Sneaker culture is obsessed with the "Bred" and the "Chicago." We get it. Those black and red palettes represent the grit of 1985 and the fine-inducing rebellion of the NBA’s early marketing tactics. But if you’re looking for the soul of the original 1985 Metallic Series, you have to talk about the Jordan 1 blue metallic. It’s the shoe that feels like a time capsule. While the leather on most high-tops back then was matte and rugged, the Metallic Navy—as it's often officially cataloged—brought this weird, space-age shimmer to the hardwood. It was different.
Honestly, it still is.
When Peter Moore designed the Air Jordan 1, he wasn’t just thinking about basketball. He was thinking about lifestyle. The "Metallic Pack" was a massive pivot. It consisted of several colorways—red, purple, orange, green, and the standout burgundy and blue—all featuring that distinct, foil-like finish on the Swoosh and the ankle collar. Most people today forget that these weren't nearly as popular as the team colors back in the eighties. They were the "lifestyle" alternative before that term was even a marketing buzzword.
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The 1985 Blueprint and Why It’s Hard to Replicate
The original 1985 Jordan 1 blue metallic is a grail for a reason. If you find a pair today, the metallic coating is likely cracked or completely flaked off. That’s just physics. The synthetic material used for the shimmer doesn't age as gracefully as the heavy-grain leather used on the rest of the upper.
Collectors like Curated Van or Scotty Marshall often point out that the 85 cut is superior because of the steep ankle slope and the thinness of the tongue. Modern retros usually get this wrong. They make the foam too thick. They make the "Wings" logo too small. But the blue metallic is unique because the blue isn't just "blue." It’s a deep, midnight navy that catches the light and turns into something electric.
In 1985, these retailed for about $65. Sounds like a steal, right? Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $180 today, which is exactly where Jordan Brand prices their "OG" Highs. Some things never change. But the vibe of that original release was purely experimental. It was Nike testing the waters to see if basketball fans wanted something flashy.
That 2016 Retro: A Love-Hate Relationship
We waited a long time for a proper return. In 2016, Jordan Brand finally dropped the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Metallic Navy."
It was a weird time for sneakers.
The hype was centered on Yeezys and UltraBoosts. Leather quality was a massive talking point in the forums. When the Jordan 1 blue metallic finally hit shelves, it sat. It actually went to outlets. You could find these for $100 at one point. For the purists, this was a blessing. For the resellers, it was a nightmare.
The 2016 version featured a clean, white tumbled leather upper and that iconic navy metallic pop. One thing Nike got right was the "Nike Air" branding on the tongue. One thing they got... arguably "okay" was the shape. It wasn't the 85 high-cut, but it was close enough for most people who just wanted a clean summer shoe. The navy hits are subtle. From a distance, it looks like a simple white-and-blue sneaker. Up close? That metallic sheen does all the heavy lifting.
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Styling the Metallic Navy Without Looking Like a Time Traveler
How do you wear these? You don't overthink it.
Because the base of the shoe is white, it functions like a Stan Smith or a Common Projects Achilles, but with more "legacy." You can pair them with raw denim—the indigo in the jeans naturally complements the metallic navy hits.
Avoid shiny fabrics.
Seriously. Wearing a metallic jacket with metallic sneakers makes you look like a background extra in a 90s music video. You want the shoes to be the accent, not the entire theme. A grey hoodie, some relaxed-fit chinos, and the Jordan 1 blue metallic creates a look that says you know your history without shouting about it.
The Technical Breakdown: Leather and Luster
Let's talk specs. The 2016 retro used a leather that was significantly stiffer than the "Shattered Backboard" releases of that era. This was intentional. To keep the structure of the white panels crisp, Nike opted for a more durable, coated leather.
The metallic parts? That’s a polyurethane coating with reflective pigments. It’s prone to creasing. If you’re one of those people who hates "toe box wrinkles," these might break your heart. But the creases on a metallic Jordan actually add character. They catch the light at different angles.
- Colorway: White/Metallic Navy
- Release Years: 1985, 2016 (and various mid-top iterations)
- Style Code: 555088-106 (2016 version)
- Material: Full-grain leather upper, synthetic metallic accents
Common Misconceptions About the "Metallic" Name
People often confuse the "Metallic Navy" with the "Midnight Navy" or the "CO.JP" releases. They are not the same.
The Midnight Navy 1s—specifically the ones that dropped in 2020—feature suede or nubuck overlays. They’re matte. They’re moody. The Jordan 1 blue metallic is bright. It’s optimistic. It’s also vastly different from the "University Blue" variations. This isn't a "UNC" shoe. It’s a "Metropolitan" shoe.
Another mistake? Thinking all metallic Jordans have the same "shine." The 1985 purple metallic had a different grain to its shimmer compared to the blue. The blue was always the most conservative of the bunch, which is why it has aged the best in terms of fashion trends.
Why Collectors are Hoarding the 2016 Pairs Now
If you look at StockX or GOAT today, the prices for the 2016 Jordan 1 blue metallic are climbing. It’s a slow burn.
As the "85 Cut" trend continues with shoes like the Georgetown or the Neutral Grey, people are looking back at the 2016 Metallic Navy as the "lost" OG. It hasn't had a "Reimagined" treatment yet. No pre-yellowed soles. No cracked leather "vintage" effects. Just a clean, white sneaker.
There is a certain purity in that. In a world of "Lost and Found" 1s and collaborations with Travis Scott that add pockets and backwards swooshes, a simple white and blue sneaker feels radical.
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The Future of the Metallic Series
Rumors are always swirling in the sneaker world. Will we see an "85" version of the metallic navy? Given how Nike has been rolling out the original colorways, it feels inevitable. But until then, the existing pairs are the only way to touch that specific piece of history.
The Jordan 1 blue metallic represents a bridge. It’s the bridge between the performance basketball world of the early 80s and the flamboyant, fashion-forward world of the late 80s. It’s the shoe Michael Jordan might have worn if he was heading to a jazz club instead of a practice facility.
Actionable Insights for Buyers
If you’re hunting for a pair of Jordan 1 blue metallic sneakers right now, follow these steps to ensure you’re getting the best value and authenticity:
- Check the Sheen: On the 2016 retro, the metallic navy should have a smooth, consistent luster. If it looks "glittery" or has large flakes, it’s likely a fake or has been poorly restored with DIY paint.
- Inspect the "Wings" Logo: On the OG Highs, the logo is embossed, not just printed. You should feel the depth of the "Air Jordan" text.
- The Sniff Test: It sounds weird, but 2016-era Nikes have a specific chemical scent from the factory. Authentic pairs that have been kept in boxes still retain a bit of that "new shoe" smell, whereas fakes often smell like industrial glue.
- Sizing is Standard: These fit "True to Size" (TTS). If you have a wide foot, you might want to go up half a size, as the 1985-style silhouette is notoriously narrow in the midfoot.
- Watch the Outsole: The navy blue outsole on these is solid rubber. Check for "star loss" on the toe—this is the quickest way to tell how much life a used pair has left.
Keep your eyes on secondary markets like eBay (with authenticity guarantee) or local sneaker boutiques. The Jordan 1 blue metallic isn't just a shoe; it’s a quiet flex for those who know the history. It doesn't need to scream to be noticed. It just needs a little bit of light.