Air Jordan 1 Colorways: The Top 7 Most Popular Ones
Jordan brand is one of the biggest sneaker and apparel brands out there, but which Air Jordan colorways are the best?
Jordan is one of the biggest sneaker and clothing brands out there. But which Air Jordan 1 colorways are the best? We take a look at some of the most popular sneakers under specific Air Jordan colorways and see how they stack up in the resell market. Continue reading for the top 7 most popular Air Jordan colorways.
#1 Nike Air Jordan 1 Black/Grey (‘Shadow’)
Nicknamed because it resembles the darker, unlit form of the other hues. The most recent vintage iteration of the Shadow, a favorite among sneakerheads, was in 2022. Understated and universally compatible. One cannot fault people for adoring these.
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Shadow Toe’
- Resale Price: $100
- Average Resell Price: $150
- Colorway: Light Smoke Gray, Black, and White
- Release Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022
- Style Code: 553558-052
The Air Jordan 1 Low Shadow Toe (2021) is a modernized version of the original Jordan 1 design. The Shadow Toe box, which gives the shoe a distinctive appearance, is the centerpiece of this shoe. This shoe features a straightforward yet elegant appearance with a black and gray upper, a white midsole, and a transparent, light-blue outsole. The Jumpman embroidery on the collar and the patent leather overlays help set it apart from other sneaker colorways and other Air Jordan colorways.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Shadow (2018)
- Resale Price: $160
- Average Resell Price: $509
- Colorway: Black, Medium Gray, White
- Release Date: Saturday, April 14, 2018
- Style Code: 555088-013
The Air Jordan 1 Shadows, despite their name, are a pair that will make any outfit of yours stand out. Only three times have these very rare OG Air Jordan colorways appeared on store shelves, making them a need for any Jumpman collector. Along with a white midsole and a black outsole, the shoe has a black and grey leather upper with the original “Nike Air” logo on the tongue tag and insoles. They became available in men’s and grade school sizes in April 2018.
#2 Nike Air Jordan 1 Black/Royal Blue (‘Royal’)
Michael Jordan never wore the Black and Blue “Royal” colorway in the NBA, but it is his favorite. He selected them for a picture session on an airport runway, resulting in the “Flight Guy” poster. A somewhat recent retro release of the Jordan 1 “Royal” occurred in 2017 as part of the “Flight Guy” Pack. Slash, the guitarist for Guns ‘n Roses, and pro skateboarder Lance Mountain are a few well-known OGs that have worn the sneaker over the years.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Royal (2017)
- Resale Price: $160
- Average Resell Price: $455
- Colorway: Black, Varsity Royal, White
- Release Date: Saturday, April 1, 2017
- Style Code: 555088-007
One of the earliest Air Jordan 1 hues, the Jordan 1 Retro Royal (2017) made its debut in 1985. It has a leather top in black and blue, with the deep black tones serving as the silhouette’s foundation and giving way to the vivid Varsity Royal blues on the overlays.
From there, the design is finished with a blue Nike “Swoosh” that matches the black “Air Jordan” wings emblem, which contrasts wonderfully with the Varsity Royal on the collar. Sneaker resales have been amazing with this sneaker, which shows you how hype and relevant this colorway is in the sneaker community and beyond!
#3 Nike Air Jordan 1 White/Black-Red (‘Chicago’)
His Airness spent most of the 1985 season donning the “Chicago” colorway, which was introduced on 15 September 1985 along with the “Bred.” We don’t really need to say much more about this, it is truly an amazing and iconic sneaker colorway.
Air Jordan 1 Mid Chicago (2020)
- Resale Price: $115
- Average Resell Price: $234
- Colorway: White, Gym Red, Black
- Release Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020
- Style Code: 554724-173
The 1985 Air Jordan 1 in the original Chicago hue, the Air Jordan 1 Mid Chicago, is a mid-top that bears the Jordan brand’s logo. This sneaker features a black ankle collar and a foundation made of white leather with red and scarlet leather overlays.
