# The Return of a Legend: Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Chicago” (Maybe?)
I still remember the first time I saw a pair of Chicago Jordan 1s in the flesh. It was 2011, and I was digging through a consignment shop in downtown Portland when I spotted them sitting on a dusty shelf. They weren’t the original ’85s (those were way out of my price range even back then), but man, that red, white, and black colorway hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn’t buy them that day – a decision I’ve regretted approximately 3,427 times since.
Fast forward to today, and sneaker Twitter is absolutely losing its mind over rumors of the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Chicago” potentially dropping in 2025. But before you start saving those pennies, we’ve got some conflicting info to sort through.
What We Know (Or Think We Know)
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Chicago” is basically sneaker royalty. When MJ first laced these up back in 1985, nobody – not even Nike – could’ve predicted how these shoes would change sneaker culture forever. The Chicago colorway, with its perfect balance of white, Varsity Red, and black (mirroring the Bulls’ uniform), has become arguably the most iconic Jordan colorway ever made.
Initially, the word on the street was that we’d see these beauties drop around Fall 2025 with a price tag of about $250 for adult sizes. Kid sizes were supposedly in the works too, which is great news for parents who want their little ones flexing on the playground.
But here’s where things get murky.
Plot Twist: The Chicago That Wasn’t?
Just when we were all getting hyped about the return of these grails, newer reports suggest the “Chicago” colorway might not be making the 2025 lineup after all. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! I’ve already rearranged my sneaker shelf to make room for these, and now I don’t know what to think.
This wouldn’t be the first time Jordan Brand has played with our hearts. Remember when we thought the Bred 4s were coming back with Nike Air on the heel, and then they… didn’t? I spent weeks refreshing sneaker blogs only to be disappointed. My wife still brings this up whenever I get too excited about a rumored release.
What Makes the ’85 Cut Special?
For those who aren’t familiar with the ’85 cut, it’s a special version of the Air Jordan 1 that closely mimics the original 1985 silhouette. We’re talking higher ankle collars, slightly different proportions, and usually higher quality materials. The leather just hits different on these – it’s stiffer at first but breaks in beautifully over time.
Last time I got my hands on an ’85 cut (the “Neutral Grey” release), I actually sat them next to a regular retro Jordan 1, and the difference was way more noticeable than I expected. They just look more… substantial. More serious. Like the difference between your dad’s vintage Levi’s and whatever skinny jeans the kids are wearing these days.
The Legacy of the Chicago 1
If you’re new to sneakers, you might be wondering why people are freaking out about some red and white shoes. But the Chicago 1 is more than just a colorway – it’s a piece of sports and cultural history.
These were the shoes Michael Jordan wore while establishing himself as a force in the NBA. They were banned by the league (well, technically it was the Black/Red colorway, but the story has morphed over time), making them instantly rebellious. They’ve been featured in countless movies, music videos, and iconic photos.
I’ve seen grown men (myself included) get misty-eyed talking about these sneakers. It’s kinda ridiculous when you think about it – they’re just shoes! But also, they’re definitely not just shoes.
To Cop or Not to Cop?
If these do end up releasing, be prepared for absolute chaos. We’re talking website crashes, camping outside stores, the whole nine yards. The $250 price tag is steep, but let’s be real – if you want these, you’re gonna find a way to make it work. I’ve already started a secret “Chicago fund” that my accountant (wife) doesn’t know about.
But for now, we wait. And refresh Twitter. And join cook groups. And do whatever it takes to maybe, possibly, hopefully secure a pair of what might be the greatest sneaker of all time.
Have you ever owned a pair of Chicago 1s? Are you planning to try for these if they drop? Let me know in the comments – I’ll be there commiserating with y’all while we wait for more concrete news. Until then, keep those sneaker dreams alive!
