Sneaker Releases

Air Jordan 1 High OG “Varsity Red" Launching 05/31 Colorway: MIDNIGHT NAVY/BLACK/WHITE Style: Kids' Sneakers

Release Date: May 31, 2025

May 27, 2025

Jordan Brand just turned 40, and to celebrate, it’s dropping an exclusive AJ1 that’s dripping anniversary heat.

Meet the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Varsity Red”, landing May 31 in preschool and toddler sizes. With shades of Varsity Red, black and white, this colorway is rooted in history, legacy and a whole lot of cracked red leather.

Inspired by the ruby gemstone (aka the traditional 40th anniversary symbol), this AJ1 goes all in on the concept. The upper mixes the classic black toe blocking with a luxe twist: metallic Varsity Red cracked leather on the ventilated vamp, collar and heel. We’re talking shiny, textured, broken-in energy that gives the pair a super premium, aged like it came from the Jumpman vault. It hits different than your standard retro.

The rest of the upper balances things out with smooth white leather on the midfoot and black leather on the mudguard, eyestays, high-top collar and the clean-cut side panel Swoosh. It’s giving major “Bred Toe” energy, but with elevated details.

The black Jordan Wings logo, inspired by the plastic wings that plane captains give children, gets a 3D TPU treatment (finally, no more flat stamp), and the tongue branding pops in bright red “Nike Air” like a cherry on top. Tonal stitching throughout adds texture and a premium feel, while the monochromatic black laces keep the design from feeling overbalanced.

Down low, a white midsole wraps around the shoe without flourishment, and a red rubber outsole keeps things grounded. It’s simple, clean and easy to style as a casual shoe whether you’re rocking cargos, jorts or going full tunnel fit.

This year marks four decades since MJ first stepped onto an NBA court in a pair of AJ1s, flipping the sneaker world upside down and launching a billion-dollar empire. Back in 1984, the idea of a 21-year-old rookie getting his own signature sneaker was wild. But Nike took the risk, let designer Peter Moore work his magic, and the rest is sneaker history. While Moore pulled heavily from the existing Air Ship shoe, his new creation ultimately stood the test of time.

From the “Chicago” to the “Black Toe” to now the “Ruby,” the AJ1 continues to reinvent itself each and every drop. Over 1,000 colorways later, it’s still the one that started it all.

The Jordan 1 High OG “Varsity Red” drops May 31 online and at Hibbett stores in preschool and toddler sizes. If you’re trying to secure your pair early (and trust us, they won’t stick around), download the Hibbett app and enter the launch raffle to lock in your size.

And if you somehow catch an L? Bookmark the sneaker launch calendar so you never miss another drop again.

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