Over the years, there have been countless Air Jordan 1 sneakers that have been released. Hundreds of colourways and a variety of styles to choose from, it can be difficult for any consumer to know which one is best. In line with the recent documentary, The Last Dance remembering Michael Jordan’s amazing career, we look back ourselves at some of the most popular Air Jordan 1 Retro Highs that have been released.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Fearless UNC Chicago‘
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Fearless UNC Chicago’ was released on November 2, 2019, marking the 10-year anniversary of Michael Jordan’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. These pair of sneakers are beautifully coloured to pay tribute to Jordan’s legendary career. The name ‘Fearless’ comes from the memorable speech made, where he uttered the powerful words, “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.”
Sporting a crispy patent leather material along the mudguard to the toe, the red and blue overlays pay homage to Jordan’s career playing for the Chicago Bulls and North Carolina Tar Heels. A carbon fiber patch is placed between the midsole and outsole for added support and durability, as the contrasting black leather Nike Swoosh runs along the mid-panel to the rear of the shoe. The Jumpman logo sits up top with gold accents.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Obsidian UNC‘
Also known as the University Blue, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Obsidian UNC’ is often compared to its patent leather counterpart, the “Blue Chill.” Paying homage to Jordan’s time playing for North Carolina Tar Heels, this beautiful Obsidian-UNC Blue / Dark Navy shoe is another great addition to the large collection of Air Jordan colourways.
Retailing for $160 USD and released on August 31, 2019, these sneakers have the standard Jordan Nike logo on the tongue, with black Air Jordan wings on the side. Due to the use of tumbled leather, there is a bit more versatility with this shoe, unlike its ‘Blue Chill’ counterpart.
Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Bloodline‘
As a call back to the famous 1985 commercial, the insoles, and additional black laces that come with the sneakers have the line “Who said man was not to fly.” The Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Bloodline’ sports a colourway of black, white, and red, yet unlike the original, there is more flair with the accented red dominating throughout the shoe.
The leather quality has been considered to be quite great, with a softer feel. The toe box has a nice white tumbled leather, with the standard perforations scattered across. A nice black leather surrounds this toe cap, yet there lies underlying red piping throughout the shoe. Overlayed on the mid-side on top is a black Nike swoosh, outlined with that same red piping. The Nike Air sole was added between the midsole and outsole for additional cushioning, giving this sneaker a durable, comfortable feel.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Shattered Backboard 3.0′
Paying homage to the day Jordan performed his jaw-dropping, backboard-breaking dunk in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Shattered Backboard 3.0’ sports the same orange-black colourway similar to the jersey he wore that day. Released on October 26, 2019, these sneakers retail for about $160 USD.
A bit different from the other previous Shattered Backboard 1.0 and 2.0, the sneakers are wrapped in “wrinkled” patent leather. The glossy finish reflects light from different angles, giving the shoe a striking “shattered” appearance. The midsole is an off-white Pale Vanilla, and beautifully compliments the retro-look of the Black and Starfish colourway. Similar to standard Air Jordans, the classic Air Jordan wing logo can be found on the ankles, with the Nike Air logo sewn on a black piece of cloth along with the tongue.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Satin Black Toe (W)
Tilting their hat to the famous NBA ban against Michael Jordan’s black-and-red Air Jordans worn in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High Satin Black Toe (W) released for a retail price of $160 USD.
With the same black and white leather making up most of the shoe, along with the mid-panel and toe box, the most noticeable difference with this silhouette is the gorgeous red satin sheen. Atop this satin texture, the beautiful black metal Air Jordan wings logo badge is placed and holding to its ‘Black Toe’ theme, the white midsole, and red outsole give it a nice finish. In addition, the sneaker’s sock liner has a nice silky finish, giving it a more snug, comfortable fit.
