Today we’ll review one of the most renowned retro sneakers on the market, Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, the Air Jordan 1. This is the first sneaker of Jordan’s retro line and the one that started everything. It was designed by Peter Moore and released in 1985, a year after MJ’s debut in the NBA. He is the same designer who created the Nike Dunk, another basketball shoe that was released that same year, thus the similarities between the two styles. The Air Jordan 1 was introduced in both hi and low versions. While we got a low top version, the mid version is the one that was released initially, being to this day one of the most popular high top sneakers for men on the market.
How They Fit
It was one of the low versions from 2022 that we came across, the “True Blue Cement”. They come in the classic black Jordan box and they look as fresh as ever. Jordan is known for the quality of craftsmanship and materials used and this one is no different. Its retro look is complemented by the all leather construction, making it a solid shoe that is made to last. They fit true to size, however if you feet are on the wide side you can go a half size up. If not sure what size you need you can check out our Jordan shoes size chart.
Upper
The upper of the Air Jordan 1 is the classic construction of the sneakers from the 80’s, in all leather materials. The toebox is quite roomy and it features the perforations that we are used to seeing on sneakers of that era. The branding is one where this shoe stands out even from the other retros of the Jordan line, being one of the very few featuring both Nike and Jordan logos. For the low top versions we got the Jordan wings logo moved on the heel while on the hi top is on the upper padded ankle area. At the time of its release these were considered performance basketball shoes so the padding for the Hi Top was a must have. They quickly turned into lifestyle sneakers, however , much like the low tops were originally designed for. When it comes to performance, of course , there is no need for an Air Jordan 1 review to figure out that their basketball days are long gone unless you want to make a statement by wearing them. Not that many would want to ruin their pair that way.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is once again a classic setup of a retro, with a rubber capsule enforced by a 360 stitching for extra durability. The cushioning is mainly provided by the removable polyurethane insole that is quite thick. The midsole features a hidden Air Max unit that delivers some energy return with every step, one that in the subsequent models became visible. The sole still provides excellent support and comfort for all day wear, these being a favorite for many not only for their looks but also for being a dependable pair that will last. The rubber outsole is made of a material that adds some great traction, especially on indoor surfaces.
Bottom Line
To conclude our brief Air Jordan 1 Trainer review, this is one of the most stylish retro sneakers that you can get your hands on. Countless colorways have been released over time and they are still to this day one of the most sought for styles on the market. Some are still using the hi tops as basketball shoes but the performance you get is sub par compared with contemporary models. However, the style is unmatched and remains quite trendy to this day and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. While they have many in common with other classics, they are distinct in many ways, including the Jordan retro line.
