In 2025 the legendary Air Jordan 1 High turn 40 years old. We are talking about what are undoubtedly the most famous sneakers and which marked a before and after for the Nike workshop. You already know the story, but today we are going to tell you how they have evolved since Michael Jordan took them to the court. Will you join us?
Evolution of the Air Jordan 1 High over these four decades
-The 1980s witnessed the launch of these shoes that marked a turning point for the sports footwear sector. They were released in 1985 and were the work of designer Peter Moore. Their colors, red and black, caused the NBA to ban them, paradoxically becoming one of the greatest marketing campaigns in history.
-In the 1990s Nike continued to take advantage of the wave generated by Michael Jordan, who was in his prime, and created a sub-brand that referred to the player himself. Thus, many new models emerged and it even accompanied the player to his last game with a version of the original design he wore at the Madison Square Garden in 1998.
-In the first decade of the 21st century the Air Jordans experienced a small blackout, inevitable after the star’s retirement, but little by little they resurfaced with occasional releases aimed at the most nostalgic audience. It was the seed for what would come years later.
-It was from 2013 onwards that they returned strongly to the market, mainly thanks to their influence on urban culture. Many reissues were launched, as well as collaborations with Travis Scott (who has collaborated countless times with the brand, here are our favorite models from Jordan x Travis), Dior and Off-White that placed the Jordans as a top choice for streetwear lovers.
Why the Air Jordan 1 High remain an icon
Perhaps the main key to all this has already been mentioned in the previous section: nostalgia. And indeed, if Nike has known how to do one thing, it has been to turn a sports star into a legend that embodies a whole cultural feeling.
Wearing Air Jordans has different meanings, since on one hand it builds a bridge with urban fashion, on the other it takes us back to the African American neighborhoods of the United States and, of course, it is a symbol of protest and revolution.
That is why the models usually look back, with an excellent combination of retro style and the latest market trends. A clearly unbeatable formula.
Models that remain in fashion
At Newcop you can find some of the most relevant models that often appear on Nike’s best-selling lists. Among all the Air Jordan 1 models, we recommend the following:
- Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Union LA Chicago Shadow: we found this model interesting to suggest because it is an example of what we were saying. It is a vintage design, keeping the classic black and red colors, with visible stitching, but with a fresh air thanks to its worn look that pays tribute to skater culture.
- Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG White Cement: this model is one of our favorites thanks to its originality. As its name indicates, it mimics cement with a very curious texture rendered in gray and white colors. A great way to wear Air Jordan 1s in a different way.
- Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 Teyana Taylor A Rose From Harlem: its name gives us a very revealing clue, as this design features the collaboration of singer Teyana Taylor and captures the full essence of the popular New York neighborhood of Harlem. Every detail counts, seen in the stitching and the masterful color combination.
- Air Jordan 1 Retro High J Balvin: and to take it a step further, we recommend the striking shoes signed by the famous Latin artist J.Balvin. His proposal says it all, we are facing an absolutely disruptive design that shows how Jordan is able to reinvent its offerings again and again.
Don’t miss out this 2025 on carrying with you the legacy of one of the most important brands in the history of sneakers.
Take a look at our online store or visit the physical locations of Newcop in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, and Dubai to see them in person. We look forward to seeing you!
