Air Jordan 1 Low The Air Jordan 1 Low is a low-top version of the iconic Air Jordan 1, first released in 1985 as a more casual and versatile alternative to the high-top original. Designed by Peter Moore, the AJ1 Low retains the classic silhouette but offers a sleeker, summertime-friendly profile. Nike Air branding – Early retros feature the “Nike Air” tongue tag, while newer models may have the “Jump man” logo.

Key Features:

Low-top design – Easier to wear casually compared to the high-top AJ1.
Classic color blocking – Many releases follow OG colorways like “Chicago,” “Bred,” “Royal,” and “Shadow.”
Leather or synthetic upper – Depending on the release, materials vary from premium leather to more affordable synthetics.
Encapsulated Air cushioning – Provides comfort for casual wear (not designed for serious basketball performance).

Popular Air Jordan 1 Low Releases:

OG Colorways – “Chicago,” “Bred,” “Royal,” “Shadow” (reissued periodically).
“Atmosphere Grey” – A neutral, everyday sneaker.
“Elephant Print” – Features the iconic print from the AJ3.
“SE Craft” – Textured, deconstructed designs with unique materials.

Styling the AJ1 Low:

Casual: Pair with jeans, shorts, or joggers for a relaxed look.
Streetwear: Works well with oversized tees, hoodies, and cargo pants.
Summer fits: Great with shorts and a simple tee due to the low-cut design.

Resale & Hype:

General releases are affordable (~ 100–150 retail), but COLLABS (like Travis Scott’s) can resell for 500–1,500+.
Some OG retros with “Nike Air” branding are also highly collectible.

Where to Buy:

Nike SNKRS
StockX, GOAT, Stadium Goods (resale)
Foot Locker, JD Sports, Finish Line

History & Background

1985: The AJ1 Low debuted shortly after the high-top AJ1, offering a more laid-back, everyday sneaker.
Early 2000s: Nike began retroing OG colorways, but the Low was initially less popular than the high-top.
2010s–Present: The Low gained massive traction due to streetwear trends, collaborations, and its versatility.

2. Design & Variations

A. Classic OG Silhouette
Tongue: Original “Nike Air” tag (on retros like the 2015–2019 releases).
Heel: No Jumpman (stays true to the ’85 design).
Midsole: Thinner than the high-top, with a slightly tapered toe.

B. Modern Updates

Jumpman branding (post-2019 models).
“85”-inspired cuts (thicker swooshes, better leather).

Special Editions (SE):

“Craft” – Deconstructed, layered materials.
“Inside Out” – Exposed stitching, reversed branding.
“Satin” – Luxe finishes (e.g., Satin Snake AJ1 Low).

3. Most Iconic & Hyped Releases

A. OG Retros (Nike Air Tongue)

Chicago (2015, 2021) – White/Red/Black.
Bred (2015, 2022) – Black/Red.
Royal (2016, 2023) – Black/Royal Blue.
Shadow (2015, 2023) – Black/Grey.

B. Travis Scott Collabs (Hype Beasts Love These)

Reverse Mocha (2022) – Brown/White, backwards Swoosh.
Olive (2023) – Military green suede.
Black Phantom (2022) – All-black with gum sole.
*(Resale: 600–2,000+ depending on size.)*

C. Other Notable Collabs

Fragment x Travis Scott (2021) – Blue/Black/White, double branding.
CLOT x AJ1 Low “Silk” (2023) – Faux-silk upper, Chinese-themed.
J Balvin “Rainbow” (2023) – Vibrant colors, removable tongue patches.

D. Women’s & Gender-Neutral Exclusives

“Atmosphere Grey” (2023) – Soft grey/white.
“Elephant Print” (2022) – AJ3-inspired print.
“Lucky Green” (2024) – Celtics-inspired green/white.

4. Styling the AJ1 Low

A. Casual Everyday

Men: Black jeans + white tee + AJ1 Low “Bred.”

B. Streetwear Flex

Techwear cargos + oversized hoodie + Travis Scott Lows.
Matching fitted cap + baggy pants + neutral AJ1 Lows.

C. Summer Vibes

White socks + pastel shorts + “Atmosphere Grey” Lows.

5. Resale Market Guide

Model Retail Price Resale (2024)

Travis Scott “Olive” $150 800–1,200

OG “Chicago” (2021) $100 300–500

Fragment x Travis Scott $150 1,500–2,500

CLOT “Silk” $160 400–700

Pro Tip: General GR (Grade School) colorways sit near retail, while COLLABS skyrocket.

