Last seen in 2015 in original form for the first time since 1994, the “Chicago” Air Jordan 1 has always been one of the most popular colorways for MJ’s first signature silhouette. Seven years later, the last release is becoming more sought after as time goes by with resale prices well over $1K currently. For those that don’t have the funds to drop four figures on these AJ 1s, today is your lucky day. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago” edition is returning for the Holiday 2022 season, with a twist.
Reimagined for the new year, this "Lost & Found" version of the Air Jordan 1 Chicago is set to feature a combination of OG 1985 and 1994 specs. Important to note, it will not be labeled an 1985 Retro edition. It will also have slight modifications such as better lining for comfort for today’s needs. The rest of the sneaker will remain true to the original, with a full-leather upper. Red overlays, white cracked underlays, black accenting the Swoosh on the sides, collar, Wings logo and laces are finished off with a white midsole and an aged red outsole. Where the pair differs from its Chicago predecessors, is the cracked leather along the sneaker's collar and the sail colored nylon tongue that gives the sneaker a slightly aged look. Jordan's Reimagined Program's goal seems to be bringing back sought after Air Jordan Retros, but with an aged aesthetic similar to what the OG's would look like if you were able to purchase them today - aged midsoles, cracked leather, etc. If the vintage aesthetic is your thing, Jordan is also bringing back the Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined in 2023.
In an extensive post by Nike, the brand explained the process behind the sneakers design and why they chose certain aspects of the sneaker. Prior to modern day inventory management system employed by businesses, keeping track of existing stock was done by pen and paper. This human aspect led to errors, like the mismatched lid on the box utilized for the "Lost & Found." Essentially, Jordan Brand created a "time travel moment" that brings new consumers back to the days of the 1980s. Other details on the sneaker itself, like the larger Swoosh on the side panel and aged leather along the toebox, quarter panel, and collar mimic what a pair of AJ 1s would like like if left to sit in a box untouched since 1985. Luckily, JB designers took note of how older pairs aged and crafted this upcoming release with premium materials that are said to last longer.
The packaging itself goes even further in story telling details through its included receipt that will bring OG sneakerheads back to the days of heading to your local mom-and-pop store and purchasing a pair of shoes. On the outside of the box, a sale sticker is attached on the same side as the label that comes doubled up with the price paid on the receipt ($65) and another sticker that state "Sale." Another thoughtful touch, the wrapping paper is plastered with promotional material from the 80s marketing the AJ 1 High, including the iconic photo that spawned the now-infamous Jumpman logo.
The Air Jordan 1 Chicago Reimagined Lost & Found is set to release during Holiday 2022 in a full-family size run. It will drop on November 19th, 2022 via Nike as well as select retailers worldwide in-store and online. Nike SNKRS will be giving Exclusive Access to users who have entered and lost at least 20 different Air Jordan 1 Highs on the app on November 8th, 2022. They are a general release and will have the highest production of an Air Jordan 1 to-date. With that said, these are still expected to be hard to obtain and sell out fast. Check out our Jordan release calendar, and keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app. If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the Air Jordan 1 and upcoming releases, check out our Air Jordan 1 Buyers Guide and our Air Jordan 1 Release Dates Page.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Chicago Reimagined Lost & Found"
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Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
