Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Review

Introduction

The Air Jordan 1 is one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. First debuting in 1985, it was the first signature shoe designed by Nike for Michael Jordan.

At the time, endorsed sneakers for individual players was a revolutionary concept.

The Air Jordan 1 encapsulated everything game-changing about Jordan's bravado and awe-inspiring ability. It also laid the foundation for sneaker culture as we know it today.

Over 35 years later, the sneaker landscape looks vastly different, but the retro Air Jordan 1 remains instantly recognizable. 

hanks to its classic silhouette and premium craftsmanship, the AJ1 retains its rightful place among both sports and style icons.

This in-depth review will break down everything that makes the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG a coveted legend over three decades after its initial release.

We'll cover the heritage story, technology and innovations, performance, design details, cultural impact, and overall legacy of this GOAT sneaker.

Whether you're a hardcore Jordanhead or just learning about his namesake line, understanding the Air Jordan 1 is essential sneaker knowledge. So lace up and join us as we experience the living history of the original Jordan 1.

Product Description

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG is a high-top basketball-style sneaker. It has a leather upper, Nike Air cushioning in the heel, and a rubber cupsole outsole for traction.

Signature elements include the Wings logo on the ankle collar, Nike Air branding on the tongue, and prominent Swoosh logos on the sides.

MJ first wore the Air Jordan 1 in 1984 as a rookie with the Chicago Bulls. The black/red "Banned" colorway violated league uniform rules, sparking immediate controversy and fame when Jordan continued to wear them proudly.

At the time, the Air Jordan 1 was also the first sneaker to feature Nike's revolutionary Air cushioning technology in the heel. This provided unprecedented comfort and support for hoopers.

Today's Retro High OG model stays faithful to the materials and build of the original 1985 edition. This includes premium leather on the upper and detailing.

Modern upgrades to the sole improve traction and comfort without compromising heritage style.

Key Features and Technologies

Despite originating in the 80s, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG still performs admirably as a basketball sneaker thanks to these key features:

• Full-length Nike Air unit - Encapsulated Air bags provide responsive cushioning and impact protection. Placed in the heel on OG models, it now runs the full length of the midsole.
• Leather upper - Durable leather withstands aggressive play and gives a premium look and feel. Depending on the colorway, the leather may be tumbled, smoothed, cracked, or patent leather.
• Rubber outsole - Mixed rubber compounds offer traction suitable for indoor or outdoor courts. The herringbone pattern is inspired by Jordan's game.
• Padded collar - Foam wrapped inside the collar contours to the ankle for flexibility and support. The padding helps prevent rolls and irritation.
• Perforations - Small holes across the toe box enhance airflow and ventilation to keep feet cooler and drier.

By blending proven vintage design with modern technologies, the AJ1 Retro High OG delivers elite performance and comfort with heritage flair.

Comfort

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG offers impressive all-day comfort after getting past the initial break-in period.

The padded foam collar cushions the ankle while the leather upper forms to your feet for a personalized fit over time.

Full-length Air units provide continuous lightweight cushioning during activity without sacrificing court feel. The EVA foam insole contours to your foot's natural shape for additional comfort.

High tops are inherently more restrictive until the sturdy leather loosens up. Expect a snug fit out of the box that gives way to a comfortably locked-in feel during play. Wider-footers may need to go up half a size.

Overall, the AJ1 Retro High OG combines the welcomed familiarity of broken-in leather with purposeful modern cushioning tech to keep you comfortable all day on your feet.

Durability

With premium leathers and thoughtful construction, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG is built to last. The leather upper not only provides lifestyle flair but long-term performance durability.

Leather naturally forms to your foot over time versus stretching out like knits or mesh.

Reinforcements on high-wear areas like the collar and toe cap prevent early breakdown. The rubber outsole also proves plenty durable for indoor or outdoor use. Traction holds up consistently even after months of play.

Given proper care like occasional cleaning and conditioning, an AJ1 can easily log hundreds of wears while avoiding tears or sole separation. The retro design ethos removes unnecessary details that could otherwise fail.

For a retro model, the Air Jordan 1 rates surprisingly durable thanks to premium leathers and diligent construction. These will stay in rotation for years if cared for properly.

Performance

Despite originating in the mid-80s, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG holds up admirably on court. The herringbone outsole pattern provides grippy traction that stays consistent indoors or out. The leather upper gives a secure locked-in feel that minimizes ankle rolls.

Full-length Air cushioning softens impacts without being overly mushy or unstable. An EVA foam insole adds shock absorption and energy return. The padded collar enhances flexibility and support when making cuts or jumps.

Breathable perforations on the toe help control temperatures during intense play. Thicker leathers do require a break-in for optimal flexibility when driving to the rim. Overall though, performance remains impressive decades later.

While not as advanced as modern basketball shoes, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG offers players a well-cushioned and supportive ride. Enough vintage hoops DNA shines through to still ball effectively in this retro icon.

Fit and Sizing

The Air Jordan 1 runs narrow so most are advised to size up half a size from standard for the proper fit. Wide-footers may need to size up a full size. The lacing system allows you to customize fit based on foot shape.

Expect a snug fit out of the box that will conform to your foot after a break-in period. Toe room runs short but loosening laces can help. High tops provide elite lockdown and stability once forms to your ankle and Achilles.

Try the sneaker on in-store if possible and request an easy return policy in case sizing feels off. The overall fit should hug your foot securely without painful pressure points. Leather will stretch slightly over time for a personalized fit.

Design and Aesthetics

The Air Jordan 1 retains the same iconic high-top silhouette and overall design that sparked sneaker revolution in 1985. It established hallmarks still seen today like vibrant colors, elephant print, and visible Air cushioning.

