John Kim One of the scarcest Air Jordan 1s in history has just surfaced overseas in Japan in what may be its only media appearance in history. To date, this black/gold version had only existed in Japanese magazines, its true backstory as unclear as the quality of the images that are floating on the internet. Nobody can really pinpoint the truth behind these black and gold AJ1s, except that most Jordan historians agree that roughly 20 pairs in total exist and that they were gifted to Michael Jordan as a Friends & Family exclusive. The lore around these is unmatched.
Among these 20 pairs or so are multiple variations of color-blocking on the ankle and the midsole, differing shades of gold on the Wings logo, and more. The all-black patent version with white midsoles and clear gold soles was the inspiration behind this limited 2013 release. There’s a reason why such a simple-looking shoe commands thousands.
These screen-grabs posted by @ysk_4_2_7 on Instagram reveal one of these scarce pairs in what may be the most detailed look in history. This particular version features a black patent leather upper, black bottoms, ankles, tongues, and interiors. Gold comes in via the metallic Swoosh, the matching ankle padding, the Wings and Nike Air logos, and the shoelaces. If it looks familiar, it should: Jordan Brand dropped this exact colorway in 2003 and again in late 2020.
The context around the TV program that featured the Air Jordan 1s is unknown. Our guess is that the panel members appraise rare collectibles similar to the familiar Antiques Roadshow program in the US. The panel seems to have valued these at ¥50,000,000 (roughly $34,000 USD); relative to what these have sold for in the past, that figure seems more than reasonable to motivated collectors.
Regardless of the composition of black and gold, owning any one of these Air Jordan 1s is owning a true piece of history that only a select few can truly appreciate. The truth behind this Air Jordan 1 is buried somewhere deep in the Nike Dept. of Archives in some plain paperwork. Maybe Michael Jordan still has a pair in his closet, too.
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