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Before diving into the best Jordan Spizikes Releases, it is important to cover some of the history of the silhouette. The Spizike’s origin is rooted in a culmination of sports and pop culture.
The shoe's name is derived from the combination of "Spike" and "Jordan", a nod to the collaborative efforts of filmmaker Spike Lee and the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. Spike Lee, known for his character Mars Blackmon in the film "She's Gotta Have It", contributed significantly to the marketing and promotion of the Air Jordan line during the late 80s and early 90s. Mars became an emblematic character in the Air Jordan commercials, frequently proclaiming, "It's gotta be the shoes."
The Spizike doesn’t just fuse pop culture and sports - it also combines features from 6 different Jordan models: from the Jordan 3’s elephant print, the 4’s wings to hold the laces and mesh side panel, the shaping of a Jordan 5, the tongue and lacelocks of the Jordan 6, the pull tab on the Jordan 9, and last but not least the Jordan 20 lasered sockliner.
Originally the sneaker was meant to be a one-time release, but its popularity after its initial October 2006 release has led to Jordan Brand releasing various colorways, and they are even bringing back the Spizike as a Low in 2024. So unless you are looking for the exact Nike Spizike Release Dates follow along as we go over the top 10 Jordan Spizikes to ever release.
Top 10 Jordan Spizikes
10. Jordan Spizike Black Cement
Rounding up our Top 10 Jordan Spizikes list, the 'Black Cement' model is a tribute to the original Air Jordan III.This model marks the roots of the Spizike range, with its classic black and cement grey design reminiscent of the Air Jordan III's iconic colorway.
9. Jordan Spizike Toro
In 2012 during another lengthy run for the Jordan Spizike, a “Toro” edition was released. This pair falls in line with other toro-themed Jordans, sporting a red-based upper with black and white accents.
8. SoleFly x Jordan Spizike Miami Hurricanes
Known for their Miami-themed exclusives, SoleFly created an exclusive colorway of the Jordan Spizike in 2012. Taking colors from the University of Miami, this “Hurricanes” pair features a green-based upper with orange, black, and white accents. Custom branding is seen via the back heel pull tabs and insoles.
7. Jordan Spizike Knicks
When you think of Spike Lee, the most commonly associated thing that goes along with him is his love for the New York Knicks. To honor this, Jordan Brand made two exclusive Knicks-themed colorways of the Jordan Spizike exclusively for the famous director. After receiving a decent buzz from fans, JB decided to release both colorways to the public in November of 2011.
6. Jordan Spizike Black/Varsity Red-Classic Green
After the success of the debut Jordan Spizike colorway, Jordan Brand kicked off 2007 with an alternate, black-based version. Still limited, this pair replaced the white leather upper for black nubuck. It was re-released in 2017 as a part of the silhouette’s 10th Anniversary.
5. Jordan Spizike Light Graphite
After a brief hiatus, the Jordan Spizike returned in two new colorways for the 2008 holiday season. One of those pairs, the “Light Graphite,” pair was actually highly anticipated. Its grey-based theme, oreo-like detailing, and full translucent outsole made this one of the best Jordan Spizike colorways overnight.
4. Jordan Spizike True Blue
The Jordan Spizike True Blue was the first GR (general release) colorway. It debuted in April 2007 and drew inspiration from the classic Air Jordan 3 “True Blue.” With its color placement strikingly similar to the AJ 3, this Spizike gave people an alternative pair if they chose to be different.
3. Jordan Spizike White Cement
Drawing inspiration from the ever-popular “White Cement” color scheme seen on classic Air Jordan models such as the Jordan 3 and Jordan 4, the Spizike got this makeover in 2007 and then again when it was re-released in 2017. The pair features a white-based design with cement grey accents, finished off by hits of black and red.
2. Jordan Spizike OG White/Varsity Red-Classic Green
Released in 2006, this was the first Jordan Spizike released. It comes in a Do The Right Thing-esque white, varsity red, and classic green colorway, reminiscent of the Italian colors seen at Sal's Pizza. Limited to select retailers across the I-95 corridor, this Spizike kicked things off for the silhouette. It was re-released in 2016 to celebrate the model's 10th Anniversary.
1. Jordan Spizike Bordeaux
Nothing quite matches the distinctive style of the Jordan Spizike "Bordeaux." Released in February 2012, its “Pop Color” theme lightly resembled the Air Jordan 7 in a familiar color scheme. Synonymous with Barack Obama, Spike Lee gifted the former president a pair, making this colorway legendary.
In this article
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
