So, you’re trying to figure out where your paycheck is going this month? Honestly, keeping up with the Jumpman in 2026 feels like a full-time job. Between the shock drops that vanish in seconds and the "confirmed" dates that shift like desert sand, it's a lot. If you're asking what is the next jordan release, the answer depends on how fast you can refresh the SNKRS app, but the calendar for late January and February is finally looking concrete.
We aren't just looking at random colorways thrown at a wall. Jordan Brand is digging deep into the archives right now. They're pulling out samples that sneakerheads have only seen in grainy catalog scans from the late 90s. It's a weird, nostalgic time to be into kicks.
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The Immediate Drops: What’s Next on the Calendar?
Right now, the big one everyone is staring down is the Air Jordan 4 "Flight Club." Mark your calendar for January 17th. This isn't your standard retro; it’s a massive nod to the vintage "Jordan Flight Club" newsletters that kids used to get in the mail back in the day. Think Sail, Black, and University Red. It’s got that "aged" look that’s been dominating the scene lately, but it feels more intentional than just another faux-vintage sneaker. It’s dropping in full family sizing, so expect the usual $220 price point for adult pairs.
If you miss that, or if the AJ4 hype is just too much for your soul, the Air Jordan 9 "Flint Grey" is sliding in on January 24th. This is actually a big deal. The "Flint" 9s haven't been around since 2002. For collectors who have been holding onto crumbling pairs from two decades ago, this is the resurrection they’ve been begging for.
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Then, to wrap up the month on January 31st, we get the Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Medium Olive." It’s got a very specific Travis Scott vibe without the Travis Scott price tag (well, retail price, anyway).
February’s All-Star Heat
February is always a bloodbath for your bank account because of All-Star Weekend. This year is no different.
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- February 7: The Women’s Air Jordan 4 "Valentine's Day" (Sierra Red). It’s premium, it’s tonal, and it’s going to be a tough manual cop.
- February 13: Air Jordan 1 High OG "All-Star." This one features a mix of Cool Grey, Game Royal, and Sail. It’s clean, traditional, and exactly what you’d expect for a mid-February flagship release.
- February 14: Air Jordan 6 "Reverse Infrared." This is the "lore" pair. It was a salesman sample back in 1999 that never actually hit stores. Now, in 2026, Jordan Brand is finally letting it out of the vault. It’s basically the classic Black Infrared but with the colors flipped on the midsole.
Why the Next Jordan Release Actually Matters
The strategy has shifted. A couple of years ago, Nike was flooding the zone with mid-tier Jordan 1s that ended up sitting on shelves. You’ve probably noticed that’s stopped. Now, they’re leaning into "Storytelling Retros." Every pair dropping this quarter has some weird, specific tie-in to MJ’s history or the brand's cultural footprint.
Take the Air Jordan 17 "Doernbecher" dropping alongside the Flight Club 4s on the 17th. The Doernbecher Freestyle program is legendary for a reason—it lets kids at the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital design their own sneakers. These are always limited, always weird, and always benefit a great cause. They aren't just shoes; they're collectibles with a soul.
The Elephant in the Room: Quality Control
Let's be real for a second. We’ve all seen the Reddit threads about wonky stitching or glue stains on $200+ shoes. As we move into these 2026 releases, Jordan Brand has been making a public push for "Remastered" specs. This means the shapes are supposed to be closer to the 1985 or 1989 originals. The Air Jordan 4 "Lakers" coming later in February is a prime example. The leather quality on the early leaks looks significantly better than the standard plastic-y stuff we saw a few years back.
How to Actually Secure a Pair
If you’re still trying to buy shoes by just opening the SNKRS app at 10:00 AM and hoping for the best, you’re gonna have a bad time. Basically, the "L" is pre-determined if you don't have a plan.
- Local Raffles: Don't sleep on the "mom and pop" shops or the big retailers like Finish Line and Foot Locker. Their app-based raffles are often more reliable than the SNKRS draw.
- The "Check-In" Method: Most stores now require you to physically be near the store to confirm a reservation. It’s a pain, but it cuts down on the bots.
- Patience: Unless it's a collab like the Fragment x Union x Air Jordan 1 (rumored for late February), prices usually dip a few weeks after release on the secondary market before climbing back up. If you miss the retail drop, wait for the "panic sells" from people who just wanted a quick flip.
Looking Further Ahead
If none of these are hitting for you, the Spring 2026 lineup is already leaking. We’re talking about the return of the Air Jordan 13 "True Red" in March and even whispers of a Swarovski x Air Jordan 1 that might cost more than your first car.
The most important thing to remember about what is the next jordan release is that dates are never 100% final until the shoes are actually in the shipping container. Logistics issues still happen. Rumors about the "Space Jam" 11s returning later this year are already reaching a fever pitch, but for now, focus on that January 17th date for the Flight Club 4s.
Keep your apps updated. Check your local boutiques. And for the love of all things holy, make sure your payment info is saved before the timer hits zero. The 2026 drop cycle is moving fast, and the "Reverse Infrared" 6s alone are enough to make this a massive year for the brand.
To stay ahead, your best move is to monitor the SNKRS "Upcoming" tab daily and start building rapport with your local sneaker boutique staff—they often know about delayed shipments or unannounced restocks before anyone else.