# Jordan’s Cinnabar Charm: Why I’m Already Saving for the AJ1 High OG “Rare Air” Drop
Let me just put this out there – my sneaker shelf is already groaning under the weight of too many Jordans. My partner keeps giving me that look whenever a new box appears in our hallway. You know the one. But folks, sometimes a colorway comes along that makes all those eye-rolls worth it, and the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High OG Rare Air “Cinnabar” is absolutely that sneaker.
Another Year, Another Jordan I Can’t Resist
So I was scrolling through my usual sneaker leak accounts last night (at 1 AM, as one does when they should be sleeping) when I spotted the first clear images of the “Cinnabar” colorway dropping in April 2025. I quite literally gasped loud enough to wake up my dog. Sorry, Benny.
Look, I’ve been covering sneaker releases for over a decade now, and there’s something about this women’s exclusive drop that feels special. The combination of those premium Sail and Light Bone leather panels creates this sophisticated, almost vintage foundation that would make these wearable with literally anything in your closet.
That Cinnabar Red Though…
Can we talk about that Cinnabar red for a minute? It’s not your typical Jordan red. It’s got this earthy, slightly muted quality that reminds me of red clay pottery I saw during a trip to New Mexico years ago. The way they’ve used it just on the Wings logo, Swoosh, and outsole is *chef’s kiss* – restrained but impactful.
I remember standing in line for the Chicago 1s back in 2015, freezing my butt off at 5 AM, and chatting with this older gentleman who talked about how the perfect Jordan colorway shows itself in flashes of color, not by overwhelming you. The “Cinnabar” seems to follow that philosophy perfectly.
The Devil’s in the Details
What’s really got me checking my savings account (it’s looking pretty sad, by the way) is the gradient red on the laces. Such a small detail but it adds this contemporary twist to a silhouette that’s pushing 40 years old. That’s not easy to do without making it feel gimmicky.
And then there’s that blue label on the tongue. It’s this unexpected pop that shouldn’t work but totally does. It reminds me of how sometimes the most interesting outfits have that one element that seems random but somehow ties everything together.
I tried explaining this to my non-sneakerhead friend over coffee yesterday. She nodded politely while clearly wondering why I was so excited about shoes that won’t release for months. Some people just don’t get it, and that’s okay.
The Waiting Game Begins
April 5, 2025, feels like forever away. That’s the problem with sneaker culture these days – by the time something actually drops, we’ve been staring at leaked photos for so long that some of the excitement fades. But not for these. I’ve already set a calendar reminder, and I’m prepared to fight through whatever SNKRS app glitches await me.
The $180 price tag is pretty standard for Jordan 1 High OGs these days. Remember when they were $140? Those were the days. My first pair of AJ1s cost me $110 back in 2010, and I thought that was expensive. Sneaker inflation is real, folks.
Will They Be Hard to Get?
Women’s exclusive colorways have been gaining serious traction over the past few years. Gone are the days when they’d sit on shelves. The “Atmosphere” and “Seafoam” AJ1s proved that women’s releases can create just as much frenzy as general releases.
I wouldn’t be surprised if these sell out instantly, especially with that premium leather construction. Nothing feels better than quality Jordan 1 leather that breaks in perfectly over time. I’ve got a pair of Shadows that have molded to my feet so perfectly they feel like slippers now.
What I’ll Wear With Them
I’ve already started mentally planning outfits. These would look amazing with some vintage Levi’s and a white tee for that classic look. But they’d also elevate a simple dress in the summer. The versatility of that Sail/Light Bone base means they’ll work with pretty much anything.
Last night I dreamt I was wearing them (yes, I dream about sneakers sometimes, don’t judge me) with this olive green utility jacket I’ve been eyeing online. The contrast of the earthy green with that Cinnabar red was perfect. Maybe this is a sign I need to buy both?
The Countdown Begins
So here we are – another Jordan 1, another launch to look forward to, another reason to set my alarm for an ungodly hour on a weekend. But that’s the sneaker game, and despite all my complaints, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you’re planning to go after the Air Jordan 1 High OG Rare Air “Cinnabar” when it drops on April 5, 2025, for $180, I wish you good luck. I’ll probably see you in the SNKRS app comments, commiserating over another L or celebrating an unexpected W.
Until then, I’ll be here, staring at leaked photos and wondering if I should start eating ramen now to save up. Some things never change.