The Kids Are Calling These the "Panda 1s"
Brand: Jordan Brand
Model: Air Jordan 1 High '85 "Black and White"
Price: $200
Release Date: February 15
Buy: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
Editor’s Notes: First, the Jordan Brand delivered the Neutral Greys. Then, we got word that the Chicago 1s would arrive just in time for the holidays. Now, we're about to be blessed with another gem: the OG black/white colorway.
Yes, that's right. As you can see in the official pic above, the timeless monochrome palette takes over the leather upper of the forthcoming Air Jordan 1 High '85, which is expected to release sometime in 2023.
The latest AJ1 also totes white Jordan wings and Nike Air branding on the ankle and tongue, respectively, truly living up to the details of the OG shoe, which is currently fetching $111k on StockX as we speak (ouch).
That's the point of the Air Jordan 1 High '85 shoe, though. As a restored version of the original 1985 shoe, the updated shoe emulates the details and schemes of the model that launched the Jordan Brand fame — and the hearts of sneakerheads globally.
So, of course, many sneakerheads are undoubtedly looking forward to the release, aka their closest chance to the bank-breaking initial pair. But they'll have to fight off the Gen Z kids first.
Looking to expand their Panda collections, Gen Z has already started calling the upcoming shoe the "Panda 1s," leaving OG sneaker enthusiasts shaking their heads.
Sure, the AJ1s passed the bar exam for entry into Panda land, though I've noticed the whole "Panda" thing is normally exclusive to Swoosh (read: Nike, rather than Jordan Brand) products like the Dunks and Air Maxes. The Air Jordan 1 "Twist" were nicknamed "Panda" in some circles, but that was mostly due to its pony hair upper.
In short, the Jordan sneakers are simply "black and white Air Jordan 1s." Of course, my brief lesson won't stop the kids from naming them after a monochrome bear. So longtime sneaker lovers, shield your eyes from the influx of "Panda 1s" comments rolling in.
At the same time, one could justifiably say the Jordan Brand is cashing in on the Panda craze. As endless Panda iterations roll off the conveyor belt (they're champs now, by the way), the AJ1s couldn't have arrived at a better time than during Nike's Panda supremacy.
With the Chicago 1s around the corner and these monochrome gems supposedly kicking off 2023, the Air Jordan 1 High '85 is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
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