The sneaker that started it all for Michael Jordan's legendary line was the Air Jordan 1. It continues to be a cornerstone in sneaker culture. Among its many celebrated colorways, the Shattered Backboard stands out not just for its eye-catching orange and black palette but for its rich story.
The colorway commemorates a 1985 exhibition game in Italy, where a young Michael Jordan, wearing the uniform of Pallacanestro Trieste, delivered a thunderous dunk that shattered the glass backboard. Originally released in 2015, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shattered Backboard was rumored to return in 2025 for its 10th Anniversary, according to Sole Savy. Sole Retriever can confirm that the rumor is accurate, and this coveted AJ 1 will be released in the Fall.
After its release in 2015, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shattered Backboard quickly became a must-have for collectors. It is renowned for its superior leather quality, often cited as a benchmark for premium materials on Jordan 1s, and the initial release sold out rapidly, causing resale prices to skyrocket. Today, prices hover around $1,000 for a pair.
Over the years, Jordan Brand has expanded the Shattered Backboard lineage, introducing variations such as the Reverse Shattered Backboard, which flipped the color blocking, the Satin Shattered Backboard with luxurious satin materials, and the divisive Shattered Backboard 3.0, known for its glossy, crinkled patent leather finish.
The Fall 2025 edition of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shattered Backboard will be faithful to its predecessor. Featuring the same high-quality leather that defined the original, Black Toe colorblocking, and custom printed insoles. This time, the pair will also come in special packaging made exclusively for this specific release.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Shattered Backboard is set to return on July 12, 2025, through Nike and select Jordan Brand retailers online and in-store. Available in full-family sizing, retail is as follows: $180 (men), $140 (GS), $85 (PS), and $70 (TD). Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
2015 Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
