Air Jordan 1 Sizing, Fit, and Comfort Guide

It’s safe to say that the sneaker culture we know today can trace its origins to Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker, the Air Jordan 1. Originally released in 1985 during MJ’s rookie campaign with the Bulls, the sneaker has since become an icon both in sneaker culture and in the world of basketball. Its first retro after the original run in the ‘80s was in 1994, and following that, it would return in 2001. From then onwards, it was a common sight, and today it still gets multiple releases every year.

Over the years, the ebb and flow of its popularity saw it become an instant sellout, garnering major premiums on the aftermarket, to the other side of the pendulum, where pairs would land in outlets for deep discounts. The latter can be a great thing for collectors and fans because you can score great Jordan 1s for below retail price.

But you’ll want to make sure you know how the Jordan 1 fits and how comfortable it is before you run out and buy a pair. Follow along with our Jordan 1 sizing guide to see how the AJ 1 feels on foot and what size you need to buy.

Do Jordan 1s Run True to Size?

It’s important to note that not every Jordan 1 is the same. Obviously, there are different cuts including Jordan 1 Highs, Jordan 1 Mids, and Jordan 1 Lows, but depending on the release year and the official name of the release, the shoe will fit differently. Generally speaking, the Jordan 1 fits true-to-size across all three cuts, though sometimes, if the colorway uses leather, the fit is a tad snug until you break it in.

Different Types of Jordan 1s

As we just touched on, the Jordan 1 is available in three different cuts: high, mid, and low. However, among the high and low cuts, there are different variants that will change the shape and feel of the sneaker. The Air Jordan 1 High has a secondary version, the High 85, which features thicker leather and construction closer to the original 1985 release. For these pairs, the break-in period is longer, but they’ll fit true-to-size.

On the Air Jordan 1 Low, you have two versions on the market. There’s the standard Jordan 1 Low, which is used for most general release colorways, and the Jordan 1 Low OG, which uses different paneling. This OG version more closely resembles a cut-down version of the Jordan 1 High.

Alongside these versions of the model, there are a number of different offshoots and remixes that have been released. This includes the Zoom CMFT, which adds Zoom Air to the model, the Method of Make, which takes inspiration from high-end fashion, the FlyKnit AJ 1, which replaces the traditional build with a FlyKnit upper, and many more. Generally, these also fit true-to-size.

Jordan 1 Shape Change Explained

Jordan Brand has toyed with the shape of the Jordan 1 multiple times over the years, with the most recent change coming in 2022. Starting with the Lost & Found Air Jordan 1 High, the Remastered V2 version of the model now features a larger Swoosh like the ‘94 retros, a slightly taller collar, and the placement of the collar overlay and the Jordan Wings logo. For example, the Shadow 2.0 colorway pictured above is from before the shape change. The new shape change doesn’t affect how the shoe fits, so even if you go back and grab an older pair, they’ll fit true-to-size.

The Air Jordan 1 Low also underwent a shape change. In 2025, starting with the Quai 54 colorway, most Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OGs now feature eight eyelets, a larger Swoosh, and a refined toebox. However, like the AJ 1 High's shape change, this doesn't affect how low-tops fit. For example, notice the differences in the Quai 54 and Rookie of the Year colorways above, the latter from before the shape change.

Are Jordan 1s Comfortable?

Considering the Air Jordan 1 was originally released in 1985, the tech within the sneaker is not as advanced as what is available today. That means you’ll definitely be able to find shoes that are more comfortable than the Air Jordan 1, but are they comfortable themselves? No, not really. The thin foam and minimal Air unit in the midsole don’t provide much cushion for the shoe, and after long wear, your feet will want a break. That’s not to say they’re uncomfortable, but again, they’re from the ‘80s.

Jordan 1 Fit Tips and Recommendations

While yes, the Air Jordan 1 in most all of its forms fits true-to-size, there are some caveats and things you can do to improve the fit. Some people prefer to go down a half size in order to prevent creasing, and those who do this typically loosen the laces. This isn’t something we completely sign off on, as your mileage may vary, and of course, everyone’s feet are different, so there really isn’t a universal way to wear the shoe.

If you do have a wider foot, true-to-size is still recommended, but if it's quite wide, going up a half to a full size isn’t a bad idea. Luckily, the Jordan 1 is easily found in most big-box retailers as well as specialty stores, so trying a pair on in person is recommended to get a better idea of how the Jordan 1 fits on your feet.

Jordan 1 Sizing Compared

To get an idea of how the Air Jordan 1 fits compared to other popular sneakers, check our size comparisons below.

Nike Dunk

The Nike Dunk Low and High are both from the same era the Jordan 1 was birthed from, so it’s not a surprise they fit similarly. All three sneakers fit true-to-size, and if anything, the Dunk High isn’t that far off from the AJ 1 in how it feels on feet.

Air Force 1

The Air Force 1, too, is from the ‘80s, but its fit is different. It’s almost universally agreed that the AF1 runs slightly big, so going down a half size is recommended. This is unlike the Air Jordan 1, which, as we’ve already covered, fits true-to-size. Going a half-size down is also recommended for the mid-top and high-top Air Force 1.

Converse Chuck Taylor

Jordan 1s will feel completely different compared to the Converse Chuck Taylor, considering the latter is typically made with a canvas upper. Aside from the difference in feel, they’ll fit similarly. Many prefer to get the Chuck Taylor in their true size, but some will prefer to go down a half size, since they may run a tad big for some people.

Jordan 4

Another shoe we’ve previously covered in our sizing guide series is the Air Jordan 4, which generally fits true-to-size. Older releases, and by that we mean pairs from before the Nike SB retooling in 2023, may require you to go up a half-size. Comfort-wise, the AJ 4 is the clear winner here with its extra Air units and softer cushioning, but both will fit true-to-size if you’re copping new releases.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com