It also has a traditional black swoosh, a cushioned white midsole for the wearer’s comfort, and an improved rubber outsole for grip. It’s important to note that the toe box of this shoe has holes for ventilation.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White Chicago
- Resale Price: $190
- Average Resell Price: $6,610
- Colorway: White, Black Varsity Red
- Release Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017
- Style Code: AA3834-101
One of the most eagerly awaited shoe releases of 2017 was the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG. It was the first time Jordan Brand and Virgil Abloh, the designer behind the Milan-based fashion company, had collaborated. The “The 10” version has the classic Chicago-themed white, black, and varsity red color scheme. Deconstructed leather upper in white, red, and black with the inscription “Off-White for Nike Air Jordan 1, Beaverton, Oregon, USA 1985” on the medial side.
Floppy ankle collars with a concealed “85” written on the inside, an enlarged, off-center Swoosh on the side panels, the word “Air” printed on the midsole, and the term “Shoelaces” written on the laces are further embellishments. There is no branding on the tongue. Obviously, the Chicago is one of the most famous Air Jordan colorways, but we will admit that the fact that it is a Jordan x Off-White collaboration is what gives this sneaker its hype and, more importantly, its resell value.
#4 Nike Air Jordan 1 White / Blue (‘Kentucky’ / ‘Storm Blue’)
This is a pretty gorgeous colorway that was retroed rather covertly in 2016. It’s another one that’s difficult to locate in the original 1985 vintage. The “Storm Blue” is a shoe that few people would know about but is a great classic, commanding a cool $900 on the secondary market.
Jordan Legacy 312 Storm Blue
- Resale Price: $160
- Average Resell Price: $318
- Colorway: Sail, Black, Storm Blue
- Release Date: Saturday, July 14, 2018
- Style Code: AQ4160-104
One of the most anticipated lifestyle models from the Jordan Brand for 2018 is the Jordan Legacy 312. The Air Jordan 312 is a hybrid model that borrows features from the Air Jordan 1, Nike Air Alpha Force 2, and Air Jordan 3.
Don C, well known for creating the Just Don apparel line, is the designer of the Jordan Legacy 312. In this specific colorway, the upper is made of white, blue, and black leather with touches of elephant print on the side panels and a white Nike logo.
The color blocking is reminiscent of the “Game Royal” Jordan 1s. This pair, which costs $160, debuted in July 2018. One of the more hidden Air Jordan colorways, Storm Blue is appealing to the eye and definitely a cheaper option for those on a budget.
#5 Nike Air Jordan 1 White / Black (‘Panda’)
Okay, this is a bit perplexing. A type of classic White/Black shoe dubbed the Twist was released in late 2019; nonetheless, due to its colors and hair substance, it was given the moniker “Panda”. Although the “White / Black” OG was retroactively released in 2014, as far as we can recall and ascertain, the word “Panda” was not spoken prior to the “Twist.”
Going for a nice 5x retail price right now, the Retro did not go ignored, and its price has risen steadily ever since this edition of the Air Jordan colorways was introduced.
Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black Panda (2021)
- Resale Price: $110
- Average Resell Price: $217
- Colorway: White and Black
- Release Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
- Style Code: DD1391-100
Since the style was first introduced in 1985, Nike Dunks have been available in a variety of hues, from the college-inspired College Colors Program to the vivid Nike CO.JP line. But the iconic color-blocking of the Dunk has persisted in some fashion with each new hue. With the Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black, Nike used its time-honored color-blocking technique.
With black leather overlays and Swooshes, the Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black upper is made of white leather. The nylon tongue has vintage Nike branding as a tribute to classic Dunk design cues. A white midsole and a black outsole finish off the pattern.
#6 Nike Air Jordan 1 White / Carolina Blue (‘UNC’)
In our opinion, the UNC is one of the most eye-catching OG Air Jordan colorways. But there may be a connection between it and the fact that “Carolina Blue” has experienced a true moment during the past two years. The Jordan 1 “UNC” Retro from 2015 had traded very close to retail until late 2018 when it steadily rose to its current 2.6x premium over retail.
