Beginner's Guide to Air Jordan 1s

History of Air Jordan 1

Peter Moore designed the Air Jordan 1 for Michael Jordan’s 1984 rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. Officially released in 1985, the silhouette altered the course of sneaker history, giving rise to the most iconic signature line of all time and ushering in a new era of performance footwear. The AJ1 introduced a number of Air Jordan hallmarks, from the Wings logo on the padded collar to the compressed Air pocket in the heel.

Often referred to as “the 1 that started it all,” the NBA allegedly banned the shoes, forcing Nike to pay a penalty fine on behalf of Mike anytime MJ wore them. In reality, it was the Nike Air Ship that was outlawed, a precursor to the Air Jordan 1.

After more than 10 years of changing the conversation around sneakers, Air Jordan was given its own division, Jordan Brand, as a subsidiary of Nike in 1997. From the courts to the streets, the AJ1 has ascended to the status of cultural icon. Below, a beginner’s guide to the shoe’s history, collaborations and frequently asked questions. 

Different Types of Air Jordan 1s 

The inaugural Air Jordan 1 high-top arrived in 1985. Designed for performance, the silhouette encroached beyond the ankle bone to provide additional stability and protect players from sprains. The Air Jordan 1 Low, featuring a clipped collar, accompanied the release. The first Air Jordan 1 Mid arrived in the 2000s. Billed as a lifestyle option, the silhouette is defined by a shortened cuff.

Additional Air Jordan 1 designations are:

SE – “SE” stands for “Special Edition.” Air Jordan 1 SEs are released to commemorate exceptional moments, events and celebrations.

OG – “OG” refers to the original incarnation of the shoe. It is often used to describe re-releases, or “Retro” releases, that are the same as the original. 

Retro – A retro is a remake of the original shoe. 

Zoom – Zoom is a cushioning system developed by Nike that aids movement and speed. Many contemporary Air Jordan 1s incorporate the technology, making them a better option for performance.

GORE-TEX – GORE-TEX is a breathable, waterproof fabric membrane. It is often employed on winterized versions of the Air Jordan.

GS – “GS” stands for grade school, meaning general kids sizing.

Best Air Jordan 1 Colorways 

Hundreds of Air Jordan 1 colorways have been released since 1985. From original to non-original, find an extensive overview of the best AJ1s colorways.

Red Air Jordan 1s

Chicago - ‘Chicago’ was released in 1985 and worn by Jordan throughout his rookie NBA season. The colorway was designed to complement the colors of the Chicago Bulls, pairing a white leather upper with red overlays and black details.

Chicago Lost & Found - Inspired by mom-and-pop stores, the ‘Chicago Lost & Found’ was originally known as the ‘Chicago Reimagined.’ Revisiting the colorway of the original, the colorway features vintage details inspired by the silhouette’s debut, from the cracked leather collar to the Muslin tongue. The ’80s aesthetic extends to the special packaging, highlighted by a faux-damaged box plastered with sale stickers and topped with a mismatched lid.

Bred Air Jordan 1s 

‘Black and Red,’ most commonly referred to as ‘Bred,’ is among the most iconic AJ1 colorways of all time. The sneaker features a predominantly black leather upper with red details. Several retro versions of the colorway have been released over the years, including satin and patent leather iterations.

Heritage - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Heritage’ rearranges the franchise’s traditional red, white and black color blocking, with a white quarter section, a red toe box and black laces.

Banned - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Banned’ is a companion to ‘Bred,’ upgraded with materials and subtle details. The 2011 pair featured an “X” design on the heel, paying homage to the sneaker’s nickname.

Orange Air Jordan 1s

Starfish - The ‘Starfish’ colorway is derived from the iconic ‘Shattered Backboard’ series, a nod to a 1985 Nike exhibition game in Europe where MJ broke the backboard glass with a huge slam dunk.

Syracuse - Inspired by the colors of Syracuse University, this iteration of the Air Jordan 1 is composed of canvas and completed with leather accents. 

Turf Orange - A blazing shade of orange patent leather highlights the Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ‘Turf Orange.’ The mid-top is anchored by traditional cupsole tooling and finished with an embossed Wings logo.