6. How to Spot Fakes

Check the Swoosh: Should be smooth, not jagged.
Tongue Tag: OG retros say “Nike Air,” newer ones say “Jump man.”
Heel Shape: Fake pairs often have a bulky, uneven heel.
Box Label: Match style code (e.g., DC0774-106 = “Chicago” 2021).

7. Future Releases to Watch

“Metallic” Pack (2024) – Gold, Silver, and Navy.
“Yellow Ochre” (Fall 2024) – Earthy yellow/black.
Possible Dior AJ1 Low? (Rumored).

The Secret History of the AJ1 Low

Original 1985 Production: Few people know the first AJ1 Lows had a narrower toe box than the highs, making them fit differently.
“Lost” Colorways: Some early samples (like a “Varsity Red” without black trim) never released.
Japan-Exclusive PEs: In the 2000s, Nike Japan dropped ultra-rare lows in metallic finishes and patent leather.

2. Factory & Quality Differences

Not all AJ1 Lows are made equal—factory codes matter:
LN3 (Vietnam): Often stiffer leather, tighter QC.
LJ (China): Softer materials, but inconsistent stitching.
Special Pairs (e.g., Travis Scott): Made in higher-tier factories with premium cuts.
Pro Tip: Check the size tag code—”DC” prefixes often indicate better-quality retros.

3. The “OG Cut” vs. “Modern Cut” Debate

OG Cut (2015–2019 retros):
Thicker padding on the collar.
Smoother leather (closer to ’85 specs).
“Nike Air” tongue tag.

Modern Cut (2020+):

Slimmer profile, cheaper synthetic linings.
Jump man tongue tag.
Some have shorter Swooshes (controversial among purists).

4. Custom & DIY Culture

The AJ1 Low is a blank canvas for sneaker customizers:
Paint Projects: Turning GR “Triple White” lows into fake Travis Scotts.
Swoosh Swaps: Adding velcro Swooshes (like the Fragment design).
Deconstructed Looks: Ripping seams for a “Vintage” vibe.

Famous Customizers:

@TheSurgeonn (TS-style reverse Swoosh mods).
@Zacustoms (fantasy PE concepts).

5. Rare & Unreleased Samples

“New Beginnings” Pack (2020): A low-top version of the AJ1 “Chicago” with a Nike Air tag was prototyped but scrapped.
“Lucky Green” Sample: A black-based variant (not the 2024 release) leaked in 2022.
Travis Scott “Cactus Jack” Low: A mocha suede sample with a red heel tab surfaced in 2021.
*(These trade for $10K+ in collector circles.)*

6. Performance? Nope, But

The AJ1 Low was never meant for basketball, but:
1986 Ads falsely claimed they had “enhanced court grip” (marketing fluff).

7. Regional Exclusives You Missed

“Linen” (Asia-Only, 2019): A buttery suede beige pair.
“Hare” (EU-Only, 2022): A Bugs Bunny-inspired colorway.

8. The “Fake Hype” Phenomenon

Some GR colorways suddenly spike in resale due to TikTok trends:
“Gym Red” (2020): Went from90to300 overnight in 2023.
“Black Toe” (2022): Doubled in price after a celebrity sighting.
(Buy these before they blow up—next could be “Neutral Grey” or “Panda”.)

9. Future Predictions

Nike Air Tag Returns: Rumors say OG branding is coming back in 2025.
More Travis Scott Collabs: Leaks suggest a “Cream” colorway.
The Hidden Hierarchy of Leather Quality
Not all AJ1 Low leather is created equal. Here’s the real tier list:

S-Tier (Best)

2015-2019 OG Retros (“Nike Air” tongue)
Travis Scott Collabs
Fragment Design Collab
Characteristics: Full-grain leather, visible pores, buttery creasing

A-Tier

2020-2023 OG Colorways (Jumpman tongue)

CLOT “Silk” Edition

Characteristics: Decent tumbled leather, slightly plastic-coated

B-Tier

General Releases (GR)
Most Women’s Exclusives
Characteristics: Synthetic-feeling, stiff out the box
Pro Tip: The inside of the collar leather tells the truth – premium pairs use the same quality inside and out.

2. The Swoosh Shape Evolution Timeline

1985-2000: Thick and Rounded (following high-top proportions)
2001-2015: Slim and Pointy (cost-cutting era)
2016-Present: OG Thickness Returns (but placement varies)
Watch For: 2023+ models have Swooshes that sit ~1mm higher than 2019 pairs

……..Air Jordan 1 Low……..