I'll be honest, if you already own a pair of the Air Jordan 8 'Bugs Bunny,' it may be really tough to justify buying a pair of Air Jordan 8 'Alternate.' The sneakers are very similar, but if you're a Chicago Bulls fan and really into subtle differences, the Alternates might become your main. Let's talk sneakers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Sneaker |
Air Jordan 8 'Alternate' |
Original Release Date |
February 25, 2017 |
Retail Price |
$190 |
Style Code |
305381-104 |
Colorway |
White/Gym Red-Black-Wolf Grey |
Where To Buy |
StockX, GOAT, Flight Club, Sotheby's, Kixify |
Where Can You Buy The Air Jordan 8 'Alternate'?
The Air Jordan 8 'Alternate' originally dropped on February 25, 2017 at select Jordan Brand retailers, so the resale market is now your only path. Sole Retriever currently lists live pricing as low as $46, which is one of the most buyer-friendly numbers you'll find on a Tinker Hatfield retro.
GOAT and Flight Club typically stock pairs in the $180-$220 range depending on size, while Sotheby's has carried deadstock Size 14s at the $400 level for collectors hunting rare sizing. StockX is your best bet for transparent market pricing.
What Makes This Retro Stand Out?
The 'Alternate' lives in the same neighborhood as the legendary 'Bugs Bunny' AJ8, but with a cleaner Chicago Bulls flavor and key construction differences. The all-white perforated leather upper, black cross-strap harness with perforation detailing, and Gym Red accents replace some of the wilder early-'90s elements with straight team colors.
The chenille red Jumpman on the black tongue, the multicolor graphic lining, and the '1993' heel tab all stay intact, honoring the original AJ8's design DNA. The glitter midsole is the most controversial holdover — sparkly enough to divide the room.
Why Does It Still Matter?
The Air Jordan 8 doesn't get the love of the AJ1, AJ3, or AJ11, which is exactly why a clean Bulls colorway in this silhouette still matters nearly a decade later. Tinker Hatfield's high-wire trapeze inspiration and the cross-strap lockdown system remain unique in the entire Jordan catalog.
The 'Alternate' series concept itself — imagining colorways MJ could have worn but never did — gives this pair an extra layer of storytelling that other AJ8s don't have.
Should You Buy The Air Jordan 8 'Alternate' (2017)?
If you already own the 'Bugs Bunny,' the case is harder. If you don't, this is one of the cleanest Bulls-coded AJ8s available and it's trading well below retail nine years after release. Premium leather, classic silhouette, and a price that has settled firmly in your favor.
For Chicago Bulls fans and AJ8 collectors looking to round out the rotation, this is an easy add. For purists chasing only the most iconic OG colorways, the 'Bugs Bunny' or 'Playoff' will still pull harder.
