Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” First Look

The Air Jordan 1 series has certainly faced challenging times in recent years, as the once-coveted model seems to have lost its former exclusivity, with many recent releases ending up in sales rather than selling out instantly. However, the newly revealed Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” is shaping up to be a release that could potentially break this pattern. Scheduled for release in February 2025, just in time to celebrate 40 years of Jordan 1 history, this colorway may well be the one that sneaker enthusiasts have been waiting for.

Design Overview

The "Deep Royal Blue" colorway stands out with its eye-catching combination of vibrant blue, classic black, and crisp white. The upper features a clean white base, complemented by Deep Royal Blue overlays, which provide a fresh yet nostalgic nod to the Air Jordan 1’s iconic heritage. The sole comes in a vintage-like off-white, which contrasts elegantly with the rest of the color palette, giving the sneaker a retro feel while maintaining a modern edge.

A key feature of this design is the black Swoosh, but there’s a twist—“Obviously, you can scrape the swoosh and turn it red.” This means the Swoosh is overlaid with a scrappable surface, revealing a red underlayer, adding an interactive feature to the sneaker that is sure to appeal to collectors and customizers alike. This touch makes the sneaker more than just a shoe; it’s an invitation to personalize the classic silhouette in a subtle but meaningful way.

The Rare Air branding, which appears on the collar instead of the traditional "Air Jordan Wings" logo placement, also sets this release apart, giving it a slightly more exclusive and unique identity within the vast lineup of Air Jordan 1s. The tongue features the “Nike Air” branding with a striking blue and red tag, emphasizing the attention to detail that Jordan Brand has put into this edition.

A Comeback Story for the Air Jordan 1?

The Air Jordan 1 lineup has seen a dip in hype in recent times, with almost every new release landing in the sale section. The hype that once surrounded each new colorway seems to have dwindled as the market became oversaturated with numerous variations. The question that arises with the “Deep Royal Blue” colorway is whether this model has what it takes to stand out and sell out, reversing the recent trend of discounts and markdowns.

The answer might lie in the combination of its exclusive features and timing. The Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” is set to drop in February 2025, perfectly aligned with the 40th anniversary of the Jordan 1—an occasion that is bound to stir nostalgia among fans and fuel demand for the brand's classic models. With a feature like the scrappable Swoosh that invites interaction and personalization, this release has a unique edge that most general release colorways lack.

Additionally, the colorway itself—with its Deep Royal Blue highlights and classic styling—is reminiscent of some of the brand’s most beloved designs, and this could evoke the kind of nostalgia that propels a shoe to sell out quickly. The added ability to reveal a red Swoosh underneath through wear or by choice adds a sense of discovery and individuality, making it a sneaker that is bound to be more than just another pair in a collection.

Will It Sell Out?

Jordan Brand has been trying to reignite the hype surrounding the Air Jordan 1, and the “Deep Royal Blue” could be a critical piece of that strategy. The interactive element, the classic yet distinctive colorway, and the 40th-anniversary timing all point towards a shoe that has the potential to break the recent sales trend. Sneakerheads have often shown love for colorways that connect deeply to the roots of Jordan history, and the “Deep Royal Blue” offers exactly that.

While it’s always challenging to predict the market, the “Deep Royal Blue” has several things going for it that could make it one of the more sought-after releases. Its unique features—especially the scrappable Swoosh—are not something you see on every Jordan 1, and the appeal of customizing or letting the shoe wear naturally to reveal the red is a compelling draw. Moreover, the nostalgia factor, coupled with the significance of the anniversary year, might just be the push needed to ensure that this sneaker doesn’t end up collecting dust on shelves.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” brings with it a combination of classic aesthetics, exclusive branding, and interactive features that make it a standout in a market filled with Jordan 1 releases. Given the unique elements like the scrappable Swoosh and its release date aligning with the 40th anniversary, this could very well be a sneaker that sells out rather than languishing in the sale section. It remains to be seen if this marks a new chapter for Jordan Brand, but one thing is certain—the “Deep Royal Blue” is one to watch.

Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” Release Date

Air Jordan 1 High Rare Air “Deep Royal Blue” is set to release early 2025 at Nike and selected retailers. You will find every raffle and store in the associated raffle guide as soon as the first raffle has started.

View full raffle guide

Take a look on first look images via @sharkicks1 below: