FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 1

All 16 Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Samples Revealed

Jordan Brand has a collection of High '85 samples of original Air Jordan 1 colourways ready to go.

Caryn Ganess by Caryn Ganess
June 18, 2025
in Air Jordan 1, Trending
All 16 Air Jordan 1 High '85 Samples Revealed

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”

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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”

Air Jordan 1 High '85 "Reverse Shadow"
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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”

Air-Jordan-1-Retro-High '85 'Storm-Blue'
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Black"
Image Credit: @a_ebz

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”

Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe Reimagined” Rumoured To Be Returning…Different
Image Credit: Sneaker Fortress

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”

Air-Jordan-1-Retro-High '85 'Metallic-Red'
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Navy"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Black/White" 
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Neutural Grey"
Image Credit: @a_ebz

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Purple"
Image Credit: @a_ebz

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Green"
Image Credit: @a_ebz

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Burgundy"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Metallic Orange"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Chicago"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "UNC"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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”

Air Jordan 1 Retro High '85 "Royal"
Image Credit: bookofrowan

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.

Tags: Air JordanFeaturedSneaker NewsTop 10
ShareTweetSend

About the Author: Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess is a South African writer with a sharp eye for sneaker culture and a knack for digging into the psychology behind pop culture. From breaking down the legacy of the Nike Cortez to exploring what makes movie villains tick, she blends academic insight with real-world flavour.

Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

Related Posts

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Self Expression"
Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Self Expression” Encourages Individuality

April 29, 2025
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 “Brick By Brick” (White)
Air Jordan 4

The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4 “Brick By Brick” (White) Is Built Like a Sneaker Skyscraper

April 11, 2025
"Wolverine" Air Jordan 1 Is The Sneaker To Wear To Deadpool 3
Air Jordan 1

Wolverine Air Jordan 1 Sneakers To Wear To Deadpool 3

July 8, 2025
Nike Dunk

Di’orr Greenwood Nike SB Dunk High “Rugged Orange” Is A Beautiful Collab

July 8, 2025
Air Jordan 14 Chambray
Air Jordan 14

Missed Out Before? The Air Jordan 14 “Chambray” Is Back

March 6, 2025
'Hand-Carved'-Air-Jordan-1-Lux
Air Jordan 1

John Trottier’s “Hand-Carved” Air Jordan 1 Lux Is Beautiful

July 9, 2025
Jordan-1-Rare-Air-Cinnabar
Air Jordan 1

The Air Jordan 1 High OG Rare Air “Cinnabar” Unveiled 

August 21, 2024
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.