The Wait Is Almost Over: Air Jordan 1 “Deep Royal Blue” Set to Drop in 2025

I still remember the first time I laced up a pair of Air Jordan 1s. It was the summer of 2008, and I had just saved up enough from my side gig to finally treat myself to a pair. The feeling of sliding my feet into those fresh kicks was nothing short of magical – and I’ve been hooked ever since.

So you can imagine my excitement when news dropped about the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High OG “Deep Royal Blue” release. Set to hit shelves in April 2025, this beauty is part of Jordan Brand’s 40th anniversary celebrations for the iconic Air Jordan 1. Yep, you read that right – the silhouette that changed sneaker culture forever is turning 40!

A Color Story Worth Waiting For

Let’s talk about these colors for a sec. The “Deep Royal Blue” features a clean white leather base that’ll make these puppies versatile enough for pretty much any outfit in your closet. The deep royal blue overlays create this gorgeous contrast that honestly reminds me of clear summer skies. I can already picture myself rocking these at weekend brunches or casual Friday office days.

The black and neutral grey accents add just the right amount of balance to the design. And can we talk about that muslin midsole? That subtle off-white vintage look is *chef’s kiss* perfect. Not gonna lie, I’m already plotting which pants in my wardrobe will pair best with these beauties when they finally drop.

The Custom Swoosh That’s Turning Heads

Now here’s where things get really interesting. These aren’t just your average Jordans. The “Deep Royal Blue” comes with a customizable black Swoosh that reveals a hidden red layer when scraped. I’m already imagining the debates I’ll have with myself – keep them pristine or customize for that personal touch?

Last week I was talking with my buddy Chris who’s also a sneakerhead, and we couldn’t decide which would look better. He’s definitely team “scrape that Swoosh immediately,” while I’m leaning toward keeping mine untouched for at least a little while. Though knowing me, curiosity will probably get the best of me within the first week.

Family Sizes (Because Everyone Deserves Fresh Kicks)

Another thing I’m pumped about is that these are dropping in full family sizes. The men’s pairs will retail for $180, which honestly isn’t bad considering how prices have been creeping up lately. Grade school sizes will go for $140, preschool for $85, and the adorable toddler versions for $70.

I’ve got a niece who’s just starting to show interest in “cool shoes like Uncle’s,” so I’m definitely grabbing her a pair. There’s something ridiculously cute about tiny Jordans, and I’m not above admitting that I sometimes get jealous of how much cheaper kids’ sizes are!

The Long Wait Ahead

Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – waiting until April 2025 feels like an eternity. That’s still over a year away! But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of collecting, it’s that the anticipation is half the fun. Plus, it gives me plenty of time to set aside that $180 (who am I kidding, I’ll probably end up buying at least two pairs).

In the meantime, I’ll be refreshing my sneaker news sources obsessively for any leaked images or early reviews. Maybe I’ll even clean out my current collection to make room. My partner has been giving me the side-eye lately whenever another shoebox appears in our already cramped closet. “They’re an investment!” is starting to lose its effectiveness as an excuse.

Why This Release Matters

The Air Jordan 1 isn’t just another sneaker – it’s a piece of cultural history. When Michael Jordan first wore them back in 1985, he was fined $5,000 per game by the NBA for breaking uniform rules. Nike happily paid those fines, turning controversy into one of the greatest marketing opportunities ever.

Forty years later, the silhouette hasn’t lost any of its appeal. If anything, it’s become even more iconic. These “Deep Royal Blue” editions feel like the perfect way to honor that legacy – classic enough to respect tradition but with that customizable Swoosh adding a modern twist.

Will I be setting multiple alarms and recruiting friends to help me secure a pair when these finally drop? Absolutely. Will I complain about the SNKRS app crashing right as I try to check out? Almost certainly. But that’s all part of the sneaker game we love to hate.

April 2025 can’t come soon enough. See you in the virtual line!