Electro Orange - Once more paying tribute to tones from the ‘Shattered Backboard’ series, the ‘Electro Orange’ colorway stands out with its white paneling. 

Yellow Air Jordan 1s

Yellow Toe / Taxi - ‘Taxi’ features a yellow and black color scheme reminiscent of New York City taxis. The shade was introduced to the Jordan franchise for the first time with the launch of the Air Jordan 12 in 1996.

Reverse Yellow Toe / Taxi - The ‘Reverse Yellow Toe’ colorway reverses the famous ‘Black Toe’ model. The silhouette flips tones around, employing a black toe box and yellow accents.

Pollen - Bearing similar hallmarks to 1999’s Wu-Tang Dunk, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Pollen’ differs from the fabrication of the original through the use of black tumbled leather. The titular shade is featured across the Swoosh, eyelets, mudguard, collar flap and heel.

University Gold - The Air Jordan 1 earned a reputation as a durable skate shoe in the ’80s and ’90s thanks to its robust makeup. ‘University Gold’ pays tribute to this heritage by using suede materials similar to those found in the Nike SB line.

Green Air Jordan 1s

Seafoam - The women’s-only ‘Seafoam’ silhouette mixes suede elements with leather. Laces with a bright orange trim juxtapose the cool green tone.

Lucky Green - The women’s Air Jordan 1 ‘Lucky Green’ released in 2020 is inspired by Jordan’s 63-point game at the Boston Garden during the 1986 playoffs. The silhouette features mint green tumbled leather overlays with raw edges for an unfinished aesthetic. The AJ 1 'Lucky Green' returns in 2023 with hits of black on the forefoot overlay and padded ankle collar.

Olive Toe - Trading leather for canvas, the women’s Air Jordan ‘Olive Toe’ adheres to an earthy color palette, replete with a matching green speckled outsole for a subtle pop.

Gorge Green - Reminiscent of the Boston Celtics uniform, the Air Jordan 1 'Gorge Green' was released as part of the 2022 holiday line up. The titular green decorates the leather overlays, lining, outsole and laces, juxtaposing white panels, toebox and tongue. Hits of metallic silver adorn the Swoosh and Wings logo.

Blue Air Jordan 1s

University Blue - The Air Jordan 1 ‘University Blue’ is a pivotal silhouette in the Air Jordan lineage. The sky blue colorway is inspired by Michael Jordan‘s collegiate days with the UNC Tar Heels, where he played during the 1981-1982 season and finished the year as an NCAA Champion.

Dark Marina Blue - Based on the iconic ‘Royal Blue’ colorway, ‘Dark Marina Blue’ was added to the Air Jordan canon in late 2021. The two-tone palette pairs a black base with deep blue overlays along the forefoot, heel, collar and eye stay. A white midsole completes the understated look.

Ice Blue - ‘Ice Blue’ is a familiar colorway in the Nike and Jordan Brand universe. The low-top silhouette features a white leather base with Ice Blue employed on the overlays, Swoosh, laces, lining and rubber outsole.

Armory Navy - The ‘Armory Navy’ colorway has appeared on numerous Nike silhouettes, from the Air Max 95 to the Lunarcharge. For the Air Jordan 1, it appears on a mid-top silhouette with contrasting white panels. 

Purple Air Jordan 1s

Dark Iris - The ‘Dark Iris’ colorway was featured on a 2022 Air Jordan 1 Mid. The colorway sees the sole, Swoosh, Jumpman logo and collar decorated in the understated tone.

Dark Concord - In 2018, Jordan Brand revealed the Air Jordan 1 in a stealthy ‘Dark Concord’ colorway. The mid-top silhouette refreshes familiar material, with nubuck on the lateral panels, tumbled leather accents and a nylon throat. 

Court Purple - The 2018 Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Court Purple’ features an all-leather composition. A 2.0 version was released in 2020, featuring color panels that recall the original ‘Chicago’ colorway, swapping the red color blocking of the original with Court Purple accents. Both shoes are designated OG status because of the Nike Swooshes on the tongues. 

