This is not a Panda Dunk High. Nor is it your run-of-the-mill monochromatic AJ1. It's the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white', a continuation of the ‘85 series that – following the releases of ‘varsity red’, ‘neutral grey’ and ‘Georgetown’ – replicates the earliest version of the earliest Air Jordan 1 colourways. And it’s about to drop worldwide.
Since February 2020, the ‘85 series has been occupying the imaginations of diehard Air Jordan 1 collectors at a time when alternative Jumpmans – particularly, the Air Jordan 2 and Air Jordan 4 – have reigned supreme. And they couldn’t be happier, since the true-to-the-original form reinstates a tall, slim frame, uncontoured midsole and an extended nylon tongue marked with a retro logo tag. Not to mention the use of a thick, stiff, smooth – not tumbled – leather that possesses a more premium look and feel compared to that of the more affordable – and, arguably, more comfortable and practical – Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG silhouette.
The decorative details of the ‘85 ‘black/white’ – destined to be dubbed the ‘85 ‘panda’ – also recall the primary model. The wing logo at the ankle is embossed; the sidewall Swooshes have been restored to their original length; the fabric sockliner is printed with the production date and shoe size; the insole sticker is loaded with factory jargon.
Plus, there’s the hangtag booklet, threaded through one of the eyestays besides a pack of white laces. The two-page guide, fronted by a prominent photo of a dunking Michael Jordan, contains an Air Jordan 1 diagram justifying design decisions alongside the particulars of the Air Wedge technology at play.
Each pair of Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ arrives fixed with flat black laces, wrapped in tissue decorated with various Jordan Brand logos, inside a black and red shoe box that flips the design of the OG packaging. Again: this is not a Panda Dunk High. Nor is it your run-of-the-mill monochromatic AJ1. It's something much more special.
When is the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ dropping?
The Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ is officially dropping on Wednesday 15 February.
As usual, the shoe is already attainable on resale marketplaces such as The Edit Ldn, StockX and GOAT, with prices starting at £255.
Where is the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ dropping?
The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'black/white' is dropping on the Nike SNKRS app at 8 am on Wednesday 15 February. Head into the app now to activate reminder notifications.
The Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ is also dropping via raffles on End and One Block Down, and in the Size?, Footpatrol and SNS apps.
How much will the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ cost?
The Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 ‘black/white’ is priced at £180 for adult sizes, and £48 for toddler sizes.
How does the Air Jordan 1 High ‘black/white’ fit?
The Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 silhouette is slightly snugger than other Air Jordan 1 High styles that fit true to size, which is why you may want to consider opting for a half size up – especially if you have wide feet.
