Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes

Which Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes Should You Choose?

Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes started as Michael Jordan's on-court shoe and now pair smooth leather with a clean shape for school days and weekends. The AJ1 is the starting point of the Jordan Retro lineup, in men's, women's and kids' sizes, and the right pair depends mostly on the collar: High, Mid and Low.

• Retro High OG: Choose this when you want the closest match to the 1985 shoe. It follows the original high cut with a leather upper, perforations across the toe and Nike Air cushioning in the sole.
• Mid: Pick the Mid for a high-top look with a slightly lower collar. It sits between the two heights and adds a pivot circle on the outsole for easy turns.
• Low: Reach for the Low in warm weather and with shorts. It sits below the ankle and uses an encapsulated Air-Sole unit to soften each step.
• SE editions: Go with an SE when you want a twist on the classic build, since these Mid or Low pairs bring different materials or details.

Shoppers after the original look start with the High OG, while those who want an easier everyday collar lean toward the Mid or Low.

What Makes Air Jordan 1 Retro Sneakers Unique?

Peter Moore designed the Air Jordan 1 as Michael Jordan's first signature shoe, released to the public in April 1985, and he also drew its Wings logo. Built to give Jordan support on the basketball court, the shoe launched the line of Jordan sneakers. Nike began re-releasing the black and red pair in 1994, a year after Jordan first retired from basketball in 1993.

The design keeps it standing out. Clean lines with simple paneling make it easy to wear with anything from casual streetwear to retro-inspired outfits. The Wings logo, paired with the Nike Swoosh, set the AJ1 apart from other basketball shoes of its day.

How to Pick the Right Pair of Air Jordan 1 Retros

With the collar picked, a few checks settle the rest. If you want mesh panels and visible Air instead of the AJ1's plain leather shape, the Air Jordan 4 is the heritage model to weigh against it.

• Size: Sizing can vary from one model to the next, so check the Hibbett size chart before you order.
• Upper material: Smooth leather wipes clean quickly, while suede and nubuck accents add texture but need a dry brush, so match the material to how much care you want to give the pair.
• Intended use: Today's Air Jordan 1 Retro keeps the 1985 shape for everyday wear; for regular court play, pick a current performance basketball model.

What Are the Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes Tech Specs?

Nike Air Cushioning in the Air Jordan 1 Retro

Nike Air cushioning sits in the sole of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG to soften each step.

Leather Upper on the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG

The Retro High OG uses a leather upper, with nubuck or suede on some pairs. Leather gives the shoe its crisp look and develops a worn-in character as it ages.

Foam Midsole and Rubber Outsole on the Air Jordan 1 Retro

A foam midsole cushions each step, and a rubber outsole gives grip on smooth floors and sidewalks.

Which Air Jordan 1 Retro Colorways Are Worth Knowing?

The Air Jordan 1 comes in the colorways that made it famous, from "Chicago" to "Royal," "Shadow" and "UNC." "Chicago" blends black, white and red, and "UNC" nods to Jordan's North Carolina roots. Newer names like "Nails & Grails" and "Pine Green" round out the mix. The Retro High OG comes in brown, red, white and black, including the "Love Letter" pair, while the Jordan 1 Mid leans on black and blue and the Jordan 1 Low on black and white.

Key Terms for Air Jordan 1 Retro Sneakers

• Nubuck - Leather sanded on its outer face to a fine, matte nap, cleaned with a dry brush rather than water.
• Pivot circle - A round tread spot under the forefoot of the Air Jordan 1 Mid that eases quick turns.
• Perforations - Small holes punched across the toe of the AJ1 to let warm air out.

Air Jordan 1 Retro Member Benefits

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