Pastel Plum - The women’s Air Jordan 1 ‘Pastel Plum’ employs a tonal purple color palette. The low-cut sneaker incorporates a lavender Swoosh, complemented by shades of pink and cream. 

Pink Air Jordan 1s

Bubble Gum - Colliding pastel pink and dark navy, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Bubble Gum’ is finished with patent leather overlays on the toe box, heel overlay and collar flap. A white quarter panel forms the core of the silhouette, underscoring the two tones further.

Pinksicle Orange - ‘Pinksicle Orange’ is one of the most vibrant colorways in the Air Jordan 1 canon. Building off a mesh base, the silhouette’s leather accents are drenched in a candy-colored pink colorway, finished with Safety Orange on the Swoosh and embroidered Jumpman tongue tag.

Hyper Pink- The Air Jordan 1 ‘Hyper Pink’ incorporates leather panels with gridded perforation at the midfoot and toe. Fizzing pink accents and stacked Swooshes round off the bold style.

Rust Pink -  The Air Jordan 1 ‘Rust Pink’ released in 2017 alongside the ‘Igloo’ as an Art Basel Miami exclusive. Inspired by the city’s art deco architecture, the color scheme is applied to the heel, ankle, and rubber outsole.

Grey Air Jordan 1s

Stage Haze - With a restrained color palette of black, grey and white, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Stage Haze’ combines a white leather base with suede heel overlays and a forefoot overlay in cracked leather.

Shadow Toe - Applying a base coat of ‘Light Smoke Grey,’ the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shadow Toe’ combines monochromatic palettes across a low-cut silhouette. The Jumpman logo pops in grey against the black tongue, completed by an embroidered Nike Air Wings logo at the rear.

Light Smoke Gray - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Light Smoke Grey’ is a versatile styling option thanks to its neutral color hues. Mixing monochromatic tones, the greyscale silhouette incorporates a white Wings logo and black Swoosh.

College Gray - Playing against a white base, the Air Jordan 1 ‘College Gray’ utilizes a refined tan hue on the leather uppers. The mid-top silhouette’s collar and upper is shaded in a faded tone for contrast.  

Black Air Jordan 1s

Rebellionaire - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Rebellionaire’ gleans inspiration from the ‘Shadow’ and ‘Banned’ colorways. The silhouette is clad in an all-over graffiti motif that reads “They Can’t Stop You From Wearing Them,” paraphrasing a line from the original AJ1 TV commercial from 1985. “X” detailing furthers the ‘Banned’ homage.

All Star 2021 - Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan 1 'All Star 2021' ahead of the NBA’s annual midseason showcase. Dressed in black and white, the silhouette is uplifted with patent leather elements and faux carbon-fiber print detailing on the Swoosh, heel and collar.

Black Metallic Gold - Finished in high-gloss patent leather, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Black Metallic Gold’ features a gilded Wings logo and Swoosh. Aligning with the color theme, the silhouette’s black midsole is attached with gold stitching.

Inside Out Black - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Inside Out - Black’ adheres to a deconstructionist design language. The flipped construction rearranges the silhouette’s paneling, bringing the heel tab closer to the bottom of the shoe’s rear. Orange stitching on the Swoosh adds a subtle aesthetic contrast. 

White Air Jordan 1s

Homage - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Homage’ splits black and white colors vertically down the middle of each shoe. The overlays on the lateral side are reversed on the medial side for a contrast effect.

Craft Inside Out - Pastel-hued with a coral throat and laces, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Craft Inside Out’ is defined by a soft aesthetic. The Wings logo has been lifted from the collar and pressed into the heel, with an orange stitch on the Swoosh added for pop.

Stealth - Decorated in a two-tone white and grey colorway, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Stealth’ is refreshed with tumbled leathers. An homage on the inner tongue reads “Quality Inspired By the Greatest Player Ever” in a nod to Jordan’s career.

Light Iron Ore - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Light Iron Ore’ is highlighted by canvas-like overlays that adorn the toe cap, eye-stay panel, collar and rear. The silhouette’s Swoosh is saturated in baby pink, with a pebbled effect provided by tumbled leather.

