Jordan Brand has now closed the books on the Air Jordan 1‘s 40th anniversary, headlined by the most faithful recreation of the sneaker to date, but the return of an original colorway will help keep the model just as relevant in 2026.
The Air Jordan 1 “Royal” will reportedly release this year for the first time since 2017. The black, blue and white edition isn’t quite as popular as those that employ the Chicago Bulls’ blue and red but is nonetheless held in high esteem by collectors. Of the many original colorways that Jordan didn’t actually play in, “Royal” is probably the most revered right alongside the black, gray and white “Shadow.”
This year’s release is expected to come with the well-established “OG” build rather than the exacting “’85” construction that defined last year’s “Bred” launch, as reported by the reputable insider known as @MrUnloved1s. Most crucial, is that it will release with a leather upper rather than the suede used for the “Royal Reimagined” in 2023, which sat on shelves and wound up being discounted.
The “Royal” Air Jordan 1 first released in September 1985 alongside a number of other colorways, including low-tops, as a follow up to the “Bred” debut in April. It’s since released just three other times in 2001, 2013 and 2017, not counting the low-top “Royal” in 2015 and the “Reimagined” edition just two years ago.
In 2018, Jordan Brand rearranged the application of the three colors for the well-received “Game Royal” edition, which uses the same color blocking as “Black Toe” with blue instead of red.
The Air Jordan 1 “Royal” will release during the 2026 holiday season, which runs from October through December. Pricing has not yet been confirmed, and Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.
2017 Air Jordan 1 OG “Royal” (pair)
2017 Air Jordan 1 OG “Royal” (lateral)
2017 Air Jordan 1 OG “Royal” (medial)
2017 Air Jordan 1 OG “Royal” (heel)
2017 Air Jordan 1 OG “Royal” (outsole)
