Double Tap to Zoom

Some Jordan shoes you keep pristine. These? You’re supposed to beat them up. 

Nike's Air Jordan 1 High OG “Self Expression” shoe flips the usual collector mindset on its head with a black matte upper that’s made to be destroyed, on purpose. Think scratch-art nostalgia meets sneaker culture. 

Every scuff or scrape on these sneakers reveals bold color underneath, turning wear and tear into wearable art. Unlike your Shattered Backboards or Chicago reissues, these shoes are designed to age out loud.

Each nick fades the shoe's black upper's paintjob into bursts of color, like memories surfacing. 

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

Remember those rainbow scratchboards from art class as a kid? Same energy, but for your feet.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Tiktok.

Bonus points to Jordan Brand for leaning into that tactile, personal evolution.

New in-hand photos of the "Self Expression" sneakers confirm that the underlayers may vary, so no two pairs end up alike.

Also, there’s an argument for skaters to pick these up, they’re practically begging to be thrashed in the same spirit IBN Jasper used to rock his Jordan 1s.

You have to appreciate sneakers that force you to ask how you’re going to scuff them, rather than if you are. Expect them to drop July 12 on Nike's website, likely for around $180

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • Travis Scott's Latest Nike Sneaker Is Every Bit as Fruity as It Is Fresh
  • Nike Makes (Another) Point For the Luscious Brown Everyday Sneaker
  • Just Like Any Father, the Dad Model of Nike's Jordans Still Has a Story to Tell
  • Nike's Most Elegant Air Jordans Might Be Even Finer Than Wine
  • It Doesn't Get Much Crisper Than Jordan's Minimalist Baller
What To Read Next
  • Vans' OG Skater Proves Half The Shoe Doesn't Mean Half The Fun
  • adidas' Gargantuan Trail Shoe Is Large & in Charge
  • Why is Every Man Dressing like He Has a Weird Little Hobby?
  • What's Wilder Than adidas Dress Shoes? Mickey Mouse adidas Dress Shoes
  • Why Did This Artisanal Label Dip Its adidas Sneakers In Coffee? (EXCLUSIVE)
  • Thanks to LOEWE, Footballer Suits Have Never Looked Cooler