Let's be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time looking at sneakers over the last decade, you know the Air Jordan 1 is basically the "black dress" of the shoe world. It goes with everything. But every few years, a colorway drops that actually makes people stop scrolling. The AJ1 Retro High OG Court Purple is exactly that. It didn't just come out and fade away; it built a whole legacy across two distinct "generations" that collectors still argue about today.
I've seen these on feet at weddings, at grocery stores, and definitely all over my social feed. Honestly, there is something about that specific shade of purple that feels more premium than your average red or blue Jordan. It’s regal, but it doesn't try too hard.
The Two Faces of the Court Purple
When most people search for this shoe, they don't realize they are actually looking at two very different beasts.
First, you’ve got the 2018 release, often called the "1.0." This one used the "Bred Toe" style color blocking. Basically, it had a purple toe box, black overlays, and a sail-colored mid-panel. The leather on these was legendary—soft, tumbled, and felt like it actually belonged on a $160 sneaker. It was a moody, dark vibe that felt very "street."
Then 2020 happened.
Jordan Brand dropped the AJ1 Retro High OG Court Purple 2.0. They flipped the script and used the "Chicago" color blocking. Instead of black overlays, you got vibrant purple overlays on a crisp white base. It was much brighter. Much louder.
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Why the 2018 Version is the "Grown Up" Choice
- Leather Quality: Most experts, including long-time reviewers on platforms like Hypebeast and Reddit’s r/Sneakers, agree the 2018 leather was superior. It had a richer texture.
- The Black Tongue: The black nylon tongue on the 1.0 gives it a stealthier look.
- Versatility: It hides scuffs better than the white-heavy 2.0.
Why the 2020 Version Won the Streets
The 2.0 was essentially a "Purple Chicago." Because the Chicago 1 is the most famous shoe ever made, people naturally gravitated toward that layout. It pops. It’s the kind of shoe you wear when you want people to notice your feet from a block away. Also, it came with those wild tie-dye purple laces that some people loved and others immediately threw in the trash.
What Nobody Tells You About the Materials
Kinda weird thing about Jordan 1s: the quality isn't always consistent.
With the AJ1 Retro High OG Court Purple 2.0, some pairs had this weird "glitter" effect on the black leather parts over time. It’s actually a factory sealant issue—not mold—but it can freak you out if you aren't expecting it. You can usually wipe it off with a damp cloth, but it’s a quirk of that specific production run.
Also, the cushioning is... well, it’s 1985 technology. You’re walking on a thin wedge of EVA foam and a small Air unit in the heel. If you're planning to walk ten miles in these, your arches are going to hate you. But you don't buy these for the comfort. You buy them for the silhouette.
How to Spot a Fake in 2026
The market is flooded. Since these have been out for several years now, the "reps" (replicas) have gotten scarily good.
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- The Wings Logo: On the authentic AJ1 Retro High OG Court Purple, the "Air Jordan" text and the wings should be deeply embossed. If it looks like it was just stamped on flat, run away.
- The Hourglass Shape: Look at the shoe from the back. It should be wide at the top, skinny at the ankle, and wide at the bottom. Fakes are often blocky and straight.
- The "Corner Stitch" Myth: People used to say if the stitching touches the Swoosh, it’s fake. That’s actually not true anymore—Nike’s quality control is so hit-or-miss that even some real pairs have the "corner stitch flaw."
Current Market Value and Resale
It's 2026, and the prices have finally stabilized. Back in 2021, you couldn't touch a deadstock pair of the 1.0s for less than $600. Today, the hype has chilled out a bit.
You can generally find a pair of the Court Purple 2.0 for around $280 to $350 depending on the size. The 1.0 remains the more expensive sibling, usually hovering closer to $450+.
If you're looking for a deal, look for "Used - Excellent" condition on sites like GOAT or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service. Since the leather on the 1.0 is so good, they actually age beautifully. A little bit of creasing just adds character.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Pair
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a pair of AJ1 Retro High OG Court Purple sneakers, here is how to handle it like a pro.
Go True to Size (TTS). Jordan 1s are notorious for being narrow. If you have wide feet, don't try to squeeze into your normal size—go up half a size. Trust me.
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Swap the Laces. The 1.0 looks incredible with white laces to brighten up the black tongue. For the 2.0, try black laces to give it some much-needed contrast against all that white and purple.
Check the Insoles. If you are buying used, pull the insole out. The "Nike Air" logo on the insole of a real pair usually peels off after just a few wears. If the logo is perfectly intact but the soles are dirty, something is fishy.
Protect the Suede/Leather. Use a basic water-repellent spray. These aren't as delicate as the "University Blue" 1s with their suede, but that purple dye can occasionally bleed if they get soaked.
Investing in a pair now is a solid move. Jordan Brand is moving more toward "Reimagined" series and "CMFT" versions, so these "OG" high-top builds are becoming more of a rarity. They are a literal piece of sneaker history that you can actually wear.