Revisiting the Year’s Best Air Jordan 1 Colorways Ahead of the AJ1 "Crafted" Release
Yet another strong year for the Jumpman silhouette.
As 2021 wraps up, Jordan Brand ends the year on a multi-colored note with the release of the Air Jordan 1 High “Crafted.” The latest iteration of the iconic silhouette remains true to its heritage while introducing a mix of neutral tones and vibrant accents for a wholly distinct take on the model.
To mark the drop, we’re taking a look back at some of the best Air Jordan 1 Highs of 2021 — all available on GOAT.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Crafted”
Release Date: December 18, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
The Air Jordan 1 “Crafted” joins the Jordan Brand’s 2021 holiday lineup, showcasing a seasonally appropriate color-blocked design. The iconic silhouette arrives with multi-colored panels, grounded by “Archaeo Brown” on the forefoot. Pops of color also appear on the forest green eyestays, plum-colored panels on the heel and chocolate ankle flaps. These hues are complemented by neutral hits from the black Swooshes, collars and tongues as well as the white toe boxes. The last pop of color appears on the dual-toned laces which feature a fluorescent orange to match the tongue branding. Finally, the Wings logo appears as a patch rather than its typical embroidery.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Court Purple”
Release Date: June 3, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
Reminiscent of the OG Air Jordan 1 “Metallic Purple” from 1985, the women’s exclusive Air Jordan 1 “Court Purple” released as part of the brand’s summer retro collection. The streamlined design is rooted in a premium tumbled white leather upper with high-gloss metallic purple accents appearing on the Swooshes and collars. Additional distinguishing details include the satin collar lining, outsole and branding hits in the same vibrant violet hue.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Shadow 2.0”
Release Date: May 15, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
The May release of the Air Jordan 1 “Shadow 2.0” marked a second coming of the beloved Air Jordan 1 “Shadow” from 1985. The two-tone silhouette makes use of black leather on the toebox, quarter, and collar while smooth gray nubuck appears on the mudguards, eyestays, Swooshes, heels and collar flaps. A white midsole and black outsole finish off the clean design.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Pollen”
Release Date: August 14, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
Also harkening back to the 1980s, the Air Jordan 1 “Pollen” pays homage to one of the original colorways of the Nike Dunk released in 1985. This drop however, marks the first time the vibrant, black and yellow colorway — inspired by the Iowa Hawkeyes — appears on the AJ1. This iteration of the silhouette features a black upper with contrasting overlays in “Pollen” yellow which also appears on the Swoosh branding, shoelaces and outsole.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue”
Release Date: March 6, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
Debuted in the first quarter of 2021, the Air Jordan 1 “University Blue” showcases classic color-blocking inspired by Jordan’s days as a UNC Tar Heel. This release sets itself apart through inspired material choices — as the powder blue overlays come through in suede as opposed to the silhouette’s signature leather. A leather white base and black accents on the signature Swoosh, Wings logo, collar and tongue tag complete the iteration.
A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Airness”
Release Date: November 24, 2021
Retail Price: $200 USD
A Ma Maniére founder James Whitner’s influence is undeniable on the thoughtfully-designed A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1 “Airness.” Representing another chapter of the brand’s collaboration with Jordan, this release serves as a symbol of the resilience and unity of Black communities facing adversity. The sneaker breaks away from tradition by replacing the typical leather upper with textured suede cast in off-white. Touches of burgundy stamp the shoe’s standard design elements such as the collar and Swoosh. The standout features of the silhouette — aside from its snakeskin accents — are Michael Jordan’s signature and an inscription inside the collar that reads, “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Hyper Royal”
Release Date: April 17, 2021
Retail Price: $170 USD
With its distressed blue suede and contrasts of white, the Air Jordan 1 “Hyper Royal” arrived just in time for the spring. Touches of grey hit the Swoosh and collar, complementing the high-top’s understated color palette. Branding elements such as the Jordan Wings logo and Nike tongue tag arrive in their usual positions, staying true to the sneaker’s lineage.
