With 40 years of history, the Air Jordan 1 has more beautiful colourways and collaborations than we can count. However, there are a few of these colourways that stand out as the best of the best. From the legendary “Bred” that started it all to collaborations that changed the game, and each of these releases has its own story and special place in sneaker history. To celebrate the model’s 40th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of the best Air Jordan 1 High colourways that every sneakerhead needs or wants to own. Let’s dive in.
Air Jordan 1 High “Bred”
There’s hardly a Jordan list on this planet that wouldn’t have the infamous “Bred”/”Banned” colourway at the top of their list. While the mythology surrounding the NBA banning these black and red Jordan 1 sneakers in 1984 may not be entirely accurate, the hold these beauties have on the sneaker community is 100% fact.
Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”
Certain colourways are classics for a reason. The iconic “Chicago” Highs, so closely associated with Michael Jordan’s time with the Bulls, have been reimagined through plenty of collaborations and special editions over the years, even getting the chop to a low-top design in 2016. Still, nothing beats the original look and the nostalgia it holds.
Union x Air Jordan 1 High “Black Toe”
Union LA’s distinctive sneaker mashup from 2018 effectively solidified its relationship with the Jordan Brand. By combining two of Jumpman’s most popular colourways—”Black Toe” and “Natural Grey”—the California-based boutique created a sneaker that has since become a global favourite among sneakerheads. So much so that Jordan Brand even celebrated its 40th anniversary by bringing the boutique back for a follow-up colourway.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”
Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” collection from 2017 spawned some of the most sought-after Nike sneakers ever to exist. Yet the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago” was the undisputed highlight of the lineup. While it draws inspiration from the Jordan 1’s iconic white, red, and black colourway, the deconstructed design elements are entirely Abloh’s own. You need only look as far as the astronomically high prices on resale platforms to know how coveted and iconic this collaboration truly is.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 High “Mocha”
While Travis Scott has become somewhat synonymous with the Jordan 1 low silhouette in recent years, his “Mocha” High colourway still reigns supreme as the best of his Jordan 1 collaborations. This sneaker is utter perfection, from the brown suede touches to the red pops on the branding. Kinda makes you wish La Flame would get back on the high-top silhouette.
Air Jordan 1 High “Shadow”
While many of the Jordan 1’s early colourways were colourful and bold, the “Shadow” offered a simple and refined mix of black and grey. It’s one of those timeless colour combinations you can never go wrong with. You could rock them just as hard in 2025 as you did in 1985.
Dior x Air Jordan 1 High
In 2020, Dior delivered on its promise of luxury and sophistication with its premium take on the Jordan 1. Think sumptuous Italian leather, rolled and painted edges, plus monogrammed textile tongues and swooshes. Of course, the brand maintained exclusivity by slapping on a corresponding $2,200 USD price tag.
Fragment Design x Air Jordan 1 High
Back in 2014, Fragment Designs’ Hiroshi Fujiwara demonstrated to the world his ability to take an understated colourway and make it unforgettable. By taking care to use premium materials and adding the creative label’s stamp of approval to the heel, this white, black, and blue shoe became a must-have for sneakerheads everywhere.
Air Jordan 1 High “Shattered Backboard”
The “Shattered Backboard” Jordan 1s may not be the easiest colourway to style, but they are the best sneakers for getting noticed. The flashy combination of starfish, sail, and black was inspired by the jersey Jordan wore while making his memorable backboard-shattering dunk at an exhibition game in Italy. While they may not have you dunking like the GOAT, you can definitely get a taste of his confidence in this vibrant hue.
Air Jordan 1 High “Royal”
The “Royal” Air Jordan 1s are another iconic hue that doesn’t require much “selling” to sell out. Regardless of whether this is actually MJ’s favourite colourway or not, it has unquestionably become a fan fave. The combination of blue and black is flawless, regardless of what material the Jumpman Label reimagines these in.
Air Jordan 1 High “Palomino”
The Jordan 1 “Palomino” is not a colourway you would expect to see on a list of the best AJ1s, yet it fully deserves to be featured. The shoe features a classy combination of black leather and rich brown suede overlays, with just a dash of yellow added on the tongue branding for extra flair. I have just three words: simple, sleek, timeless.
Air Jordan 1 High “CO.JP Neutral Grey”
Say what you will; we love a shiny shoe, and the “CO.JP Neutral Grey” delivers on that front in spades. These metallic silver kicks debuted exclusively in Japan in 2001—and packaged inside a briefcase at that. It became one of those colourways that sneakerheads dreamt about but could never obtain, that is, until Jordan’s silver anniversary in 2010. They have since spawned a variety of other silvery Jordan 1 shoes that we are equally obsessed with.
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