The Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard returns in 2025, bringing back one of the most sought-after colorways in the Air Jordan 1 line. The original dropped in 2015 and became an instant classic—not only for the bold black, orange, and sail colorblocking, but also because of its reputation for great quality leather. The design pays tribute to the jersey Michael Jordan wore during a 1985 exhibition game in Italy, when he famously shattered the glass backboard on a dunk.
This 2025 release stays true to the original in concept, but there are some noticeable tweaks. The orange tone is a bit darker, the sail panels a touch lighter, and the overall shape matches today’s modern Jordan 1 High cut. The insole still includes the shattered glass graphic that ties back to MJ’s legendary moment overseas. For longtime fans of the colorway, this is about as close as we’ve come to a proper retro.
Personally, I’ve always wanted this shoe. I missed out on the 2015 release, and prices on the secondary market have been a bit too much for my taste. With Nike and Jordan Brand revisiting so many grails lately, from SB Dunk collabs to classic Jordans, I was glad to finally see this one return. I was still able to get them on Nike’s site a couple of weeks after they released.
The shoes come packaged in a special box featuring shattered glass graphics to tie back to the theme. Inside, you get sets of both black and orange flat laces.
Materials
In terms of materials, the 2025 Shattered Backboard has been the subject of some debate. Many still hold the 2015 pair up as a benchmark for Jordan 1 leather quality, and by comparison, this year’s version apparently doesn’t reach quite the same level. That said, the leather here is still solid—about what you’d expect from a modern Jordan 1 High OG, maybe even slightly better. At the retail price point, I think the quality is decent and certainly good enough to make these feel like a worthwhile pickup.
Fit & Comfort
Fit and comfort are in line with other recent Jordan 1 High releases. They run true to size, and I noticed the width is a little more forgiving compared to older AJ1 retros from the 2000s or early 2010s. Cushioning is still basic, as expected from a shoe that originally released in 1985, but for casual wear they get the job done.
If these are sold out at different stores online or your nearest retailer (these are everywhere at time of release), you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: Black / Black – Sail – Starfish
Style Code: DZ5485-008
Retail Price: $185
Year of Release: 2025