Brown Air Jordan 1s

Dark Chocolate - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Chocolate’ mixes brown tones for an autumnal aesthetic. The silhouette employs a nubuck base, while reflective detailing on the heel and laces provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Dark Mocha - The Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Mocha’ mixes a brown, black and white color palette. Inspired by Travis Scott’s 2019 collaboration, the silhouette has been updated with premium materials such as luxury nubuck leather and brushed suede.

Mocha - Combining a white leather base with brown suede leather overlays, the Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Mocha’ features a reflective Wings logo and heel tab at the rear. A pink embroidered Jumpman adorns the tongue, matched by quilted textile on the collar trim.

Tan Gum - The Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Tan Gum’ achieves a timeless aesthetic by placing creamy beige accents on a white base. A gum outsole complements the secondary colorway. 

Popular Air Jordan 1 Collaborations

Dior x Air Jordan 1

Dior oversaw the first-ever luxury Air Jordan 1. Led by artistic director Kim Jones, the silhouette—dubbed the Air Dior—is composed of made-in-Italy leathers and finished with an Oblique monogram Swoosh. The Dior x Air Jordan 1 comes in high and low styles. 

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1

Mocha - Travis Scott’s inaugural Air Jordan 1 ‘Mocha’ is defined by earthy tones and a worn-out look. The silhouette features suede accents and stands out with a reverse Swoosh that has become a hallmark of the partnership.

Reverse Mocha - The Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Reverse Mocha’ silhouette continues the color story set out in the first release. The low-cut silhouette incorporates an aged effect once more, applying premium nubuck with Cactus Jack branding on the tongue, left heel and sock liners. 

Travis Scott X fragment x Air Jordan 1 - Travis Scott enlisted Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design for a ‘Military Blue’-inspired rework of the Air Jordan 1. The silhouette, inspired by fragment’s Air Jordan 1 from 2014, features contrasting black and cream Swooshes on the medial and lateral panels.

Travis Scott Black Phantom -  The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG SP ‘Black Phantom’ continues the Houston rapper’s remixed series centered around Michael Jordan’s debut signature shoe. 

Travis Scott Reverse Olive Medium Olive - The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low 'Reverse Olive / Medium Olive' follows a similar color palette to the Travis Scott x Wmns Air Jordan 1 Low 'Olive' sneaker. This iteration inverses the color blocking of the suede base and Nike Swoosh from the 2023 AJ1 low-top release. 

Off-White x Air Jordan 1

Virgil Abloh’s Off-White first partnered with Nike for ‘The Ten’ in 2017. The project saw the designer rework 10 footwear classics from the brand’s archive. Among the collection’s highlights was a reconstructed Air Jordan 1 with exposed stitches, “AIR” midsole text and a red zip tie.

Following the shoe’s positive critical reception, Abloh and Nike followed up with additional colorways, including ‘UNC,’ ‘Chicago’ and ‘Canary Yellow.’ 

Over the years, the Air Jordan 1 has been reinterpreted by a growing roster of brands, retailers, creatives and artists, including:

• Union LA
• A Ma Maniére
• Dover Street Market
• colette
• J Balvin
• Billie Eilish
• Aleali May
• Levi’s 
• Public School
• fragment design
• Dave White
• Don C

Air Jordan 1 As Seen On

The Air Jordan 1’s legacy as a pop culture icon has been cemented in part to the number of athletes and artists that have worn the silhouette. In the 1996 movie Space Jam, Michael Jordan famously wore a black and icy blue Air Jordan 11, later inspiring a similar Air Jordan 1 colorway. 2018’s Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse saw the main character, Miles Morales, don a retro pair of Air Jordan 1s. 

Virgil Abloh’s Off-White remix of the Air Jordan 1 became a style phenomenon in 2017. Abloh gifted Drake, A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti and others customized versions, while Roger Federer wore a pair on the tennis court during a warm-up session.

Air Jordan 1 FAQs

Related Articles: Beginner's Guide to Air Jordan Sneakers, Beginner's Guide to Nike Sneakers, Beginner's Guide to Air Jordan 11s, Air Jordan 1 Size and Fit Guide.