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
Members also enjoy Free Shipping for Members, Free 60 Day Returns, and rewards that stack up fast. Earn $10 for every $200 spent, plus 15% off for new rewards members.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes FAQs
How Does the Air Jordan 1 Compare With the Air Force 1?
Both are 1980s Nike basketball shoes with Air cushioning. The Air Force 1 (Bruce Kilgore, 1982) was the first with Nike Air; the AJ1 was Michael Jordan's first signature shoe, with the Wings logo and bolder color blocking.
What Can You Wear With Air Jordan 1 Retro Sneakers?
A High OG pairs well with cuffed jeans, joggers or shorts that leave the collar in view, while a Low sits cleanly under straight-leg pants. Pick up one color from the upper in your top or cap so the outfit and the shoe read as a set.
Do Air Jordan 1 Retro Shoes Run True to Size?
Measure your foot length first, especially when moving between High, Mid and Low pairs. Then match that number to the Hibbett size chart for the height you pick.
How Do You Clean a Leather Jordan 1?
Use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub off dirt, but avoid soaking the pair. For tough spots, a sneaker cleaner helps keep the leather in good condition, and smooth leather wipes clean easily.
