There's a lot to take into account when deciding upon the best Jordan 2 colorways as, despite the silhouette being over 35 years old, Nike is still creating new designs to this day.
The sneakers first debuted in 1986 after the huge success of the Jordan 1, and despite the original being a tough act to follow, it's safe to say the Jordan 2 made a lasting impact, even garnering high-profile collaborations like the upcoming Jordan 2 x A Ma Maniére release.
With that being said, we're focusing solely on some of the more recently Jordan 2 designs. So, from amazing Retro remakes, like the "Melo" colorway, to stylish sneakers to wear every day, like the Decon "Sail" release, we've rounded up the very best right here.
We've also highlighted a few upcoming Jordan 2 releases for you to mark in your diary to add to your collection in the future.
Best Jordan 2 Colorways
- Air Jordan 2 "Multi-Color"
- Air Jordan 2 "Black History Month"
- Off-White x Jordan 2 Low "White Red"
- Air Jordan 2 Retro "Melo"
- Air Jordan 2 Retro Decon "Sail"
Best All-Round Jordan 2 Colorway - Air Jordan 2 "Multi-Color"
While the Jordan 2 has seen several unique makeovers over the years, Nike themselves admit there is arguably none quite like the "Multi-Color" release.
The first thing you'll notice is that the shoes are mismatched, with Nike opting for clashing colors which, in our opinion, brings the two sneakers together as a pair.
While the color scheme may seem random, Nike state that each blocking has a purpose, paying homage to previous iterations of the Jordan 2.
It's also worth pointing out the mismatched materials, from patent leather around the toebox to pebbled textures around the ankle collars, resulting in this crazy "Multi-Color" design earning a spot on our list.
Best Looking Jordan 2 Colorway - Air Jordan 2 "Black History Month"
Not only is there a great message behind the "Black History Month" release, but we believe it is one of the best-looking Jordan 2 colorways as well.
Black leather dresses the upper, however, you get a number of integrated dynamic patterns across the black surfaces which draw inspiration from traditional African Kente cloth.
This motif is continued around the heels in red and blue which match the multi-colored outsoles that also bring yellow into the equation.
Furthermore, hints of gold make their way to the Nike and 'BHM' logos on the heel counters, thus rounding off this excellent "Black History Month" design.
Best Jordan 2 Collaboration Colorway - Off-White x Jordan 2 Low "White Red"
The Off-White x Nike collaboration from 2021 saw the brands release two great colorways, but we feel the "White Red" low-tops are the real standout from the selection.
What we like about this colorway, in particular, is the number of signature Off-White details present across the simple white leather base with contrasting black laces.
Most notably, the midsoles have been artificially yellowed and are presented as though they are decaying, with translucent rubber filling in the gaps.
Moreover, the sneakers feature Michael Jordan's signature printed on the lateral sides which is a nice touch to tie these designer sneakers back to wear it all began.
Best Jordan 2 Retro Colorway - Air Jordan 2 Retro "Melo"
When Carmelo Anthony was drafted to the Denver Nuggets in 2003, Jordan instantly signed the young prospect right out of the gate as he showed the polish of a top-tier professional athlete.
To celebrate 15 years since Anthony's debut, Nike produced this excellent Retro colorway called the "Melo" based on the 2004 Player Edition.
Much of the upper remains consistent with the OG release, with the whole sneaker dressed in Denver colors, and nods to Carmelo are littered throughout like his shirt number and name inscribed on the insoles.
Ultimately, when it comes to Retro re-releases, we feel the "Melo" Jordan 2 colorway is up there as one of the best.
Best Every Day Jordan 2 Colorway - Air Jordan 2 Retro Decon "Sail"
In our opinion, the Air Jordan 2 Retro Decon "Sail" looks to be an excellent colorway to wear every day thanks to its understated and simplistic design.
Based on a basketball performance shoe, the sneakers come draped in soft suede and contain toebox perforations for added breathability.
In terms of the color scheme, Sail hues dominate the sneakers, covering everything from the laces to the insoles, while the 'Wings' insignias indented into the tongues come in a more tanned tone.
Overall, Nike has done an excellent job of transitioning this Jordan 2 into a luxurious, everyday sneaker with the Decon "Sail" colorway.
Best Upcoming Jordan 2's
Nike continues to create new and unique Jordan 2's to this day so, to help keep you in the loop, here are some of our top picks as ones to watch over the coming months.
Air Jordan 2 x A Ma Maniére
As touched on in the intro, this A Ma Maniére collaboration is due to arrive on 29 August 2022.
The sneakers feature a design and colour scheme very similar to the Atalanta-based boutique's previous Air Jordan 1 collaboration, with light cream and Sail dressing most of the uppers, with hints of burgundy and black appearing across some of the finer details.
Neither Nike nor A Ma Maniére has released official images of the sneakers just yet, so make sure you stay tuned to find out more right here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jordan 2's
With so many different colorways to choose from, you may have a number of questions about the Jordan 2's.
Don't worry though, because we're here to clear up a few of the most commonly asked queries.
Are Jordan 2's Comfortable?
In our guide on whether Jordan's are comfortable, we state that because all Jordan's include Nike's Air technology, they should be relatively comfortable to wear every day.
One of the most important aspects for making sure your Jordan 2's are comfortable though is to make sure you get the right fit right.
We'd recommend leaving about a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe as this will make sure your sneakers are bending in the correct place as it should align to the natural bend of your foot.
Are Jordan 2's True To Size?
It's widely acknowledged that most Jordan sneakers fit true to size; however, you may find going a size up to be beneficial if you plan on playing basketball in your Jordan 2's and have slightly wider feet as this should ensure your feet remain comfortable and supported.
If you're still unsure, then Nike usually has a handy size guide to help you determine which is the option for you.
Can You Run In Jordan 2's?
We've gone into detail on whether Jordan's can be used for running and, in the said article, we state that while it is possible to run in Jordan's, like the 2's, we'd advise selecting dedicated running shoes instead.
This is mostly down to Jordan 2's being considerably heavier than most running trainers which, in a 2016 study into the weight of shoes, is found to make you 1% slower for every 3.5 ounces of lead added per shoe.
Also, while the higher collars provide ankle support on the court, you may find them quite restrictive whilst running.
Read More: Best Basketball Shoes - Our Top Picks