Double Tap to Zoom

The king's back. The Air Jordan 1 "Royal" is officially returning in 2026 in original glory.

The first official images came from JD Sports, revealing a classic leather comeback of the Jordan sneaker. Yes, you read that right. No suede, vintage-style reimagining, or a low-top revival, just a classic leather "Royal" AJ1 High OG.

Expect extra-creamy leather uppers topped with the familiar black-and-royal-blue colorblocking, all paired with clean white rubber soles. It varies slightly in shape compared to previous releases, but it's still a pretty clean rerelease.

"Royal" was born iconic, being one of the original Jordan 1 colorways released in 1985. It's received a few relaunches and refreshes over the years, including a Reimagined suede take in 2023. The last classic leather release was in 2017, and it remains in some sneakerheads' rotation to this very day.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

Well, time to make room for the 2026 editions.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The "Royal" Air Jordan 1 High OG sneakers will release on Nike's website in October. The only thing scary about these dropping during spooky season will be getting that "sorry" message from the SNKRS app on drop day.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.

We Recommend
  • Nike’s Red-Hot Air Force 1 Is Wearable Hip-Hop History
  • Nike's Killer Trail Sneaker Is Still a Beauty With the Lights Off
  • Nike's Crisp Black Denim Air Maxes Are Only Part "Jeaker"
  • Nike’s Iced-Out Snakeskin Air Forces Are Seriously Cold (Blooded)
  • Nike's British Air Jordans Are as Handsome as They Are Hairy
What To Read Next
  • Suddenly, adidas’ Best Loafer Got Better
  • CLOT Pops the Trunk on Its Razor-Sharp adidas Sneaker
  • An Iconic Air Jordan Sneaker Takes Its Rightful Throne (Again)
  • Nike’s Red-Hot Air Force 1 Is Wearable Hip-Hop History
  • Nike's Killer Trail Sneaker Is Still a Beauty With the Lights Off
  • This Stealthy Nike Windbreaker Takes Performance Off-Duty