Purple hasn't always been a "thing" in the Jordan world. For decades, it was all about the Bulls—red, black, and white. But things changed. The court purple jordan 1 basically rewrote the rules for what a non-OG colorway could achieve. Honestly, it's one of those rare pairs that managed to feel like a classic the second it hit the shelves. People often mistake it for a 1985 original. It isn't. But it carries that same energy.
If you’ve ever scrolled through a sneaker forum, you’ve probably seen the debates. 1.0 versus 2.0. Metallic versus OG. It gets messy. Basically, if you aren't paying attention to the specific release year, you’re probably looking at a completely different shoe than the guy next to you.
The Court Purple Jordan 1 Evolution: 2018 to Now
Let’s be real. The 2018 release was the one that started the modern craze. Officially known as the "Court Purple 1.0," this pair used the "Bred Toe" color blocking. You had that deep purple on the toe box, the heel, and the ankle flap. Everything else was black and sail. It felt moody. It felt premium.
Then 2020 happened.
The 2.0 version dropped and shifted the vibe entirely. Instead of the dark, heavy look of the 2018 pair, Nike went for the "Chicago" blocking. They swapped the red for purple. It was brighter. It was cleaner. You had a white toe box instead of purple, which, let’s be honest, makes the shoe way easier to wear with a regular outfit. While some purists still swear by the 1.0 for its "Black Toe" inspired roots, the 2.0 is usually what you see on feet at the local mall.
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Then there’s the 2021 Women’s release. This one was a curveball. It pulled from the 1986 Metallic Pack. We’re talking a mostly white leather upper with hits of metallic purple on the Swoosh and collar. It even had a satin-lined interior. It was a nod to history that most new-school collectors didn't even realize existed until it showed up on their SNKRS feed.
Quality Control and the Leather Debate
We have to talk about the leather. Jordan 1 leather is a touchy subject. Some releases feel like butter; others feel like a plastic toy.
The 2018 court purple jordan 1 is widely considered the "quality king" of the bunch. The tumbled leather was thick and had that soft-touch finish that people obsess over. If you look at the 2020 2.0 release, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The purple overlays are usually decent, but some pairs suffered from that "stiff" white leather that takes a month to break in.
Is it "real" leather? Well, technically yes, but it’s heavily coated. Most Nike GR (General Release) shoes are. If you’re expecting Hermes-level hide, you’re in the wrong hobby. But for a $170–$180 retail shoe, the Court Purples usually hold up better than the standard mid-top versions.
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Resale Reality in 2026
If you’re trying to buy a pair today, I hope you’ve been saving your lunch money. The days of walking into a Foot Locker and seeing these sitting on a shelf are long gone.
As of early 2026, the market for a deadstock (brand new) 2018 1.0 pair is hovering anywhere between $450 and $600 depending on the size. The 2.0 is slightly more "affordable," usually sitting in the $300 to $400 range.
- 2018 High OG (1.0): The collector's choice. Highest price point.
- 2020 High OG (2.0): The daily driver. Most common on the secondary market.
- 2021 Metallic (Women's): Often found for under $250, making it the "budget" entry point.
Resale isn't just about the hype; it's about the fact that purple is surprisingly neutral. It goes with black denim, grey sweats, or even a suit if you’re that kind of person. It doesn't scream for attention like a bright "Volt" or "University Gold" pair does.
Sizing and How They Actually Feel
Standard Jordan 1 rules apply here: go true to size. If you have a wide foot, you might feel a bit of a pinch in the pinky toe area during the first few wears. Jordan 1s are notoriously flat. There is a tiny "Air" unit in the heel, but don't expect to feel like you're walking on clouds.
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Most people I know swap the laces immediately. The 2.0 comes with black and purple laces, but if you want that "vintage" look, throwing in some sail or cream-colored laces completely changes the shoe's personality.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the court purple jordan 1 is a "Kings" colorway. While it definitely fits the Sacramento Kings aesthetic, the color wasn't designed for a specific team. It was designed to fill a gap in the Jordan palette.
Another weird thing? People keep waiting for a "Reimagined" version. We’ve seen the Lost and Found Chicagos and the Reimagined Royals with the suede. Will we see a "cracked leather" Court Purple? There have been rumors circulating in the discord groups, but so far, nothing is confirmed for the 2026-2027 calendar.
Honestly, if you find a used pair for a good price, take it. These shoes look better with a bit of wear anyway. The "star loss" on the outsole and a few creases on the toe box give the purple some character.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on some Court Purples, don't just jump on the first pair you see on a resale app.
- Check the 1.0 vs 2.0 Blocking: Make sure you actually want the white toe (2.0) before you spend the money. Many people buy the 2.0 because it's cheaper, then realize they actually wanted the 1.0 aesthetic.
- Verify the Tongue: The 2.0 has a "Nike Air" tag on the tongue, while some mid-top "Court Purple" variants have a Jumpman. If you care about "OG" status, look for that Nike Air branding.
- Inspect the Stitching: Fake pairs of these are everywhere. Look at the corner stitch above the Swoosh. On a real pair, it should have a slight gap or touch the Swoosh perfectly; it shouldn't look like a sloppy mess.
- Consider the Lows: If $400 is too much, the Jordan 1 Low Court Purple (2019/2020) offers a very similar look for about half the price.
Whatever you do, don't over-clean them. A simple damp cloth is usually enough for the leather. Using harsh chemicals on that purple dye can sometimes cause it to bleed into the white panels, and once that happens, there's no going back.