COMPARED: 2015 vs. 2025 Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard
Published
After a decade, Jordan Brand is bringing back one of the most coveted non-OG colorways of the Air Jordan 1 High — the Shattered Backboard. Originally released in 2015, the pair set the benchmark for “quality” on the Air Jordan 1 and turned many sneakerheads into “leather experts” as no AJ1 High released going forward could go without comparison to the SBB.
Those unaware, the Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard was made to commemorate what was at the time an obscure story of Michael Jordan participating in an exhibition game ahead of his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. In Italy, MJ was wearing the orange-colored uniform of Pallacanestro Trieste, and during the second half of the game, he went for a slam dunk, which ended up shattering the backboard.
Following the original release in 2015, there have been multiple versions of the Shattered Backboard colorway across the high-top, mid-top, and low-top Air Jordan 1. For our purposes, let’s stick to the high-top. A “reverse” colorway released, which changed the colorblocking, while an ultra-limited women’s exclusive satin version hit shelves in 2018. One of the most controversial was the 2019 “3.0” variant, which dipped the sneaker in a crinkly patent leather and used different color blocking.
The 2025 re-release of the Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard is nearly a 1:1 recreation of the 2015 pair. Of course, with every retro, there are always slight differences and changes made to the sneaker, as is the case with the Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard. Below, we’ve highlighted all of the differences between the 2015 and 2025 versions of the SBB Jordan 1.
Differences Between the 2015 and 2025 Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard
Shape Differences
Jordan Brand has changed the shape of the Jordan 1 silhouette since the Shattered Backboard first released in 2015. The original “Remastered” shape of the AJ1 from 2015 ended with the release of the Lost & Found colorway in 2022, which enlarged the Swoosh, changed the height of the collar, the placement of the collar overlay, and the placement of the Jordan Wings logo on the tongue. This is now referred to as the “Remastered V2” shape.
Tongue Tag
The 2015 version of the SBB features a slightly different tongue tag that does not feature the registered trademark emblem next to the Nike Air text.
Color Difference
Although the official color scheme of both sneakers features “starfish,” the orange used on the 2025 retro of the Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard is slightly darker compared to the 2015. The white shades on the toe, midfoot, and collar are also more cream-colored on the 2015, while the 2025 is more stark white.
Packaging Change
The original Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard in 2015 used a standard black and red AJ 1 box, while the 2025 applies a “shattered” graphic to the cardboard.
Leather Quality
This is the core feature everyone wants to know about. The original Shattered Backboard’s ultra-soft tumbled leather still remains a favorite among sneakerheads, and we’re glad to report the quality is nearly there. The 2015 version is slightly softer and more supple, though this does not necessarily indicate higher “quality.” For those worried, you shouldn’t be; it’s still a higher quality Jordan 1 compared to most GR releases.
Insoles
Both sneakers feature a shattered backboard graphic, but the 2025’s is slightly different compared to the original. The change is ever so slight that it’s basically impossible to tell unless you have both side-by-side.
Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard Release Information
Those interested in copping the Air Jordan 1 High Shattered Backboard don’t have to wait much longer, especially if you’re not from the U.S. Overseas, the pair will release July 12, 2025, through Nike and select retailers. However, the U.S. release is slated for August 23, 2025. The pair will be available in full-family sizing for $185 (men), $140 (GS), $85 (PS), and $70 (TD). Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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