Signature elements include the wings logo spread across the collar, smooth leather Swoosh logos on the sides, and "Nike Air" branding on the tongue tag. Color schemes draw inspiration from MJ's early career.

It pioneered featuring sneaker technology as a prominent design element. Seeing the encapsulated Air unit provided prestige. Overall, the retro styling mixed with premium leathers gives the sneaker timeless appeal.

Materials and Construction

Nike uses premium materials hand-picked to replicate the quality of 1985 OG models. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG upper consists of genuine leather, textile, and synthetic suede depending on the color scheme. Less-visible budget materials are not used simply to cut costs.

Collars are reinforced with layers of stiff foam to maintain structure. The sockliner contains die-cut EVA foam for lightweight step-in cushioning. Rubber cupsoles give durability outdoors.

Careful stitching and detailing speaks to the hand-crafted approach used for every retro release. Extra material supports the ankles without binding. Overall, no corners are cut to preserve the heritage build quality.

Breathability

The Air Jordan 1 offers decent ventilation for a vintage basketball sneaker. Small perforations across the toe box allow air flow to cool and dry feet. However, the extensive use of leather limits airflow compared to modern knit or mesh designs.

During intense play, feet may still overheat in the warmer months. Wearing breathable socks helps mediate temperature and wick away moisture. For casual wear, breathability remains adequate to keep you comfortably dry.

On the whole, ventilation falls slightly below average but remains suitable for retro performance. The leather build simply limits airflow versus modern builds focused on keeping feet cool.

Support and Stability

The high-top silhouette provides excellent support. The padded collar together with the firmly attached tongue provide a sock-like fit.

This enhances stability and containment. The ankle cut height also improves protection against rolls or twists.

Cushioning from the Nike Air sole and molded sockliner supply adequate arch and heel support. The midfoot shank adds rigidity for stability during quicker movements.

Value and Cost

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG has a retail price between $160-$200 USD typically. Resale prices can run over $300 depending on demand and availability.

Given the premium materials, comfort technologies, and intangible exclusivity of Jordan Brand, the cost seems justified for committed sneakerheads.

More budget-focused buyers may see better value in cheaper alternatives. However, the AJ1 remains reasonably priced for a high-performing retro classic.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Iconic, timeless design
• Premium leather quality
• Nike Air cushioning responsiveness
• Great court traction from outsole
• Secure lockdown from high-top silhouette
• Breathable toe perforations
• Padded collar and tongue

Cons

• Runs narrow, especially in toe box
• Can be tight before break-in period
• Requires leather maintenance
• Less advanced performance technologies
• Limited airflow and breathability

Comparison to Alternatives

Adidas Forum

The Adidas Forum has a similar retro basketball look to the AJ1. It wins on comfort with Adiprene cushioning and a roomier fit. However, the iconic impact of the Jordan 1 outshines the Forum when it comes to cultural clout and brand prestige.

Nike Dunk SB

The Nike Dunk SB is another throwback basketball model turned modern lifestyle staple. It benefits from Nike's heritage while opening up more personalized options via collaborations. However, it lacks the instantly recognizable identity carved out by the Air Jordan 1.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70

Like the AJ1, the Chuck Taylor 70 revives a vintage basketball silhouette in premium materials. It comes at a more affordable price point but lacks performance capabilities for anything beyond casual use.

No alternative can truly match the nostalgic pull and versatility of the original Air Jordan 1. Its unrivaled legacy and design innovation maintain its status atop retro basketball sneakers.

Conclusion and Rating

35 years after its introduction, the Air Jordan 1 remains the quintessential basketball lifestyle sneaker. Its enduring popularity stems from its iconic design, premium construction, and heritage appeal.

Nike did a laudable job retaining vintage charm while modernizing the fit and comfort. The resulting shoe does right by the original while refreshing the legend.

For both sneaker enthusiasts and the average consumer, the AJ1 checks all boxes. It seamlessly merges performance, style, and cultural significance for good reason.

Overall, the Air Jordan 1 earns a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating. Its past and present meld together into a seamless classic.

User Experience

Unboxing a new pair of Air Jordan 1s becomes a ceremonious occasion. Lifting the lid reveals the shoes nestled in delicate paper, protected like artifacts of history.

Slipping them on for the first time, your socks glide across the soft leather lining. The padded collar cushions your ankle as the materials contour smoothly to your feet.

Laced up tight, the security reminds you of their high-top basketball origins. The Nike Air unit offers a touch of modern plushness absent in their vintage first iteration.

On court, the traction grips tenaciously as you mirror gliding moves of Jordan himself. The supportive fit allows you to play without fear of rolls or instability, a rarity for retro sneakers.

Off court, you mix and match with carefully chosen fits that highlight the iconic colors. Heads turn to glance at the Wings logo and Swoosh branding on the street. The leather creases just enough to look broken in but never overworn.

Each wear evokes nostalgia and pride. You feel like part of a legacy stretching back decades to a radical moment that reshaped sneaker culture eternally.

Customer Reviews

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG releases in a variety of sought-after colorways, each with its own stories and reviews.

"Banned" Bred - This black and red combo will forever be tied to Jordan's rookie season. The contrast pops while allowing the sleek lines to shine.

"Chicago" - Crisp and clean, this white and red look celebrates MJ's Chicago Bulls career. It pairs perfectly with summer fits.

"Shadow" - Dark and mysterious, the black, white and grey color blocking has an understated versatility.

No matter the color scheme, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG delivers an unmatched retro experience. Its enduring relevance and quality craftsmanship make it a must-have for any sneaker lover. Decades later, the shoe that sparked a revolution remains an absolute classic.