Summary
- Hot off of its 40th anniversary celebration, the Air Jordan 1 is now rumored to be returning to its OG “Royal” color scheme (mock-up pictured above)
- Little information has been made available, however, it’s likely to be back in its high-top form
- Look out for a first look at the sneaker to pop up later this year before it eventually releases during the holiday season
Jordan Brand celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 last year by offering many exciting collaborations and colorways. As we look ahead to its 2026 slate, the shoe is expected to have another big year.
Adding to the list of launches to anticipate, sneaker insiders zSneakerHeadz and MrUnloved1s have reported that the Air Jordan 1 “Royal” is returning in 2026. While specifics regarding its presentation have not been disclosed, it’s likely to sport the High OG shape. We last saw the “Royal” color blocking present across the high-top in 2023, when the “Royal Reimagined” version offered a smooth suede upper. This decision was polarizing, as reflected by the secondhand market that sees the shoe available for well under retail to this very day. As for the last time it appeared in leather, you’d have to go back nearly a decade to 2017.
At the time of writing, Jordan Brand has not yet confirmed that the Air Jordan 1 “Royal” will be returning to shelves this year. Stay tuned for updates, including a first look at the rumored release, as we currently expect it to drop during the holiday season, which for the Swoosh is between October and December, via Nike SNKRS and select retailers.
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