Jordan Brand’s Retro Backpacks Revisited

Who remembers when Jordan Brand regularly dropped backpacks to pair with its Retro sneakers? While the concept has been quiet in recent years, these bags once carried the same DNA as the sneakers themselves—built to match the look and feel of iconic Air Jordans.

Take for example the Air Jordan 13 Backpack, designed to mirror the legendary Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs” that returned in 2023. The bag incorporated premium quilted textures, dotted dimples, and bold black-and-white blocking with hits of red Jumpman branding—perfectly capturing the signature elements of the shoe. With padded straps, sturdy materials, and a design aesthetic rooted in sneaker culture, it became more than just storage; it was an extension of Jordan Brand’s storytelling.

Retro-inspired backpacks like these blurred the line between performance gear and lifestyle essentials. They reflected Jordan Brand’s ability to expand its influence beyond footwear, creating collectible accessories that resonated with sneakerheads and everyday fans alike.

Though Jordan hasn’t revisited the Retro Backpack concept recently, there’s a growing nostalgia for them—especially among collectors who remember pairing their bags with their sneakers straight out of the box. And with Jordan’s ongoing push to blend heritage with new product categories, perhaps it’s only a matter of time before we see the Retro Backpack make a comeback.

You can still grab the Air Jordan 13 "Playoff" backpack here from Shoe Palace alongside the Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" and Air Jordan 12 "Royalty" backpack.