Solving The Air Jordan 1 ‘Metallic Burgundy’ Mystery
On June 22, Jordan Brand is doing something it hasn’t done in almost 40 years: dropping the Air Jordan 1 ‘85 “Metallic Burgundy,” a retro colorway made to the exact specifications of the original shoe. That special treatment speaks to the shoe’s history as one of the rarer models among the limited 1985 run of Air Jordan 1 “Metallic” colorways. Where even casual Jordan fans know the line’s first releases, like the “Bred,” “Black Toe,” “Chicago,” and “Royal,” the “Metallic” versions dropped later and were hard to find even in the ‘80s. They remain mysterious and coveted to this day. To uncover the story of its unique origin and learn why the original Jordan 1 “Metallic” line was so hard to get, Complex examined archival Jordan Brand materials and talked to a Jordan Brand spokesperson. A Phenomenon and A Problem Sponsored by Jordan From its initial release in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 was a phenomenon. Even beyond its namesake’s game-changing play, the shoe stood out. Nothing else look