Sneaker culture is weirdly obsessed with timing. If a shoe drops at the wrong moment, it’s forgotten in three months. If it drops during All-Star Weekend, it’s basically guaranteed a spot in the history books. But the Jordan All Star 1 isn’t just one shoe. Depending on who you ask, it’s either a shimmering, color-shifting masterpiece from 2017 or a sleek, patent leather low-top from 2021.
People get this wrong constantly. They think "All Star" is a single colorway. It’s not. It’s a tradition.
The 2017 "Chameleon" Factor
Most people are actually looking for the 2017 Retro High OG. You know the one—the "Chameleon." It’s famous for that iridescent leather that looks green, then purple, then blue depending on how the light hits it. Honestly, it was a risky move for Jordan Brand at the time. Before this, "All Star" Jordans were often just white and blue to match the uniforms.
Then 2017 happened in New Orleans. The "Gotta Shine" pack changed the vibe.
This shoe didn't just sit on shelves. It featured a translucent outsole and that distinct "Black Toe" inspired blocking but with a twist. The leather quality on these was surprisingly decent for a 2010s mid-era release. If you find a pair today, you’ll notice the iridescent coating doesn't really crack as much as you’d expect. That’s a win.
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What Happened in 2021?
Fast forward to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta. We got a different Jordan All Star 1. This time, it was a Mid and a Low. No High.
The 2021 version leaned heavily into "Carbon Fiber" textures and patent leather. It was essentially a tuxedo for your feet. Black and white. Clean. Simple. But for the purists? It lacked the soul of the Chameleon. It felt more like a "safe" corporate release than a "must-have" collector's item.
The 40th Anniversary and the 2025 "Bred" Reality
We’re currently sitting in 2026, looking back at the massive 40th-anniversary hype of last year. 2025 was supposed to be the year of the 1s. While everyone was chasing the 1985 "Bred" (Black and Red) Highs that dropped on February 14, 2025, for $250, the "All Star" lineage took a back seat.
It’s interesting. The market shifted.
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People stopped caring about the flashy iridescent stuff and went back to the roots. But the Jordan All Star 1 (the 2017 version) stayed expensive. Why? Because it’s unique. You can’t fake that color shift. It’s one of the few modern non-OG colorways that actually held its value and its "cool" factor.
Real Talk on Sizing and Comfort
If you're hunting for these on the resale market, listen up.
- The 2017 Highs fit like any other OG High. They’re a bit stiff at first. Give them five or six wears to break in that iridescent coating.
- The 2021 Mids/Lows use a lot of patent leather. Patent leather doesn't stretch. At all. If you have wide feet, you’re gonna have a bad time. Size up half a point.
- The 2025 '85 Cut is a different beast entirely. It’s taller, narrower, and feels like a boot. It’s for the "heads," not for the casual walker.
Why Nobody Talks About the "Eco" Versions
There’s a misconception that every All-Star release is a "premium" drop. In 2021, Nike pushed some "Move to Zero" initiatives. Some of the All-Star related apparel and even elements of the shoes started using recycled materials.
Collectors hated it.
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They wanted that heavy, "new car" smell of fresh leather. The "Eco" or sustainable versions of these shoes often have a slightly different texture—sometimes a bit more "plastic-y." If you’re buying a Jordan All Star 1 for the investment, stick to the 2017 Highs. The 2021 Lows are great for daily beaters, but they won't pay your mortgage in ten years.
How to Spot a Fake Chameleon
Since we're in 2026, the fakes have gotten scarily good. But they still can't quite nail the "Chameleon" effect.
- The Shift: On an authentic pair, the transition from green to purple is smooth. Fakes often have "hard" lines where the color changes.
- The Sole: The 2017 pair has a "tinted" translucent sole. If it’s clear as glass or yellowed like an old book, be suspicious.
- The Wings Logo: It should be deeply embossed. Fakes often look like they just stamped it on with a potato.
Your Next Steps
If you're actually going to buy a pair of Jordan All Star 1 sneakers right now, don't just jump on the first pair you see on a resale site.
Check the production dates on the inner tag. For the 2017 Highs, you're looking for a late 2016 production date. For the 2021 pairs, obviously, look for 2020 dates. Verify the SKU: 907958-015 for the 2017 Highs. If the seller has a different SKU, they’re either confused or trying to pull a fast one.
Verify the iridescent panels under a UV light if you can. Real pairs have a specific glow pattern that's hard to replicate. Compare the stitching on the heel—it should be a perfect "X" where the panels meet.
Once you get them, don't keep them in the box. The outsoles on the 2017s are prone to "fogging" if they don't get some air. Wear them. Let the light hit that green-purple shift. It’s still one of the best looking shoes on a sunny day, even nine years later.