It's Happening — Chicago 1s Are Coming Back
This article was published on March 5 and updated on November 8
Brand: Jordan Brand
Model: Air Jordan 1 "Chicago"
Release Date: November 19
Buy: StockX
Price: $180
Editor’s Notes: There've been countless remixes of the classic Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" colorway remixes, including the Air Jordan 1 KO "Chicago," the Spidey-infused AJ1 Retro High "Origin Story,", the never-to-be-released AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High, and even Yuketen's Land Jordan First boot.
Since the Chicago 1's last release in 2015, sneakerheads have begged Jordan Brand to reissue the timeless sneaker and, well, their wishes are coming true.
The Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" sneakers arrive on November 19 via Nike SNKRS, with exclusive access passes going out to select members — who have taken over 20 losses on the app's past AJ1 releases — on November 8. Yes, you read that right.
On October 13, official images of the Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" hit the internet, revealing the 2022 re-imagination of the 1985 shoe that started it all.
Leakers even stated that the OG Chicago colorway will be reintroduced on the Air Jordan 1 Hi '85 silhouette, like 2020's Varsity Red and 2021's Neutral Grey. Per zSneakerHeadz, the sneaker will offer an "aged/vintage look," "a closer shape to the 85s", and an "improved toebox."
Originally designed by Peter Moore in 1984 and released in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" is arguably the most coveted sneaker under the Nike brand umbrella — a sneakerhead's dream kicks, if I may.
In early March, rumors hit the sneaker net that the Chicago 1s will return during the Holiday 2022 season, all the way at the other end of the year, setting off a miniature frenzy among collectors and even casual Jordan fans.
Unsurprisingly, sneaker sources also expects the current Air Jordan 1 retail price to increase from $170. Considering Nike bumped Air Jordan 3 and 4's up to $210 in 2021, this isn't shocking – but disappointing for our pockets.
Even after over 30 years, Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" has never not been the topic of the conversation in the sports and sneaker world. Prior to its record-breaking LV x Nike Air Force 1 auction, Sotheby's auctioned off game-worn and autographed pairs of AJ1 "Chicago" in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with the Michael Jordan-signed kicks selling for $560,000.
Not to mention, 2020's Last Dance documentary brought renewed interest to the iconic colorway. Resale prices skyrocketed during the show's airing, with AJ1 "Chicago" retros selling for over $1,500, compared to StockX's pre-doc sales of about $830.
It will indeed be the most wonderful time of the year when the Chicago 1s drop (again). Let's hope we're not on SNKRS' naughty list or else we'll be receiving a lump of L's.
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