The Air Jordan 1 Lost and Found is set to drop this week. Coming in unique vintage details, this release pays tribute to the history behind this classic signature shoe. In that spirit, here’s a timeline of the many different versions and retros of the Air Jordan 1 Chicago.
1985 – The Air Jordan 1’s OG release
Designed by the late, great Peter Moore, Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe made its debut in 1985. Dropping alongside a host of iconic OG AJ1 colourways, including the Breds and the Royals, this classic red, white, and black scheme was of course based on the Chicago Bulls.
1986 – The Air Jordan 1 KO
The AJKO was originally released in the 80s, as an affordable alternative to the all-leather model, with the Chicago colourway reconstructed with layers of durable canvas.
1994 – The first Air Jordan 1 Chicago Retro
Despite being one of the most iconic sneakers ever, the Air Jordan 1 Chicago laid dormant for nine years, before being retroed in 1994. Neeedless to say this was a sought after release, staying true to the OG but with minor tweeks, including the shape of the ankle and the perforations on the toe box
2003 – Air Jordan 1 Chicago Bulls Patent
The Chicago colourway got a glossy update for the 2000s, with its red and white panels made in sleek patent leather. The 2000s also saw the introduction of the Air Jordan 1 Mid cut.
2010 – Air Jordan 1 KO Chicago Retro
Following the original design’s string of retro runs, the AJKO got its first rerelease in 2010. This pair paid tribute to its retro roots with an artificially yellowed midsole (12 years ahead of the Lost and Found).
2013 – The second Air Jordan 1 Chicago Retro
The Chicago High was retroed again in 2013, but things weren’t quite the same. Jumpman logos replaced the OG Nike Air branding on the tongue, and also stood out in black on the heel panels.
2015 – The third Air Jordan 1 Chicago Retro
Purists weren’t kept waiting for long, with an OG retro appearing in 2015, with all the classic branding preserved.
2017 – Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Chicago ‘The Ten’
While the Jordan 1 has been the perfect canvas for numerous collaborations, few stand out like the deconstructed renditions from ‘The Ten’ series from Virgil Abloh. The utilitarian details on this collab are all neatly tied together with a classic colourway.
2018 – Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG (Spider-Man Origin Story)
Following the Chicago’s appearance in the animated hit Into the Spiderverse, Jordan Brand dropped the ‘Origin Story’. The red panels featured hits of 3M in the style of comic book Ben-Day dots, and a unique Swoosh made to resemble Spider-Man’s costume.
2021 – The AJKO’s second Retro
The Air Jordan KO gets its second run of retros over a full decade later.
2021 – Air Jordan 1 Retro High Trophy Room Chicago
Courtesy of Marcus Jordan’s sneaker boutique, 2021 saw the release of the Trophy Room Chicagos. This icy finish on the red overlays is inspired by the rumoured “freeze-out” against MJ during the 1985 NBA All-Star game. The shoe also comes with Jordan’s signature on the heel, and stars found in the transucent outsole.
2022 – AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG LOST AND FOUND
The latest take on the Chicago Highs. This release is based on the concept of a classic pair of 85 Jordans that got lost in a shop’s inventory, and rediscovered years later. The entire shoe features aged, vintage details, complete with distressed retro packaging.
The Lost and Found drops on the 19th of November, with pairs already available now on KLEKT.
