubuck. Tonal branding and metallic hits highlight the shape and specs of this silhouette, all capped off by the trademark clear outsole.
Air Jordan 14 Retro 'Chartreuse'
The Air Jordan 14 lives in history as the last model worn by Jordan as a member of the Chicago Bulls. In ending one chapter and beginning a new one, the Ferrari-inspired design blazed a trail for the future of Jordan Brand.
While athletes endorsed by Jordan Brand wore player-exclusive pairs of the Air Jordan 14 on court in 1999, the next decade sought to establish the shoe as a fashion commodity. 2005’s Air Jordan 14 Retro “Chartreuse” spoke to this direction, decking out the “Last Shot” silhouette in light graphite nubuck with bright chartreuse accents on the heel, shield, and tongue. Though not “Cool Grey” by definition, this smooth palette derives from the same idea.
Air Jordan 10 Retro 'Cool Grey'
In its introduction, the Air Jordan 10 celebrated a decade of accolades for Michael Jordan. Released at the time of his retirement and then coinciding with his comeback, the 10th anniversary model was well regarded for its clean design and “City Series” colorways.
Twenty years after the shoe’s “Steel” debut, the 2014 Air Jordan 10 Retro “Cool Grey” added another chapter to the commemorative model. Combining two classic stories, a cool grey tumbled leather doubled up on brand nostalgia by sporting infrared accents on the outsole.
KAWS x Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Cool Grey'
Since its arrival, the Air Jordan 4 has had an impact not only on sport but on pop culture as well. Famously appearing in Spike Lee’s 1989 film, Do the Right Thing, the winged favorite bears cache outside of basketball thanks in part to endorsement in the art world.
One of the most notable examples of this came in 2017 with the KAWS x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Cool Grey” release. Reimagined fittingly by the Brooklyn-based creative, the street art collaboration caused hysteria as footwear collectors worldwide lined up for a chance to own gallery-level heat.
PSNY x Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Dark Grey'
The Air Jordan 12 was defined by durability when it arrived in 1996, adding even more toughness and performance to the heralded series. In the time since then, the model has extended its audience beyond basketball and into fashion.
2015’s PSNY x Air Jordan 12 Retro “Dark Grey” illustrates that ascent, redressing the hoop favorite in a runway wardrobe. A tonal grey makeup finds nuance through an embossed leather upper, adding New York City steeze to the eternally tough performer.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG CO.JP 'Metallic Silver' 2020
2001 was a lifestyle odyssey for the newly minted Jordan Brand. Looking to lengthen the wearability, collectibility, and chase associated with their flagship line, the Air Jordan 1 Retro co.jp “Metallic Silver” introduced the seminal first silhouette in a flashy palette that could only be purchased in Japan. Despite not being dubbed “Cool Grey” by color code, it forecasted the future retro releases from Jordan Brand.
At that time, you had to have a connection out East to score one of the 2,001 pairs made. Fast forward to 2020, and the shiny rarity was reintroduced to the American market in high cut fashion. It took 19 years, but it was well worth the wait.
Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021
The Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cool Grey” lives in a rarified air as a certified classic every time it drops. First seen in 2001 and next launched in 2010, this retro release is held in high regard by fans the world over.
Worn on court by Mike as a member of the Washington Wizards and beloved by collectors of various generations as a lifestyle staple, the breakthrough retro is back again. Sporting a cut and composition on par with original Air Jordan 11s from 1995, this revived favorite is truly back like never before.
Shop the best grey Air Jordan retros on GOAT.