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On-Feet Feature: 10 Air Jordan 1 Sneakers You Need in Your Collection

Lifestyle

On-Feet Feature: 10 Air Jordan 1 Sneakers You Need in Your Collection

Jan 20, 2025

In 1984, a 20-something-year-old kid from North Carolina signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Nike. And the rest, as they say, is history. After the Air Jordan 1 debuted on Michael Jordan’s feet, fans couldn’t get enough of the groundbreaking sneaker. The shoes elevated basketball sneakers from mere sports equipment to iconic fashion footwear. The first of its kind, the AJ 1 is credited for creating sneaker culture as it exists today.

Now, more than three decades later, the Peter Moore-designed Air Jordan 1 is a mainstay in the sneaker and basketball worlds. The Jordan 1 got its first retro in 1994, following MJ’s initial retirement from the game, and the brand continues to roll out AJ 1 sneakers in a variety of new and heritage colorways. Here’s a quick look at some Air Jordan 1 collection must-haves (in no particular order) that feature heavily throughout the silhouette’s storied history.

History of the Air Jordan 1 and Dunks - Air Jordan 1 Retro "Yellow Ochre"

Air Jordan 1 “Bred”

No Jordan list is complete without the inclusion of the “Bred” colorway. Whether you’re copping a pair of Air Jordan 1 Retro High OGs or a mid cut version, each sneaker tells a story. In fact, that first pair of Jordan “Bred” sneakers (which, pssst, weren’t even actually Jordan but the Nike Air Ships that fooled fans) got MJ chastised by the NBA powers-that-be for the — at the time — rule-breaking colorway.

Jordan 1 High “Black Toe”

Similar to the OG red, white and black colorway, the AJ 1 “Black Toe” colorway dropped in 1985. If you want to add that original “Black Toe” to your collection, you’ll have to shell out big bucks. A Retro of this iconic colorway dropped in 2016 and retails for about $160 now. Still, this Jordan colorway was the one that launched the sneaker culture, so any “Black Toe” sneaker is a must-have for serious Jordan collectors.

Nike x Off-White Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”

Who is Virgil Abloh? He’s a fashion designer turned artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear. But shortly before he joined LV, in 2017, Abloh’s Off-White company teamed up with Nike for a 10-sneaker collaboration. The results? Pure magic and tons of hype. Also referred to as “The Ten” Jordan 1, this sneaker includes a red, white and black color scheme, deconstructed upper and bold fonts featured right on the shoe.

Air Jordan 1 High “Shattered Backboard”

Air Jordan 1 High “Shattered Backboard”

Released in 2015, the “Shattered Backboard” Jordan shoes feature a basketball-orange toe box and heel, along with plenty of black and white. The sneakers got their moniker from the ’86 Italian exhibition. Jordan went in for the dunk and shattered the backboard. His uniform at the time was orange with white numbers and black embellishments. While this shoe is hard to find, subsequent “Shattered Backboard” releases are out there, too, so look around for other Jordan silhouettes in the colorway.

Jordan 1 High “Gold Top 3”

These basketball shoes are pure gold with shiny patent leather uppers that blend black, white and gold for a super-slick aesthetic. While the Jordan sneakers dropped in 2017, the similarly themed “Gold Toe” edition rolled out the following year.

Air Jordan 1 “Shadow”

While we tend to think in Bulls and “Bred” colorways when it comes to the debut of the AJ 1, the 1985 rendition of grey and black “Shadow” shoe still gets major play. Looking for a true replica? The 2018 retro “Shadow” release is as close to the OG as you’ll get.

Air Jordan 1 High “UNC”

Air Jordan 1 High “UNC”

If Chicago was his stage, then UNC was his rehearsal space. The University of North Carolina helped Jordan hone his craft, which is why Tar Heels colorways feature prominently throughout the Jumpman brand. With its almost aqua and white scheme, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ’85 version is iconic, sure, but any UNC-inspired Jordan sneaker is a worthy addition to your Air Jordan collection.

Air Jordan 1 x Fragment “Fragment”

In 2014, Japanese streetwear designer Hiroshi Fujiwara took the “Black Toe” and “Royal” palettes and mashed them into the “Fragment” release. Super-limited in quantity, these shoes remain some of the most coveted for sneaker fans.

AJ 1 High “Royal”

We know, we know. The heritage colorways get plenty of press. For good reason, though. There’s nothing like the stateliness of a bright-blue Royal outlined in black. While the OG court-reigning sneaker is king, sneakerheads can hop on the “Royal” blue bandwagon with retro releases too.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Top Three”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Top Three”

“Bred,” “Chicago,” “Royal” — simply the best colorways anywhere, period. These three palettes get rolled into one sneaker for a multicolored red, white, blue and black aesthetic, which debuted in 2016.

While most of the sneakers featured here are high cut editions, you’ll find plenty of Air Jordan 1 Low and Air Jordan 1 Mid versions in complementary palettes. 

There’s plenty of history tied up in the Air Jordan 1 line. And now that you’re aware of some of the coolest Jumpman sneakers of all time, be sure to follow our upcoming launches calendar for killer retro releases to add to your Air Jordan 1 collection.

FAQs 

Why was the Jordan 1 illegal?

The original Air Jordan 1 was deemed illegal by the NBA because it did not meet the league's uniform code, which required shoes to have a predominantly white color. Michael Jordan wore them despite the ban, and Nike paid the fines, making the shoes even more iconic.

How much is Michael Jordan's shoe collection worth?

Michael Jordan's personal shoe collection is estimated to be worth around $2 million, with some individual pairs valued at over $100,000. The collection is made up of rare and exclusive Air Jordans, some of which Jordan wore during his career.

What Jordan 1 is the most popular?

Our vote is for any Air Jordan 1 “Bred.”

How many shoes are in the Air Jordan collection?

There are 38 mainline sneakers, from the Air Jordan 1 to the 38. The collection also includes various limited edition releases, collaborations and special versions, bringing the total number of releases to over 100.

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