Honestly, trying to keep track of jordan gym shoes release dates is basically a full-time job at this point. You’d think after forty years of drops, the hype would’ve simmered down or people would’ve moved on to something else. But nope. Here we are in 2026, and the SNKRS app is still the most stressful thing on our phones.
It’s kinda wild.
Every time a new calendar leaks, the internet loses its collective mind. Whether it’s a "Reimagined" classic or a totally weird new collab, the cycle never stops. If you’re trying to plan your budget—or just figure out which Saturday you’re going to spend staring at a "Pending" screen—you need the actual facts.
The Heavy Hitters Coming This Spring
Spring 2026 is looking stacked, and I’m not just saying that. Jordan Brand is leaning hard into nostalgia while trying to shove the new Air Jordan 40 down our throats. It’s a bold move.
The first big roadblock for your wallet is the Air Jordan 4 "Flight Club" dropping on January 17, 2026. It’s got that clean sail and university red vibe that feels like a throwback to the late '80s fan club gear. Expect to shell out about $220 for these. Then, literally a week later on January 24, we’re getting the Air Jordan 9 "Flint Grey." If you’re a 5s fan, circle February 28 in red ink. The Air Jordan 5 "Wolf Grey" is coming back. This isn't just any retro; it’s a return of the 2011 classic with that icy blue sole. Sneaker insiders like zSneakerHeadz are already calling this one of the hardest cops of the year. People love grey suede. It's just a fact.
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All-Star Weekend Chaos
February is always a bloodbath. This year, All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles is the epicenter.
- Air Jordan 6 "Salesman" (Reverse Infrared): Dropping February 14. This one is based on a 1999 sample that’s been a "holy grail" for collectors for decades.
- Air Jordan 4 "Lakeshow": Also hitting on Valentine’s Day. It’s got a deep "Imperial Purple" upper and that "Nike Air" branding on the heel that makes the purists cry tears of joy.
- Air Jordan 40 "Infrared": The new flagship model is trying to prove it belongs. It drops the same weekend for $205.
Summer Heat and The Anniversary Hangover
By the time the weather warms up, we’re looking at some serious OG returns.
The Air Jordan 11 Low "University Blue" (or "UNC" for the locals) is slated for April 18, 2026. We haven't seen these since 2017, and before that, you have to go back to 2001. It’s a simple white and blue look, but it sells out every single time. No exceptions.
Then there’s the Air Jordan 3 OG "True Blue" rumored for July 3. If that date holds, it’s going to be the biggest Fourth of July drop in years. At a retail price of $230, it’s getting expensive to stay in the game, but the 1988 vibes are hard to resist.
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Why the 40th Anniversary Still Matters
Technically, the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 was last year (2025), but the momentum hasn't shifted. Jordan Brand is using 2026 to "bridge the gap." This basically means they take the colors you love from the old shoes and put them on the new performance tech.
You’ll see this a lot with the Air Jordan 40. They are releasing a "Wolf Grey" version on January 8 and an "Infrared" one in February. It’s a smart way to get the younger kids to buy the new gym shoes while the old heads fight over the retros.
The Holiday 2026 Forecast
We’re still a bit far out, but the "leaked" rumors for the end of the year are already surfacing.
The big one? The Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam." It’s rumored for December 12, 2026. If this happens, it’ll be the 30th anniversary of the movie. Every time the Space Jams drop, it’s a cultural event. Even people who don't care about jordan gym shoes release dates will be trying to get a pair.
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We’re also hearing whispers about the Air Jordan 1 High OG "Royal" returning with the '85 cut. The "Royal Reimagined" from a few years ago kinda flopped because of the suede, so Jordan is likely going back to the classic leather to fix that mistake. Expect these sometime between October and December.
How to Actually Score a Pair
Look, the "L" is always a possibility. That’s just the nature of the beast. But if you want to actually win, you've gotta be smart.
- Don't rely on just SNKRS. It's a lottery, and the odds are terrible.
- Check the boutiques. Shops like A Ma Maniére, Social Status, and Union often have their own raffles.
- Local retailers. Places like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Foot Locker are actually getting better stock lately.
- The "In-Store" trick. Use the SNKRS "Pass" feature if you live near a big city like LA, NYC, or Chicago. It’s often easier than the national draw.
The price of these shoes is creeping up—most retros are now $210 to $230. It’s a lot of money for gym shoes, honestly. But as long as the stories behind them stay relevant, the hunt for jordan gym shoes release dates isn't going anywhere.
Your Next Steps:
- Download the Nike SNKRS app and set your notifications specifically for the February 14th window.
- Verify your payment info now; don't wait until the morning of a big drop to find out your card expired.
- Track the "Style Codes" (like CT8529-001 for the Salesman 6s) on secondary markets to see if early prices are dropping, which usually indicates a higher stock volume.