It all started at 1.
In 1985, Peter Moore was given the task of designing Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, the Air Jordan 1. The silhouette he created would kick start a lineage of footwear that inspired a generation and continues to do so to this day.
As with most legacies, the series had a rocky start and didnt take off instantly. After the release of the Air Jordan I, the NBA banned the shoe on the grounds of non-regulatory colours. Thankfully, Jordan took no notice and instead accepted the $5000 fine he received as a result of disobeying the rules.
In this article, we take a look at some of the some of the best Air Jordan 1 High Colourways and recap over a shoe that has played a vital role in the history of sneaker culture. We aim to highlight just how broad the Air Jordan 1 range is and give you a background behind what inspired each shoe and an insight into its history. We’ve included all kinds of styles including retro 1980’s models and elaborate collaborations, to unreleased 2016 models, Asian exclusives and more…
Let the Jordan journey begin.
Air Jordan 1 Black Toe
Among the first colourways released back in 1985 was the Air Jordan 1 Black Toe. This edition features a predominantly White upper with Black and Red premium leather panelling. The pair was debuted by Jordan during his rookie season and for many Air Jordan aficionados, will go down as their favourite ever pair.
Air Jordan 1 High OG BRED
The attractive Air Jordan 1 High OG BRED may look attractive to us, but to the NBA, they certainly didn’t like it! This was the shoe that resulted in many fines for Jordan because of it’s dominant use of black. This pair ultimately earned the nickname ‘Banned’ and is a great looking black red colourway making it one of the best Jordans to date.
Air Jordan 1 x Fragment Design
Thanks to Fragment Designer founder Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Air Jordan 1 received a tasteful re-modelling in blue, black and white colourway. The Fragment insignia is embossed on the heel of each shoe, while the Jordan Wings logo remains true to the original on the ankle. Due to the hype surrounding these kicks, retailers drew raffles to make it fair for sneakerheads to win the chance to buy a pair, much like the Yeezy Boosts.
Air Jordan 1 OG Shadow
When Jordan Brand started releasing retros of the OG 1 High, classics such as the Black Toe, Chicago and this Shadow pair were reintroduced. The shoes stay true to the original, with a Nike Air logo on the tongue and Jumpman on the heel. The Shadow gets its name from the combination of black and soft grey and a white midsole finishes off the look.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Chicago
Released in May 2015, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Chicago pays homage to the original pair launched back in 1985. Crafted from up-to-date premium materials, this pair is very closely modeled after its predecessor and is a great retake on the a classic. The colourway is inspired by the Chicago Bulls home jersey of University Red, Black and White. Arguably one of the best Jordans in recent years they definitely make a statement.
Air Jordan 1 Patent
The Air Jordan 1 Patent was one of the first ever pairs to receive an entire glossy patent overlay. These shoes are dressed in a Black colourway with Gold accents on the swoosh and branding and were released alongside other patent editions including Obsidian and Metallic Zinc. The pair sit on top of a gum outsole and are up there with some of the flashiest Jordan’s available.
Air Jordan 1 Pinnacle
Speaking of flashy pairs of Jordan’s… the Air Jordan 1 Retro Pinnacle Snakeskin is set to launch soon a few weeks after its Black counterpart. Adorned with Gold and constructed from a faux snakeskin upper, this pair is arguably one of the most eye catching designs featured on the list. The pair come equipped with their own carrying bag and will set you back £319. A large sum for many, but definitely worth it for others. If you are looking for one of the most expensive Air Jordans then this is definitely it.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Year Of The Snake
Launched in 2013 and inspired by the Chinese Zodiac Signs, the Air Jordan 1 Retro Year Of The Snake is an eye catching model dressed in a unique combination of Hyper Red, Blacked Blue and Bright Citrus. The shoe is constructed from a blend of nubuck and leather and have a marbling effect fading from the front midsole to the rear. On the tongue, traditional Chinese characters are embroidered to complete this oriental inspired pair.
Air Jordan 1 Royal
Also released in 1985 and banned from being used in the NBA, the original Air Jordan 1 Royal Blue swoosh is extremely rare and have since been re-release in 2013. A Royal Blue swoosh cuts through a Black leather upper and the pair sits on top a matching outsole.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Premier Laser
The 2008 Air Jordan 1 Retro High Premier Laser paved the way for later Laser models including the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Laser which launched in February this year. Using innovative technology, intricate graphics adorn the sidewalls and toe box while surrounded by premium Black leather uppers. The pair sit on a gum outsole and were considered top of the range during their release seven years ago.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Silver Anniversary
In 2010, we saw the release of the Air Jordan 1 Silver Anniversary which commemorated 25 years of fans loyal commitment to the brand. The shoes are dressed in a light Grey nubuck with a Silver swoosh and heel flap. Cracked metallic Silver wraps around the heel to complete this cool looking silhouette.
Air Jordan 1 XQ
These Air Jordan 1 XQ’s were an exclusive release for the Chinese market, released back in 2007. They are regarded as some of the rarest pairs of Jordan’s with only 240 pairs being released. A new rendition was launched in 2013, but like most things, there’s never anything quite like the original. Another extremely expensive pair of Air Jordans selling for £1000 on eBay.
