In the world of sneakers, few silhouettes hold more weight than the Nike Jordan 1. And beyond that, there are exactly zero colorways that epitomize the Jordan 1 silhouette more than the Jordan 1 Chicago. As such, there’s a strong argument for the Nike Jordan 1 Chicago being the ultimate sneaker. And, with a new release on the horizon, it felt like the right time to consider why.
Sure, visually the shoe is great. It’s a simple, city-specific colorway that’s versatile and emphasizes all the parts of the shoe that need it. But what really defines the success of the Nike Jordan 1 Chicago is deeper than aesthetics; it’s the fact that the shoe has history.
It’s the shoe that opened the world’s eyes to the wonders of sneakers. Unveiled in 1985, it was the starting point for one of the world’s most successful sneaker franchises ever, seeing the Jumpman through season after season, iconic moment after iconic moment. And perhaps most amazingly, the Nike Jordan 1 Chicago hasn’t lost any of its charm in 37 years.
That’s maybe because the base Nike Jordan 1 Chicago has been through many iterations that have reinvigorated the style. Below, with the help of StockX, we’ve rounded up some of the Jordan 1 Chicago’s biggest moments in the last 10 years.
Scroll down to see the Nike Jordan 1 Chicago's last 10 years.
2022 — Nike Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost and Found
We're going to work our way back from the present day, so we're starting with the latest installment in the Jordan 1 Chicago story. It's been seven years since the last official Chicago release, so it's no surprise that Jordan fans are losing their minds over the upcoming Lost and Found release. Characterized by an aged look, the Nike Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost and Found nods to the long history of one of the sneaker world's best-ever.
2022 — Nike Jordan 1 Retro Low Golf Chicago
The Chicago isn't reserved for hardwood. In fact, 2017 saw the colorway hit the field in the form of a pair of cleats, and this March treated golf players to a course-ready Chicago Low. Michael Jordan has made no secret about his love for golf, so it's a natural fit.
2021 — Nike Jordan 1 Retro High Trophy Room Chicago
The Jordan 1 Chicago is a colorway surrounded by history and legend, and few editions of the sneaker encapsulate that like the Trophy Room iteration. Made in collaboration with the Orlando-based sneaker store, this version pays homage to the 1985 All-Star game, which coincided with the original release of the shoe. The glittery top coat makes for a twist on the style, while text reading "Rumor has it..." embroidered to the interior ankle references the rumor that players planned to freeze Jordan out of the game by limiting his possessions.
2021 — Nike Jordan 1 Retro AJKO Chicago
Debuting in 1986, the AJKO iteration of the Chicago offered a lightweight, canvas version of the classic. In 2021, Jordan Brand brought the style back, resurrecting the thick canvas uppers, leather Swoosh, and AJKO Wings branding to the collar.
2020 — Nike Jordan 1 Mid Chicago
There's a lot of debate over the Jordan Mid, but whatever your stance on the style, there's no denying that it's probably never looked as good as it does in the Chicago outfit. Aside from being a Mid, this design swaps the red heel wrap for white, which creates a clean but less classic finish.
2017 — Nike x Off-White™ Air Jordan 1 Retro High Chicago
Most collaborations couldn't dream of rivaling the legend of the OG Chicago, but the Off-White™ version isn't most collaborations. Carrying not only the legend of Michael Jordan but also the legend of Virgil Abloh, this collab ups the ante. Released in 2017, it marked the beginning of Virgil's partnership with Nike, which will go down as a turning point in the luxury-streetwear crossover.
2015 — Nike Jordan 1 Retro Chicago
2015 was the last official release of a Nike Jordan 1 Chicago. Premium leather uppers carry the Chicago colorway down to a tee. This is the raw, uncut appeal of the Chicago.
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