The Hall of Fame-worthy guard has plenty of player exclusives that should be released.
Chris Paul is more than just a Point God.
As a member of Jordan Brand since 2005, CP3 has accumulated a sneaker portfolio that few come close to with player exclusive (PE) colorways from several teams. Starting his career with the New Orleans Hornets, he’s made his way to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns, and now the Golden State Warriors.
With 12 signature shoes under the Jordan CP3 line and plenty of PE Air Jordan models, Paul’s collection is elite.
While Chris Paul PEs have released in the past with the 2015 Air Jordan 13 “Away” PE and the 2023 “Aqua” Air Jordan 5, the Jumpman is giving Paul his flowers with the upcoming Chris Paul x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Give Them Flowers” release.
Ahead of the shoe’s release this fall, we compiled what more we want Jordan Brand to release from the Chris Paul archives.
Take a look at the Chris Paul Air Jordan PEs we want to see released below.
Text KICKS to 23123 to stay on top of the latest Air Jordan releases and news.
Air Jordan 2 “Hornets” PEs – 2007/08
With the demand for the Air Jordan 2 being as high as it is, it’s only right for Jordan Brand to release both of Chris Paul’s Air Jordan 2 “Hornets” PEs.
The “Home” iteration could very well be a spring/summer option with its white leather base, teal hits on the midsole, lining, and laces, while a golden yellow complements the AJ2’s piping, tongue branding, heel, and outsole.
In contrast, the “Away” colorway is primed for the fall and winter seasons with a predominantly black nubuck upper with a black textured leather panel. Vibrant yellow makes its way onto the shoe’s lining, eye stays, heel counter, and outsole.
While PE enthusiasts would love to see CP3 collar branding on a retail pair, we wouldn’t be surprised if a commercial release of both colorways omits the branding.
Air Jordan 4 “Clippers” PE – 2016/17
The Air Jordan 4 has been a go-to for collaborations in recent years with the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4s, the Union x Air Jordan 4s, the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4, and even the recent Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green,” which many claim as the 2023 sneaker of the year.
With a good amount of energy into the Air Jordan 4, CP3’s Air Jordan 4 “Clippers” PE would be an ideal scenario for Jordan Brand to bring in a new colorway to the model. The Clippers colorway was decked in a vibrant all-red look with blue netting, eyelets, tongue lining and outsole.
The “Clippers” Air Jordan 4 PE would be a hit as the shoe resembles the 2015 Air Jordan 11Lab4 “University Red” without the patent leather and the completely monochromatic design.
Air Jordan 5 “Hornets Home” PE – 2006/07
Much like the Air Jordan 5 “Aqua” PE that released in early 2023, Chris Paul had another Hornets-themed Air Jordan 5 that should get a retail release.
The “Home” differed from the released “Away” counterpart with a white leather base instead of a black nubuck upper. With the reflective tongue intact, teal blue lining and midsole accent the shoe with the Hornets’ signature yellow on the AJ5’s lace dubrae and signature shark teeth.
The PE’s “3” heel counter branding wouldn’t be a part of the release as it wasn’t included in the 2023 Air Jordan 5 “Away” Chris Paul PE release. Nonetheless, OGs and collectors would appreciate the Air Jordan 5 making its way to retail.
Air Jordan 8 “Hornets Away” PE – 2008/09
Even though the Air Jordan 8 isn’t one of the brand’s most favored retros in terms of retail drops compared to Air Jordan 1s or Air Jordan 3s, the Air Jordan 8 Chris Paul PE is worth a release.
With color blocking like the fan-favorite Air Jordan 8 “Playoffs” (which returned in OG form for the first time in 2023 since its 1993 release), Chris Paul’s AJ8 is draped in a black nubuck upper with Hornets blue and yellow on the midsole, heel counter, “23” branding on the straps. Plus, the blue and yellow appear on the AJ8’s signature chenille tongue patch.
Though the shoe was designed with a black pull tab, we wouldn’t be against a teal or yellow adaptation instead, to keep it more aligned with the “Playoffs” Air Jordan 8. Additionally, it’s safe to say that the AJ8 can live without the CP3 branding on the collar panel.
Air Jordan 11 “Mint” PE – 2015
No Chris Paul Air Jordan PE conversation can take place without the mention of the Air Jordan 11 “Mint” PE.
The Jordan Brand athlete debuted a never-before-seen colorway of the Air Jordan 11 that took the internet by storm in 2015. The Air Jordan 11, which seldomly releases, is due to release in the “Mint” colorway.
The monochromatic rendition of the AJ11 was created with the mint green hue on the shoe’s ballistic mesh upper, as well as its signature patent leather cut. A white midsole separates the loud upper from the bottom as a semi-translucent mint green outsole brings the colorway together.
As Jordan Brand continues to bring new colorways and stories to the Air Jordan 11, as it has typically been reserved for OG colorways in comparison to other models, Paul’s Air Jordan 11 “Mint” PE could very well be one of the brand’s best-performing non-OG colorways, as collectors and even newcomers can appreciate the pair.
Air Jordan 11 “Clippers” PE – 2016
In addition to the “Mint” Air Jordan 11 PE, Chris Paul had another AJ11 — with the colorway being tied to his Los Angeles Clippers days.
The Air Jordan 11 “Clippers” PE went heavy on the red and saw a material switch as well. Instead of its mesh build, the AJ11 was constructed in an all-red leather and paired with red patent leather. Red laces, a red midsole, and a translucent midsole with a small red hue brought it all together. Additionally, the Jumpman branding arrived in blue to bring the “Clippers” PE to life.
While Jumpman has already released something similar with the Air Jordan 11 “Win Like 96” colorway (which derived from Carmelo Anthony’s Air Jordan 11 PE), the “Clippers” Air Jordan 11 would still perform well in retail for a summer-ready look that ties back to his Lob City days.
