Air  Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers: First look, design speculations, and everything we know so far

The reported Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers have been making waves in the global footwear industry. Initially rumored to be scrapped, this highly anticipated release is set to launch in Europe on February 22, 2025, with a retail price point of around $160, Sneaker Bar Detroit reports.

Sneaker enthusiasts are eager to see how this beloved low-top version of the 1985 Royal Air Jordan 1 holds up against past iterations. With the Jordan 1’s 40th anniversary on the horizon, Nike is reportedly set to bring back some of its most beloved OG colorways.

This allegedly includes the AJ1 High '85 “Bred” and the AJ1 Low '85 “Royal”, both of which aim to replicate the original 1985 build. While uncertainty still surrounds a U.S. release, the European drop is scheduled, reports suggest.

Disclaimer: Details of the Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers are only speculated, and are not yet confirmed by the brand. They are subject to change.

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Reported design elements and features of the Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, Nike is giving the Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers a premium treatment. The brand-new iteration will retain multiple features and specs of the OG model. Here is what fans can expect:

• Upper material: The shoe allegedly features a full leather upper, with black leather as the base and royal blue overlays on the toe box, Swoosh, heel, and outsole of the upcoming shoe.
• Lacing and tongue: Traditional black laces match the black nylon tongue, which also carries a royal blue Nike Air logo.
• The colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers is reportedly labeled Black/ Varsity Royal - Summit White.
• Midsole and outsole: A white midsole contrasts with the royal blue rubber outsole, which is believed to be another nod to the 1985 aesthetic.
• Branding: The Air Jordan Wings logo is allegedly stamped on the heel, which is a signature detail that separates the AJ1 Low from other Jordan models.

Overall, this sneaker is reported to retain the OG two-tone color blocking that has made the Royal 1s a fan favorite.

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Air Jordan 1 and the “Royal” colorway

The Air Jordan 1 debuted in 1985. Designed by Peter Moore, the silhouette introduced Nike’s Air cushioning technology and the Wings logo. The sneaker was initially available in several colorways, including the “Bred” (Black/Red) and the “Royal” (Black/Varsity Royal).

Unlike the Bred, which was famously “banned” by the NBA, the Royal Air Jordan 1 flew under the radar. However, Michael Jordan himself reportedly favored this colorway. Nike has re-released the Royal 1s in multiple iterations, from High-Tops to Mids to Lows.

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Will Air Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" sneakers be released in the U.S.?

The Air Jordan 1 Low '85 “Royal” is reportedly set to drop in Europe on February 22, 2025, through retailers like Sivasdescalzo (SVD) in Spain. However, a U.S. release remains uncertain.

Initially, reports suggested that Nike had scrapped the release altogether, but images from UK-based retailer Size? reignited speculations. Jordan Brand has yet to announce whether this sneaker will hit Nike SNKRS or other retailers in the U.S.

For now, American sneakerheads will have to stay tuned for further updates or explore resale platforms if this Jordan 1 Low '85 "Royal" remains a Europe-exclusive drop.