Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 8 is one of the most popular sneakers in the brand. The sneaker was released in 1993 to critical acclaim and continues to be a look almost synonymous with the period. Worn by Michael Jordan against Phoenix Suns in the 1993 Finals, the Air Jordan 8 is also a staple among fans. Being one of the most popular Jordan shoes released, the sneaker has survived the test of time thanks to its legacy and new releases. Here are the six best Air Jordan 8 colorways!
Air Jordan 8 “Bugs Bunny”
The OG colorway of the Air Jordan 8 took the world by storm when it made its 1993 debut. The commercials where Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny have made the two synonymous with each other. The original retro shoe that helped birth the “Hare Jordan” moniker is one of the most iconic sneakers in Jordan’s long history. Further, the similarities between the Looney Tunes character and the sneakers don’t stop at just the commercials.
The black and red straps on the original Air Jordan 8 sneaker are also said to resemble the ears of the cartoon rabbit as well. The fur on the tongue and the colors throughout the shoe make it just as lively and vibrant as its carrot-eating counterpart.
Air Jordan 8 “Aqua”
One of the original colorways from its 1993 release, the Aqua is a sneaker staple. Released alongside the Bugs Bunny and Playoff colorways, it is also one of the most popular among fans of the OG Retro 8. The shoe’s combination of Black, Concord, and Aqua tones makes the sneaker pop out with almost any outfit. Outside of the well-known color scheme, the shoe also has other features that make it pop.
Retro 8 “Cool Grey”
The “Cool Grey” colorway has been a staple among fans since appearing on the Air Jordan 11 in 2011. The Air Jordan 8 got the “Cool Grey” treatment with its release of the colorway in the summer of 2017. Though other colorways are more vibrant, the "Cool Grey" solid grey finish looks surprisingly good on the silhouette. Additionally, the midsole design and suede finish give the sneaker a particular lifestyle touch that other colorways lack.
Retro 8 “South Beach”
Being a product of the '90s, this variation of the sneaker has the early '90s feel to it. The green and pink accents of the colorway make the shoe feel ready for the court and ocean drive. The mixture of colors looks great on the crowned silhouette with the white leather upper and grey midsole. Released in 2018, this is one of many colorways that shows the appeal and longevity of the Air Jordan 8.
Retro 8 “OVO Black”
No stranger to collaborating with artists, Jordan released this collaboration with Drake’s clothing line, OVO, in 2018. This variation of the sneaker was released in celebration of the 2018 NBA All-Star game. Although an all-white colorway of the collaboration was released, the all-black colorway has a certain sleekness. The metallic gold paint strokes in the midfoot area of the shoe match with the solid gold heel tab embellishing the OVO owl logo. The black finish of the sneaker is topped off nicely by the red logo on the tongue.
Retro 8 “Sugar Ray Allen”
The “Sugar Ray Allen” is one of the rarest and popular colorways you can find of the Air Jordan 8. One of the most rare Jordan releases, pairs can easily sell online for thousands of dollars. Though initially released to the public in 2008, only 24 pairs were made. This makes this particular colorway one of the rarest finds on the collectors' lists. Besides that, the stealth black finish and clover green highlights have sneakerheads wishing for a re-release.