First Look at the 2026 Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Royal

When an OG returns, everyone tunes in. That’s true outside of the footwear world, but it rings especially true when Jordan Brand brings back an original Air Jordan colorway. And while the Air Jordan 1 High hasn’t been so hot in the last 12 months, people will (hopefully) be excited to see the return of the original Royal colorway in its leather build for the first time since 2017.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Royal Details

Throughout the 2020s, Jordan Brand tweaked its release procedure for Jordan 1 Highs. OG colorways were not being reissued in 1:1 form like years prior on the Retro High OG cut of the sneaker. Instead, the ‘85 build, which tweaked the model to closely resemble the original mold of the AJ 1 from 1985, was home to OG colors. For the Retro High OG, we’d get “Reimagined” versions of colorways, starting with the Patent Bred. Quickly following that was the Lost & Found Chicago, giving the shoe a weathered look, and then the Reimagined Royal, which replaced the leather upper with suede. The latter pair was a dud and was available for under retail quickly after release.

Jordan Brand’s approach to the Air Jordan 1 High has changed with the waning popularity of the sneaker, so the next retro release of the Royal colorway is coming to us in classic form. While the color scheme and blocking are identical to previous pairs, including royal blue on the toe, Swoosh, collar, and heel, and black on the rest of the model, the shape is different from other releases. The new AJ 1 High shape, which started on the AJ 1 High Lost & Found, is a mix between the 1994 cut and the ‘85, making it one of the best versions we’ve received in years. Much better than the 2017 shape in our opinion,

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Royal Release Date

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Royal will be released Holiday 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in full-family sizing, the retail price is set at $185 (men), $140 (GS), $85 (PS), $70 (TD), and $55 (CB). Check below for a first look at the 2026 retro of the OG colorway, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com