This is a wonderful illustration of how a buzz partnership may raise the value of the GR version. Is the release of the OFF-WHITE variant in the middle of 2018 a coincidence? We disagree!
Jordan 1 White / Carolina Blue
- Resale Price: $210
- Average Resell Price: $272
- Colorway: White/Carolina Blue
- Release Date: July 22, 2023
- Style Code: CZ4776-101
For the Air Jordan 6 Retro UNC White, Jordan Brand drew inspiration from Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. The Air Jordan 6 Retro UNC White has University Blue Durabuck and white leather construction, using color blocking evocative of the famed Jordan 6 Carmine. UNC’s less well-known school color is integrated with touches of navy blue on the tongue and midsole. A Jordan Team patch on the heel pays homage to the jock tags sewn into the bottom of UNC’s jerseys. These Air Jordans are finished with an icy, semi-transparent Air sole.
Jordan 1 Retro High Obsidian UNC
- Resale Price: $160
- Average Resell Price: $481
- Colorway: Sail, Obsidian, University Blue
- Release Date: Saturday, August 31, 2019
- Style Code: 555088-140
With the Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian / University Blue,” Jordan Brand continued its hot streak of Jordan 1 releases. The Air Jordan 1 has been a cultural icon since it made its debut in 1985, bridging the gap between the court and the streets. With this launch, Jordan Brand continues to provide a fresh perspective to this classic silhouette.
The “UNC Patent” AJ 1s from February 2019 have an identical style to this one; however, this time, the colorway is fully leathered. The retail price for this sneaker is $160, and it was released in August 2019. This version of the UNC Air Jordan colorways is one of the best out there, in our opinion.
#7 Nike Air Jordan 1 Black/Red (‘Bred’/ ‘Banned’)
The “Bred” colorway, the original of the originals, is perhaps most known for having been “banned” by the NBA. The truth is a little more complicated ‘it was an Air Ship’ but it’s still a famous tale that did the Jordan Brand a lot of good in terms of marketing. Nevertheless, a stunning color scheme.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG Patent Bred
- Resale Price: $170
- Average Resell Price: $310
- Colorway: Black, White, Patent Bred
- Release Date: Thursday, December 30, 2021
- Style Code: 555088-063
The black and red patent leather upper of the Air Jordan 1 High Bred Patent has the recognizable woven Nike Air tongue branding. The throwback look is then finished off with a traditional Wings insignia on the collar and a white shoe with a red Air sole. An incredible sneaker with a profitable margin too! You can easily make $50 – $100 on today’s market if you find a legit pair for cheap!
FAQ’s
What is the most popular Jordan type?
The top-selling Jordans include the Air Jordan 1 ‘Black Toe’, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Bordeaux, and the Air Jordan Mid Bred 1, a mid-top in a black and red colorway, originally banned by the NBA.
What is the rarest Jordan?
This pair of Air Jordan 1s, in its famous “Chicago” colorway, was worn by Jordan during his infamous ‘shattered backboard’ exhibition game, and ended up selling at a Christie’s auction for $615,000 – a record-breaking amount when it came to sneaker sales.
What was the first Jordan 1 colorway?
Nike Air Jordan 1 Black/Red (‘Bred’/ ‘Banned’) The OG of OGs, the ‘Bred’ colorway is probably most famous for being ‘banned’ by the NBA. The real story is a bit more nuanced (it was actually an Air Ship), but it’s a legendary story that did the Jordan Brand a lot of good from a marketing perspective.
How many Jordan 1 colorways exist?
For Air Jordan 1s alone, there are 23 different Air Jordan colorways.
What is Michael Jordan’s favorite Jordans?
His favorite shoes are Jordan 11s, and Jordan 3s, followed by the 12s or 13s. His most memorable dunk: He still reminds Patrick Ewing of this dunk.
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