OMG, The Quest for the Elusive "Chicago": How Many Pairs Really Exist?! ️♀️
Listen up, fam! We're diving deep into the Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" saga—the sneaker that's basically the Mona Lisa of kicks. Forget solving world peace; this is the real mystery: How many Jordan 1 "Chicago" were actually made? Spoiler alert: It's like asking how many snacks I can eat in one sitting—the true number is a closely guarded secret, but we can definitely piece together the deets like real sneaker Sherlock Holmeses!
This isn't just about a shoe; it's about a legend that Michael Jordan himself rocked. It's the red, white, and black masterpiece that basically launched the entire sneakerhead universe. So, buckle up buttercups, and let's get into this super lengthy, hilarious, and slightly unhinged guide. Prepare for some serious shoe-nerd flexing!
Step 1: The OG Sneaker Launch Chaos (1985)
We're kicking it old school, back to the Jurassic Park of footwear, 1985. MJ was fresh on the scene, and Nike dropped the Air Jordan 1 like a total bombshell. But here’s the tea: they didn't just drop the "Chicago" colorway. Oh no, they dropped like a gazillion (okay, maybe just a bunch) of other colors too!
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| How Many Jordan 1 Chicago Were Made |
1.1 The Wild Wild West of Sneaker Drops
Back in '85, Nike was probably like, "Let's make some cool shoes and see what happens." They weren't tracking production numbers on a spreadsheet like they were launching a SpaceX rocket. The original Jordan 1 was a huge risk. It was $65! That was like, two weeks' allowance back then, so they thought people might not even buy them.
1.2 The "Banned" Confusion (It Wasn't the Chicago!)
Hold up! When you hear about the original Jordan 1 being "banned" by the NBA for not having enough white, that was actually the Black/Red (or "Bred") colorway. Not the "Chicago." The "Chicago" was totally league-approved because it had enough white in the color scheme. So, if anyone tells you the OG "Chicago" was banned, you can totally drop some knowledge on them and be like, "Nah, fam, that's cap."
1.3 The OG 1985 Chicago Number: A Ghost Story
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
So, how many of the original 1985 "Chicago" pairs were made? The honest truth is we don't officially know the exact number. Nike keeps that info locked tighter than a vault full of gold. For the entire Air Jordan 1 line in 1985 (all colors combined), some rumors say around 50,000 pairs were initially ordered for the first release, but that covered all the colors! For just the "Chicago," the number would be way lower, maybe a few thousand. Think of it like this: they made a huge pizza (the total 1985 Jordan 1s), and the "Chicago" was just one amazing slice.
Step 2: The Re-Releases, or "Retros," That Messed With the Math
The sneaker game got a whole lot more complicated when Nike realized, "Hey, people still love this shoe!" So, they started doing Retros—re-releasing the classic shoes years later. Each Retro is a totally different, new production run, which means the total number of "Chicago" pairs made keeps going up!
2.1 The Time-Traveling Kicks ⏳
The "Chicago" is like a time traveler; it keeps popping back up! It's had a few major Retro parties:
1994: The first-ever Retro. Back when people didn't know what a "sneakerhead" was. These are now super rare and expensive!
2013: The second Retro. People were starting to wake up to the hype train.
2015: The third Retro. This one was huge. Everyone wanted a pair, and the hype was officially bonkers.
2022 ("Lost & Found"): This one was a major flex, designed to look old and dusty, like you just found them in your grandpa's basement.
2.2 The Mystery of Retro Stock Numbers
For all these Retros (1994, 2013, 2015, 2022), Nike doesn't shout the exact production numbers from the rooftops either. However, in the modern era (especially the 2015 and 2022 drops), the stock numbers are much, much higher than in 1985. We're talking tens of thousands, maybe even over a hundred thousand pairs for a huge release like the 2022 "Lost & Found" colorway. It's still hard to get, but way more were made than the originals.
2.3 Why No One Knows the Total Number
If you tried to add up all the '85s, the '94s, the '13s, the '15s, and the '22s, you'd get a number that’s probably in the hundreds of thousands. But it’s impossible to get an exact number because:
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Nike keeps the 1985 number a secret.
They don't officially share the Retro numbers either.
There are different versions (like the Lows, the KOs, the Off-White collabs, etc.) which aren't technically the "Chicago" high top, but they share the legendary colors.
So, the total number of "Chicago" shoes made is way more than a few thousand, but way less than every sneakerhead wants! That's why they are so rare and pricey!
Step 3: Being a "Chicago" Sneaker Connoisseur (Lookin' Fly)
Okay, now you know the deep, dark secrets of the "Chicago" production. Here's how you can use this knowledge to flex on your friends.
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3.1 The Value is in the OG-ness
When you see a pair of 1985 "Chicago" for sale, you're looking at something historical. It's not just the shoe; it’s the scarcity. Only a handful of the OG pairs survived the last 40 years! They are the rarest of the rare, and the price tag is usually more than your parents' car.
3.2 Don't Get Played: "Chicago" vs. "Lost & Found"
If someone says they have a "Chicago" you gotta ask, "Which one, though?" If it's a new shoe with the aged look and the special crinkly box, it's the 2022 "Lost & Found." Still an amazing shoe, but it's not the 1985 OG. Both are fire, but they ain't the same!
FAQ: Droppin' Knowledge Bombs
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How to spot a fake Jordan 1 "Chicago"?
Look closely at the stitching, the quality of the leather, and the font on the size tag inside the shoe. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is—don't get scammed!
How to clean my Air Jordan 1s without wrecking them?
Use a soft-bristle brush, a gentle sneaker cleaning solution (or a bit of mild soap), and barely any water. Do not throw them in the washing machine!
How to know which "Chicago" version I have?
Check the tag inside the shoe. If you still have the box, the style code on the box will tell you the exact year and version.
How to pronounce the word "Chicago" properly?
It's "Shi-CAH-go." Practice saying it with a cool city vibe!
How to get the "Chicago" colorway without breaking the bank?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Look for the Air Jordan 1 Low or the Air Jordan 1 KO in the "Chicago" colors; they are often much cheaper than the high-top OG.
How to keep my white sneakers from turning yellow?
Keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods, and store them in a cool, dark place. The yellowing is part of the aging process, but you can slow it down.
How to tell the difference between "Chicago" and "Bred"?
"Chicago" is red, white, and black. "Bred" (Banned) is mostly black and red, with way less white.
How to lace Air Jordan 1s like a pro?
There are tons of ways, but the classic way is the "deadstock" knot: lace them loosely, and tie the laces in a small, neat knot at the top. Or just let 'em hang!
How to be a cool sneakerhead without having expensive shoes?
It's about passion, not price. Know your history, keep your shoes clean, and wear what you genuinely like. Confidence is the best accessory! ✨
How to make sure my feet don't stink up my awesome Jordans?
Wear fresh, breathable socks (like cotton or wool) every time you rock your kicks, and try using a bit of sneaker deodorizer spray!
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