Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG 'Self-Expression' Official Images

In the ever-evolving world of sneaker culture, the Air Jordan 1 remains an enduring icon, blending history, style, and innovation since its debut in 1985. As Jordan Brand celebrates the silhouette’s 40th anniversary in 2025, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Self Expression” emerges as a standout release, inviting wearers to transform their sneakers into a unique reflection of their personality. Set to drop on July 31, 2025, this release redefines customization in footwear with its innovative wear-away design.

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Self Expression” arrives in a sleek Black/Black-Summit White colorway at first glance, but its true magic lies beneath the surface. The sneaker features a multi-layered leather upper with three distinct paint layers: a matte black top coat, a vibrant multicolored middle layer, and a clean white base. As the black exterior wears away through natural use, bold hues of red, blue, green, purple, and yellow emerge, ensuring no two pairs will ever look identical. This interactive design transforms each sneaker into a one-of-a-kind piece, embodying the ethos of individuality that has defined the Air Jordan legacy.

Subtle details hint at the colorful transformation to come. Red and blue stitching along the panels and slight color peeks on the tongue tag tease the vibrant underlayers. The classic Air Jordan 1 elements remain intact: a sail-colored midsole adds a vintage touch, a solid black outsole grounds the design, and iconic branding like the Nike Air tongue tag and Wings logo near the ankle maintain the silhouette’s heritage. A hangtag accompanying the sneaker emphasizes its flake-away finish, reinforcing the theme of transformation through wear.

The “Self Expression” concept draws inspiration from earlier Nike and Jordan experiments with wear-away uppers, notably the 2014 Lance Mountain x Nike SB x Air Jordan 1, which revealed mismatched “Bred” and “Royal” colorways beneath black or white exteriors. The “Self Expression” release builds on this legacy, offering endless customization possibilities without requiring external tools—just wear the shoes, and let your lifestyle shape their story. This approach resonates with sneaker culture’s DIY ethos, where personal flair and authenticity reign supreme.

📅Release Date: July 31, 2025