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A Breakdown of the Popular Jordan 1 Retro Designs

The Air Jordan 1 Retro sneakers are legendary shoes that have been part of Nike's famous line since 1985. Check out the large selection on eBay.

A Breakdown of the Popular Jordan 1 Retro Designs thumbnail image

Nike's first Retro Jordan 1 was re-released in 1994 and again in 2001. After 2001, Nike offered at least one Air Jordan 1 practically every year. The offerings were often in classic hues and varieties that the company had never before offered. A new generation of Jordan shoe enthusiasts emerged, and interest in the brand grew significantly worldwide. When Nike collaborated with Hiroshi Fujiwara in 2014, it was the real tipping point. Fujiwara took the Air Jordan 1 Black toe, swapped out all the red for blue, and added a debossed Fragment Design logo to the heel counter. The Jordan 1s were advertised to the sneaker market as a unique and modified shoe.

jordan 1 retro shoes

The anticipation, rarity, and superiority messages that permeated the Jordan 1 Retro cemented its status as a must-have among this new generation of sneakerheads. Collaborations with Off White, Travis Scott, Christian Dior, and UNION LOS ANGELES came about as the hype train kept chugging along at full speed. The Jordan 1 has continued its tradition of new variations and elevated from a significant element of sneaker history to a global sneaker icon. So why are these sneakers so popular on eBay?

Why Own the Jordan 1 Retro? 

Among the trendiest items in the sneaker business is the 1985 Air Jordan 1s or footwear that resembles the model released that year. With its shape, color-blocked upper, and recognizable Nike Swoosh, the model continues to look great more than 35 years after its hardwood introduction and over 20 years after Michael Jordan's last retirement. Since 1985, Jordan Brand has re-released the Jordan 1 four times, introducing a few minor changes to the shoe's color, form, and general quality each time.

Fans of Jordan 1 Retros claim that the earlier 1s have unique qualities that set them apart from what the company is now producing. The most distinguishing features of Retro Air Jordan 1s are its thinner collar, flattened toe box, and upright appearance.

The Inspiration behind the Design of Air Jordan Retro 1 

The 1985 High Jordan 1 original colorway inspired the Retro Air Jordan 1. Retro 1s are a throwback to introduce the shoes to a younger generation of customers.

For instance, the AJ 1 Retro Chicago aims to provide customers with a glimpse of what a fresh AJ 1 might have looked like in the past. The AJ 1 Retro is identical to the original in that it has a bigger Swoosh on the side panel with traces of leather, particularly in the toe region and side panels. Due to the numerous distinct design options, you have a lot of different looks associated with the Retro 1. Each sneaker's little variations support the Retro vibe of this colorway.

The Design, Material, and Comfort of Jordan Retro 1 

The Retro Air Jordan 1 is constructed of leather, suede, synthetic leather, and other materials. Jordan 1 Highs feature a complete leather construction. The Air Jordan 1 Low and Mid models blend leather with canvas, faux leather, and other synthetic materials. A rubber midsole and outsole give the sneakers some sturdiness and weight, as do the full leather uppers. The most important aspect is that the kind of leather utilized enables increased strength and durability.

Rubber soles provide excellent traction. The combination of the multidirectional circles and the soft, flexible rubber results in medial and lateral motions that are equally remarkable. Due to its cushioned ankle support and soft tongue, the AJ 1 Retro is a sneaker that is suitable to wear all day.

Popular Jordan 1 Retros 

There are several innovative designs of the popular AJ 1 Retro sneakers. Here are a few favorites.

Jordan 1 Retro High Boston Celtics 

The shoe pays homage to the Boston Celtics and their iconic green colorway. It features a full suede upper with a matching white midsole and translucent outsole. This Boston Celtics-inspired design honors Michael Jordan's 63-point performance against the Boston Celtics in April 1986. It was first made available as part of the 2009 Air Jordan DMP 1 Retro High 60+ Pack complementing a Bred colorway.

Off-White x Air Jordan One Retro High OG

jordan 1 retro shoes

The Off-White x Retro Air Jordan 1 High OG was released in 2017. This limited-edition collaboration is a modern reworking of the iconic Air Jordan 1 from 1999, which was released in the transitional year between Nike and Jordan Brand. Off-White x Jordan 1 Retro High OG includes a monochrome black suede upper accented with an icy blue translucent sole unit. The sizing label and Jumpman branding on the rear of the shoe feature special translucent detailing. Its release marked the first time the Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh, the designer behind the Milan-based fashion label, had collaborated. The shoes come in the classic Chicago-themed white, black, and varsity red hue.

Jordan 1 Retro University Blue

jordan 1 retro shoesUniversity Blue is a unique colorway on the Jordan 1 Retro High OG that pays homage to Michael Jordan's alma mater, the University of North Carolina, by using the school's well-known color scheme. The vibrant sneaker includes a University Blue-based upper, light blue hits on the tongue tag, heel tab, and outsole with University Blue heel pull tabs. Genuine University Blue leather is used for the sneaker ankles, sole, toe, and outsole. The Swoosh and collar are black, while the quarter panel, midsole, tongue, and toe box are contrasted in white.

Jordan 1 Retro High Satin Shattered Backboard for Women

jordan 1 retro shoesThe 2015 men's edition of the Jordan 1 Retro High OG, which had the same black, Starfish, and Sail colorway, served as the inspiration for this shoe that is designed specifically for women. There are a few differences, however. The women's version has a satin upper with superior leather mid parts, an embroidered "Wings" insignia on the collar, and an entirely transparent orange outsole. This "Wings" insignia, which appears on the inner lining and the rubber outsole of the shoes, is a symbol reminiscent of Tinker Hatfield's work on Michael Jordan's 1988 NBA Championship sneakers.

Air Jordan One Retro High OG Lost & Found

jordan 1 retro shoesThe Air Jordan Retro 1 High OG Lost & Found brings back the legendary silhouette that began it all. A mixture of innovation and rarity, these shoes will be released on a limited basis. The Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost & Found features a full quilted leather upper with an updated midsole for a modernized ride. This sneaker is set to be released on November 19, 2022. It will retain the shape of the 1985 release, with aging and distressing expected to show up on the upper and midsole.

Jordan 1 Retro Mid Obsidian White

In a Mid design, the Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid preserves the classic appearance and heritage features of the 1985 original. The Air Jordan 1 is a staple in the sneaker world, with this mid-top version being a comfortable shoe that's perfect for everyday wear. Jordan 1's Retro Mid Obsidian features an almost black-and-white color combination thanks to its Obsidian suede upper. The dark background makes the white Logo and "Wings" insignia stand out, as does the Air-cushioned outsole beneath the foot. On the heel, there is a sewn Obsidian Jumpman logo.

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