In celebration of the Air Jordan 1’s momentous 40th anniversary this year, Jordan Brand produced High ’85 samples of each of the original colourways and placed them on display at Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Several Jumpman employees, including Senior Product Line Manager Rowan Hardial Jr. and lead colour designer Arielle Pickett, took to Instagram to share all sixteen sample designs made in the High ’85 style—a painstakingly engineered update kicked off in 2020 that has produced the closest replicas of the OG silhouette in both materials and shape. So, we’ve compiled a list of which of these Jordan 1 High ’85 sneakers have already dropped and which sneakerheads can expect to see in the coming years.
Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”
Jordan Brand unveiled the popular black and red Jordan 1 High in the new ’85 shape at the start of its 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2025, perfectly paying tribute to the original colourway that started it all. Find out more about the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Shadow”
While a “Reverse Shadow” colourway in the updated style is expected in 2025, it is still unclear when the original “Shadow” look will be released with the refined materials and shape. The colourway has seen several re-releases over the years, including satin reimaginings and low-top variants, but it would still be great to see the shoe return in a more authentic form.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Storm Blue”
The “Storm Blue” Jordan 1 High colourway was last seen in 2016, so a retro reissue in near to original form would undoubtedly be welcomed by Jordan Brand fans. That being said, sneakerheads can anticipate a low-top version of the famous “Storm Blue” hue to drop in September 2025, replete with Big Swooshes on the side.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Black”
The clean “Metallic Black” Jordan 1 High colourway has never received a retro release, with only a low-top version of the style arriving in the new ’85 model in 2024. So, we think it’s about time these beauties made a comeback in their original build.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Black Toe”
For the brand’s 40th anniversary this year, the iconic “Black Toe” colourway was reimagined with the words “Air Jordan” on the ankle flap, replacing the typical Wings logo. But fans are still waiting on a faithful release of the iconic design.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Red”
The “Metallic Red” has received multiple High and Low retros over the years, but never with the updated shape.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Navy”
Last seen in 2016, the “Metallic Navy” Jordan 1 Highs would have been a fantastic addition to Jordan Brand’s big 4-0 lineup, especially in the new and improved design. Yet sneakerheads can still find solace in the fact that the colourway will be released as an Air Jordan 1 Mule Golf iteration this summer.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Black/White”
Jordan Brand unveiled the versatile “Black/White” colourway in its iconic High ’85 shape in 2023, nine years after its previous retro in 2014.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Neutural Grey”
Another High ’85 release that has already hit the market is the “Neutral Grey” colourway, which returned in 2021 for the very first time since its 1985 debut.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Purple”
Jordan Brand last released the “Metallic Purple” Jordan 1 High sneaker as a women’s exclusive release in 2021, although not in the upgraded style. So, there’s reasonable probability we’ll see these drop in the future.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Green”
Although the Jumpman Label somewhat reimagined the classic “Metallic Green” colourway for the golf course in 2023, this colourway has yet to make a faithful comeback since its debut.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Burgundy”
Jordan Brand added the “Metallic Burgundy” colourway to its High ’85 releases in 2024. But if you missed it, there are still a few fairly priced options available on resale sites.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Metallic Orange”
Originally produced in 1985, the “Metallic Orange” version is one of the few colourways that the Jumpman Label has not yet retroed. It’s a long-awaited classic that many sneakerheads will definitely be eyeing.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Chicago”
Early this year, artist Julian Gaines, who has collaborated with the Jumpman on several projects, unveiled the first good look at the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Chicago”. While sneaker insiders have previously stated that these kicks will not be released anytime soon, these are undoubtedly one of the OG pairs that sneakerheads want to get their hands on. Find out more about the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Chicago”.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “UNC”
The new Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “UNC” design has already been spotted on Hiroshi Fujiwara’s feet, indicating that we could see the blue and white colourway inspired by MJ’s alma mater sooner rather than later.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 “Royal”
Late last year, sneakerheads were given their first glimpse of the black and blue “Royal” Air Jordan 1 High ’85 design courtesy of DJ Chase B. Although initial reports suggested that these gorgeous shoes would be released in 2025, it is more likely we’ll see them featured in the Jumpman’s 2026 lineup.
