In June 2015, an obscure moment in storied career was echoed globally through the release of the ‘Shattered Backboard’.

The year was 1985, and His Airness was kitted out in the black and orange uniform of Stefanel Trieste for an Italian exhibition game. During that particular turn on the hardwood, MJ scored 30 points... and casually smashed the backboard to smithereens with one fabled dunk. After this impressive feat, he removed his game-worn creps – a pair of the AJ1 'Chicago' – and signed them, then gifted them to a player on the opposing team. In 2020 they for $615,000, making them one of the most expensive Air Jordans to ever sell under the hammer.

Since the original 2015 ‘Shattered Backboard’ release, the palette has become one of the most iconic weapons in extensive arsenal of colourways – a monumental achievement, especially considering it doesn’t hold OG status.

Feeling nostalgic? With the imminent arrival of the AJ1 'Shattered Backboard' rerelease, we certainly were – so we trawled Jordan Brand’s catalogue to compile a list of sneakers that have been touched by the magic of orange and black.

Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2015)

The one that started it all, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ released on June 27, 2015. Featuring a full leather upper with black toe and overlays alongside orange toe box and counter, the debut dropped just as Jordan Brand were celebrating 30 years of MJ's legendary dunk.

Since it wasn’t an OG colourway, some Jay collectors decided to sleep on the 'Shattered Backboard'... and would certainly have regretted the decision, seeing as it quickly became a hallmark Jordan Brand palette.

Air Jordan 1 ‘Reverse Shattered Backboard’ (2016)

Th year following the initial release, Jordan Brand were looking to keep the ‘Shattered Backboard’ party going. Flipping up the original colour-blocking, they came up with the ‘Reverse Shattered Backboard’, which resembled .. but with its red panels swapped out for orange!

Air Jordan 31 ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2016)

While not as hyped as the first two editions, this one's noteworthy nonetheless. MJ's released in 2016 and Jordan Brand went HAM with the fan-favourite colourways. The first to touch the silhouette was the ‘Banned’, with the ‘Shattered Backboard’ following soon after.

Air Jordan 1 Women’s ‘Satin Shattered Backboard’ (2018)

Three years after that first iteration of the AJ1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ hit the 'sphere, Jordan Brand resurrected its OG colour-blocking. The was a women's release – coming two years after the much-hyped and mega-exclusive satin edition of the 'Bred' colourway. The satin version of the 'Shattered Backboard' was crafted in a similarly luxe fashion, with its orange overlays giving the kick a glimmering depth that truly suited the palette.

Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard 3.0’ (2019)

Excitement brewed during the extended lead-up to the But when , fans were polarised – turns out the upper was constructed with textured, patent leather. Was it worth the hype? Certainly was to

Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2019)

It took four years, but in 2019 the to the Air Jordan 1 It kept to the original colour-blocking strategy, with black toe and Swoosh plus orange heel overlays and toe box. Classic white rubber midsoles and orange outsoles rounded out the design.

Air Jordan Mars 270 ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2019)

Always pulling obscure colourway inspirations for their creations, Jordan Brand looked to the black and orange for an in 2019. It wasn’t as popular as its AJ1 counterparts, but it sure was clean, with the motif's signature hues capped off with metallic silver Swooshes.

Air Jordan Defy SP ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2019)

The fourth 'Shattered Backboard' release in just one year – Jordan Brand were hanging their hat on the colourway in 2019! They rounded 2019 out with the strapping in pitch black, juicy orange, and crisp white.

Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Shattered Backboard’ (2020)

Not all are mid! Especially not when combined with one of the most iconic Jordan Brand colourways of all time. 2020 saw the Mid-top AJ1 receive the ‘Shattered Backboard’ look.

Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Starfish’ (2021)

At the beginning of 2021, the sneakersphere was hit with the nice surprise that another Air Jordan 1 Low was getting itself gussied up in the ‘Shattered Backboard’ colourway. Officially, this AJ1 Low was named ‘Starfish’ – however it bears a striking resemblance to the colour-blocking used on 2016’s ‘Reverse Shattered Backboard’.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Orange Blaze’ (2021)

The second ‘Shattered Backboard’ (aka 'Orange Blaze') release of 2021 hit the Air Jordan 5, and it presented a unique build; the mesh that’s usually reserved for the midfoot area on the model extended all the way up to the ankle collar. The iconic black and orange hues daubed the midsole.

Air Jordan 1 Low Golf 'Shattered Backboard' (2022)

In the early 2020s, the Jumpman put in the hard yards to bridge the abyss between hoops and golf, loading their paintbrush with some of the most popular Jay colourways – such as 'Chicago' and 'University Blue' – and splashing them over the fairway. When 2022 rolled around they , with colourblocking that payed homage to the 2015 OG panel for panel.

Air Jordan 1 Cleat Mid and Low 'Shattered Backboard' (2025)

Proving that heritage heat was truly no longer just for the hardwood, in mid-2025 Jordan Brand plastered their AJ1 Cleats with its famous triple-pow palette. This was a win for athletes who valued style just as much as the solidarity of their foot-bones – because who wants their talus in as many pieces as that dear, departed backboard?

Air Jordan 1 'Shattered Backboard' (2025)

True 'heads weren't surprised when rumours started sparking that the Air Jordan 1 'Shattered Backboard' would be returning from on high in 2025. Not only does the year mark the colourway's 10th anniversary as well as precisely four decades since the thunderous dunk that started it all, it's also the 40th birthday of the Air Jordan 1 model! Three massive milestones, all deserving of their very own ticker-tape parade. No wonder then that the original SBB is back in black (and orange!), but with the premium-material treatment. Meanwhile, the Jumpman have ensured the storytelling extends all the way to the packaging – this edition of the kicks will come in a special edition ‘Shattered’ shoebox.

The Air Jordan 1 'Shattered Backboard' is locked and loaded for August 23. There are plenty of spots to cop, so for all the deets you need to get your paws on this piece of history.

Want to see the evolutions of other colourways beloved to the sneakersphere? Check out our , which includes deep dives on the 'Black Cat', 'White Cement', 'Volt' and more.