Levi’s x Air Jordan Retro 1 Denim
Regarded as one of the most anticipated collaborations in Jordan’s history, the 2004 Levi’s x Air Jordan 1 Retro Denim looks truly unique. Constructed from Levi’s legendary 501 denim, this pair came with a tee shirt and pair of Levi’s 501 jeans. You’ll even find a small Levi’s tag towards the heel to complete the raw denim look.
Air Jordan 1 The Low End Theory
Rap fans among you may recognise who’s collaborated on this pair of Jordan’s. The Air Jordan 1 The Low End Theory honours the album of the same name by legendary rap group A Tribe Called Quest. The shoe’s colourway is inspired by the album cover artwork of a kneeling figure in black, red and green. “You on point Tip? All the time Phife…”
Air Jordan 1 Nouveau 2016
The Nouveau silhouette was the first Air Jordan 1 in the series to feature the Wings logo. This pair are scheduled to release in Spring 2016 and feature a shimmering swoosh inspired by aviator goggles. Looking through our list, it’s incredible to think of the diversity of the Air Jordan 1 silhouette, and what future models will look like in years to come.
Air Jordan 1 J2K High
The Air Jordan 1 J2K High launched in 2010 and features an interesting pyramid-stitched upper. The pair went on to inspire other models using the same pyramid effect including another pair of Air Jordan 1’s and two Air Jordan VII’s. The uppers are dressed in a combination of Black, Midnight Navy and French Blue with Red accents on the swoosh and branding.
Air Jordan 1 White/Natural Grey
This pair may be simple in design, but the understated look packs no less of a punch. This clean looking shoe showcases the shape and style of the silhouette in all it’s glory with a subtle touch of Natural Grey on the swoosh, outsole and branding. Upon their release, this model was not particularly popular, however nowadays, they’re difficult to find making them all the more attractive.
Air Jordan 1 MTM
The MTM collection draws upon the incredibly talented individuals behind the brand: Michael Jordan, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker. This yet to be released pack pays homage to the player, designer and CEO, and explores the shoe’s 30-year lineage. The shoes are constructed from a Flyweave upper to mix past iconic style with present day materials. A lightweight, one-piece upper is detailed with intricate patterning and sits on a crisp white midsole.
Air Jordan 1 Laney
Jordan‘s basketball career began way back at Laney High School, and this silhouette pays homage to that. The shoe is dressed in the high school’s colours of varsity Maize and game royal Blue. The pair are built from suede and sit on a Yellow outsole beneath a White midsole. An eye catching pair, these kicks are a touching tribute to Jordan’s roots.
Air Jordan 4LAB1 Reflect Silver
Released last December, the Air Jordan 4LAB1 Reflect Silver features design elements of the Air Jordan IV and the Air Jordan I silhouette. This pair is crafted from the same lightweight netting found on the AJ IV’s and look very unique on this silhouette. The pair sits on a translucent blue outsole and are a testament to how far the Air Jordan 1 has transformed from its humble beginnings back in 1985.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Hall of Fame
When Jordan was entered into the basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, the achievement was honoured by its very own pair of sneakers. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High Hall of Fame commemorates this moment in Jordan’s career, dressed in a Black upper with University Red laces. All over the shoe are numbers resembling basketball digital scoreboards. The figures may look random, but in fact represent some key highlights of Jordan’s career: 32,292 career points, 30.1 average points per game and the record 63 points he scored in 1986 playoff game against Boston.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High DMP 60+ Celtics
Even the 1986 playoff game against the Boston Celtics got it’s own shoe… two in fact! The pack consisted of two models, one in Black/Varsity Red for the Bulls and this one in White/Black/Green for the Celtics. The pack honours the 63 point game Jordan played which left bystanders astounded. Each pair in the pack came in a custom box in a wood floor design to pay homage to the parquet floors of the Boston Garden where the game took place.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Black History Month
In January of this year, Nike celebrated Black History Month with the launch of a collection of products covering basketball, running, soccer, American football and skateboarding. Signature athletes were honoured from these sports that have shown spirit and strength who inspire millions worldwide. These athletes include Theotis Beasley, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jerry Rice, Brianna Rollins, C. Vivian Stringer and John Thompson. This silhouette features the BHM print, a Black and White colour scheme with individual patterning complementing the original design of the shoe.
Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard
In an exhibition match played in Italy back in 1985, Jordan performed one of the greatest dunks of his career and shattered the backboard. This pair pay tribute to that dunk and are dressed in the colours of the jersey he wore, team Orange, White and Black. The shoe is crafted with a premium leather and include a graphic insole that references Jordan’s Airness; a glass-shattering backboard.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Derek Jeter
The Jordan Brand prides itself on not just honouring the man himself, but also key individuals and legends across all sports. This last silhouette does just that, and pays tribute to Derek Jeter’s exit from baseball and his illustrious career at the New York Yankees. The iconic silhouette is dressed in a Yankees-inspired theme of premium Navy leather, a pinstriped collar and Gold Wings branding. Jeter’s own personal logo is found on the tongue to complete this stylish tribute.
We hope this article has given you a great insight the incredible Air Jordan 1 silhouette. Tell us what would make your Top 25 Air Jordan 1 Colourway list, and if there are any on here that you love or hate. There are so many to choose from and this is only one model from the Jordan range! Either way, the Air Jordan 1 will go down in sneaker history as the one that started it all.
All hail His Airness!
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