The Best Air Jordan 1 Releases of 2021 (So Far)
There’s been plenty of heat taking flight from the hangar this year, indomitable line once again lifting the 1985 silhouette to spectacular heights. From the collaboration to stunning in-line renditions like the ‘Neutral Grey’ and ‘Shadow 2.0’, these are our favourite Air Jordan 1 releases of 2021 (so far).
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Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 OG ‘Neutral Grey’
Returning for the first time in 35 years, the Air Jordan ‘Neutral Grey’ circulated the rumour-mill for a long time before its official release in February. An early contender for the best Air Jordan 1 of the year, the Jumpman landed an early punch with the ‘Neutral Grey’, a sneaker loaded with goodies including a throwback tag as well as a breakdown of the iconic 1985 colourway. A nice touch, if you ask us.
Aleali May x Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT ‘Califia’
has produced one of the very best Air Jordan 1s this year, the Zoom CMFT ‘Califia’ drawing energy from May’s high school drill team. Her fourth Jordan Brand sneaker (and third Air Jordan 1), the collaboration pays homage to the classic American varsity jacket, the chenille details adding a well-executed nostalgic edge.
Landing alongside a similarly-styled apparel capsule (featuring a graphic t-shirt, layered top, and varsity jacket), this AJ1 features May’s signature embossed on the heel, plus an ‘A’ logo on the lace keeper.
One of the finest collaborations this year, the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT ‘Califia’ reinforces May’s status as the Jumpman’s undisputed queen. Long live the queen!
Air Jordan 1 ‘Light Fusion Red’
Originally teased in October last year, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Light Fusion Red’ did the rounds on social media for quite some time before its official launch on June 12. Sitting pretty in full-leather uppers, the white leather midsoles set a minimalist tone, while the head-cranking uppers collide in a palette that is perfect for summer.
Bask in the ‘Light Fusion Red’ – it’s one of the best AJ1 colourways so far in 2021.
Air Jordan 1 ‘University Blue’
Grab your notepad and pen, the Air Jordan 1 ‘University Blue’ is out here once again schooling the competition. Similar in likeness to the legendary UNC colourway, the mighty attractive ‘University Blue’ scheme has seen some coveted GRs and iconic renditions over the years (who can forget perfect ‘UNC’ drop last year?), but the AJ1 ‘University Blue’ is still undoubtedly one of the cleanest to drop in recent times.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1
, the highly anticipated Air Jordan 1 collaboration from will go down as one of 2021’s most coveted releases. Owned by Marcus Jordan, son of Michael, the boutique dropped a limited edition commemorative colourway that is inspired by none other than the coveted OG ‘Chicago’ Air Jordan 1.
Air Jordan 1 ‘Shadow 2.0’
Landing on May 15, the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shadow 2.0’ flipped the fan-favourite on its head (and heels), inverting the colour-blocking and switching-out the classic leather construction for a neat leather/suede combination. One of the more impressive drops of 2021, the AJ1 ‘Shadow 2.0’ still casts a long silhouette over the Jumpman’s releases this year.
For more on the Jumpman, make sure to check out Jordan Brand sneakers in 2021... so far.