First Look: Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1 ‘Royal’ Will Return in Its Original Form
It’s been just a little over a year since Jordan Brand released the much-criticized Air Jordan 1 “Royal Reimagined,” a version of the shoe which swapped its traditional leather with an all-suede construction. Now, fans of the sneaker can rejoice in knowing that the classic colorway is coming back in its original form — and it could turn out to be one of the most accurate reissues of the shoe yet.
Previewed this week on social media by Travis Scott’s DJ, Chase B, is a first-ever look at the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Royal.” In a video shared on his Instagram story, Chase B shared an up-close glimpse at the sneaker, which should satisfy purists who are seeking a look that’s as close to the original shoe as possible.
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Like other ’85 versions of the Air Jordan 1 High, this iteration of the “Royal” colorway is constructed from a smooth leather with details intended to closely resemble the 1985 version. Changes from standard Air Jordan 1 High releases include a noticeably higher ankle cut, updated proportions such as the shape of the toe box and the use of a thicker, heavy duty leather. Even small details such as the hangtag and size-stamped lining of the ’85 pairs have been designed to closely resemble the original run of the Air Jordan 1.
Jordan Brand introduced the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 series in 2020 with the launch of a “Varsity Red” colorway which inverted the color blocking of the classic “Bred” (aka “Banned”) Jordan 1. The concept would then lie dormant for a full year before returning with the anticipated “Neutral Gray” colorway. The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 has since been released in “Georgetown,” “Black/White” and “Metallic Burgundy” styles. And in October, the model was given its most expensive release yet in the form of the $975 made-in-Italy “Wings” release.
In addition to the just-revealed “Royal” colorway, the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 will also launch in the shoe’s original black-and-red “Bred” style in February for a retail price of $250. A release date and pricing for the “Royal” pair have not been established, but readers can expect it to be released during 2025.
