The gifting season is here and winning the holidays has never been easier. If you or one of your loved ones is a sneakerhead by any means, there’s at least one pair of Jordan 1s that’s bound for a holiday wishlist. For those unaware, Jordan is the biggest name in the sneaker industry and the Air Jordan 1 is the shoe that started it all. Jordan Brand has delivered a number of new colorways in the iconic silhouette so far in 2021 and any sneakerhead will come away from the season overflowing with joy after adding any of these pairs to their rotation.
Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Neutral Grey
This year was an exciting one for longtime fans of Jordan Brand. Sneakerheads have been waiting for years for the brand to release a retro version of the Air Jordan 1 Neutral Grey. Originally made available in 1985, when the Jordan 1 first debuted, the Neutral Grey color hadn’t been released again until earlier this year. Fans were left satisfied as Jordan brought an eye for detail to the sneaker’s construction and rollout, delivering the sneaker in the 1985 Retro model. Mostly white with subtle touches of grey, this sneaker is more than just a collector’s item, it’s practical for everyday wear in almost any existing wardrobe. If you’re looking to add a new daily favorite to your or a loved one’s collection, the Jordan 1 Neutral Grey is the easiest win of 2021.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG A Ma Maniére
Earlier this year, Jordan Brand and A Ma Maniére came together for the release of a tasteful grey Jordan 3 that some were rightfully quick to dub the sneaker of the year. The two have returned just in time for the holiday season, releasing a collaborative Jordan 1 of the same caliber just two days before Black Friday. The Jordan 1 A Ma Maniére comes fitted in a sail and burgundy colorway, featuring a suede upper with a leather lizard-finished collar and Nike Swoosh. Yellowed soles and worn-in burgundy laces give this sneaker a distinctly vintage look that evokes a sense of nostalgia without even trying. If you’re on the hunt for the latest and greatest Air Jordan 1, you can stop looking because you’ve found it.
Jordan 1 Retro High White University Blue Black
Released in March of this year, just one month after the aforementioned Retro High Neutral Greys, Jordan Brand paid homage once again to their namesake’s rich history. Those who’ve followed the career of Michael Jordan know that the University of North Carolina is where the legendary basketball phenomenon played in college. Jordan Brand has consistently honored that, delivering UNC Blue colorways of the 1 for decades. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High University Blue is the most recent addition and features black and white tumbled leather set against University Blue Durabuck overlays, delivering an up-to-date version of the classic sneaker silhouette in a timeless colorway.
Jordan 1 Retro High Shadow 2.0
In 2018, Jordan Brand released the Jordan 1 Retro High Shadow, an OG black and grey colorway from the 80s that has since become extremely popular. Earlier this year, Jordan Brand introduced the Shadow 2.0, a slight variation that capitalized on the original Shadow colorway’s popularity. While the same color palette is kept for the Shadow 2.0, the sneaker is noticeably brighter than its predecessor, featuring multiple additional hits of the Light Smoke Grey colors from the Shadow. Regardless of the changes, the Shadow 2.0 subtly calls out to the original model and has quickly achieved similar levels of popularity to that of the OG Shadow colorway. This sneaker has quickly become one of the most popular Jordan 1s on StockX in 2021 and is a worthy addition to the rotation of any sneaker fan.
Jordan 1 Retro High Court Purple (W)
Although Jordan sneakers are primarily released in men’s sizing, one of the best Jordan 1s of the year was made available exclusively in women’s sizes. Similar to the Neutral Greys, the women’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High Court Purple features an all-white upper. This is relatively rare for Jordan Brand in recent years, so two primarily white sneakers in one year is a big deal. The Jordan 1 Retro High Court Purple differs from the Neutral Grey through its purple leather Nike Swoosh and collar, which deliver the sneaker’s playful pops of color. If there’s someone special in mind who’s been looking for a new pair of white shoes but isn’t quite sure which pair to get, these Jordan 1s just might be what they’re trying to find.
Jordan 1 Retro High Pollen
If you or a loved one are really into Pikachu, Beedrill, or Bee Movie, Jordan Brand has something special just for you. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High Pollen features a simple two-tone format, delivering a contrasting black and yellow sneaker. With a balanced mix of yellow and black, that’s grounded with a white sole, these sneakers are a statement but a relatively safe one, especially if you’re passionate about a certain insect species that happens to be dying at an alarming rate. Released over the summer, this sneaker quickly became one of the best-sellers on StockX and if we had to guess, it’ll be a popular gift this holiday season too.
Jordan 1 Retro High Trophy Room Chicago
If you’re really looking to go above and beyond for your loved one or yourself this holiday season, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High Trophy Room Chicago might be the pair for you. This sneaker was rumored to be the most limited Jordan release of the year making it basically impossible to get. Though its release was surrounded by some controversy, the sneaker was sold out within seconds and pairs immediately began to sell on StockX regularly for over $1,500. The hype is warranted as the sneaker pays homage to Michael Jordan’s first All-Star appearance which coincided with the release of the Air Jordan 1. The design is built around the original Air Jordan 1 Chicago colorway but features distinct alterations like glittery white and red finishes, a translucent outsole, and a print of Michael Jordan’s signature. This pair of sneakers was possibly the hardest of the list to get your hands on in 2021, and if you’re looking to blow the holidays out of the water, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High Trophy Room is an easy way to do it.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG Bordeaux
As the year comes closer to its end, Jordan Brand has continued to release the Jordan 1 in new and exciting colorways. One of their more recent popular releases is the Air Jordan 1 Retro High Bordeaux, which was dropped just one week before Black Friday. The sneaker tastefully mixes white and Bordeaux-colored leather overlays and uppers which are finished off with a metallic silver Nike Swoosh. The silver Swoosh sets this sneaker apart from the rest of the year’s Jordan 1 releases, delivering a look reminiscent of an Off-White collaboration. While this pair of Jordans doesn’t tout the heritage of a Neutral Grey or the collaborative prowess of an A Ma Maniére partnership, the Bordeaux is still an exceptional gift option.
