Jordan Brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by bringing back some of its most iconic sneakers, and next up is the return of the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua.” Originally released in 1993, the “Aqua” was one of three orignal colorways for the AJ8, alongside the “Playoffs” and “Bugs Bunny” colorways. While Michael Jordan never wore the “Aqua” 8s during a Bulls game due to their mismatch with the team’s colors, he famously wore them during the 1993 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. That game marked MJ’s final All-Star appearance before his first retirement, and the East lost to the West, 135–132.
The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” has been retroed twice before, first in 2007 with a slightly altered design that featured an all-black upper, a change that drew mixed reactions from purists. A more faithful retro followed in 2015 and is widely regarded as one of the most true to the original releases at the time. Now in 2025, Jordan Brand is set to bring the sneaker back again, this time with a design that closely mirrors the original 1993 version while featuring slight updates in shape to match modern standards.
The 2025 “Aqua” 8s returns with nubuck, textile, and synthetic leather across the upper, blending black and grey as the base. The iconic Aquatone and Bright Concord accents appear on the midsole, mudguard, and tongue tag, evoking the bold 90s aesthetic that has become synonymous with the AJ8. The design also includes midfoot straps for lockdown support, an inner sleeve for a secure fit, and Nike Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot for lightweight comfort. Red Jumpman logos are featured on both tri-tone chenille tongue patchs and the outsole, while subtle yellow hits add extra flair to the sneaker.
This latest AJ8 retro will be available in full family sizing and is expected to be one of the year’s standout sneaker releases. The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” officially drops on July 19, 2025, on Nike SNKRS and at select Jordan Brand retailers. Pricing is set at $215 for adult pairs, $160 for grade school, $100 for preschool, and $85 for infant sizes.
