The Air Jordan 1 remains the most copied and counterfeited shoe in the sneaker game. Nike has taken extreme measures to protect their cash cow. The irony is that in the 80s when it was first made, the Pony City Wings and a host of shoes had a similar design. Nike also “knocked off” there own sneaker with the Air Jordan KO. With the Air Jordan 1, Nike elevated the color blocking from simple white with red, purple, and green and delivered something completely unique in the BRED colorway and the rest is sneaker history. Nike has made the effort to trademark their design now and they have also created trademarks on their other retro models. While the sneaker industry is filled with look alikes, and imitation is a form of flattery, I’d like to deliver a list of alternatives that kind of justify the resale price of the Retro 1.
The AJ1 USPTO Trademark & SNKRLAW by Anand & Goldstein Chapter 7: The Law of Sneakers
Axel Arigato Dice Hi in White/Beige
SRP $295 has taxes and duties for the U.S.
picture via Axel Arigato – looks a lot like the Jordan 1 with a much more elevated material construction. The collar is an immediate reference, but the rest of the shoe is fairly original in design.
Diadora Mi Basket Suede Used
SRP $210
picture via Diadora – Diadora is more known for their trainers, but the classic basketball design gets a more modern, premium update. It doesn’t look like the Jordan 1 at all, but all of the classic 80s design is in tact.
Rhude Rhecess Hi
SRP $595
picture via Kith – Rhude is the closest model to the Retro 1 on this list. The brand was smart enough to refrain from using a Swoosh styled logo, but the ticket on these may be a bit off-putting for most.
CLAE Malone Mid China Blue/Vanilla
SRP $170
picture via CLAE – This shoe looks like a combination of the Air Force 1 High and the Jordan 1. It looks solid though doesn’t it? At the same retail price as the Retro 1 High OG, you could definitely go for a more understated look with a more premium construction.
nonnative Stroller Trainer Hi Cow Leather
SRP $475
picture via nonnative – this shoe is sold out everywhere. At 475 it makes you wonder why people actually didn’t fall back and track down the Women’s Air Jordan 1 Zip. This is an almost exact reproduction of that model and the Zip is basically below retail on third party sites.