The Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Royal' returns on 10 October 2026 (US date) under style code IQ5495-005, its first retro since 2017. NZ launch timing is TBC, but authentic, inspected pairs are already in stock at Im Your Wardrobe with tracked delivery NZ-wide.

Jordan 1 Royal 2026: Key Facts

Why the Royal Jordan 1 Still Matters

The Royal is one of the original Air Jordan 1 colourways from 1985, part of the very first run Nike built around a rookie Michael Jordan. It never had the on-court story of the Chicago or the Bred. In fact, Jordan never wore the Royal in an NBA game. What it did have was the photo. Shot by Chuck Kuhn during the 1985 Nike promo sessions, the image of MJ in black and royal blue, wings logo and all, became one of the defining sneaker pictures ever taken. That photo has kept the Royal's legend alive ever since. For collectors, it sits in the same tier as the Chicago and Bred: an OG, not a remix, and the pair a serious Jordan 1 rotation is built around.

Royal Release History: 1985 to 2026

After the 1985 original, the Royal has returned as a retro several times. The 2013 retro was the shoe that reminded a new generation how good a simple black and blue Jordan 1 looks. The 2017 retro was the last time the original blocking released, and it remains one of the most sought-after High OGs of the modern era. Since then, Jordan Brand has spun the theme into plenty of spin-offs, including the Royal Toe and the Royal Reimagined. The 2026 pair is the first time in almost a decade that the straight OG blocking has been retroed, which is exactly why demand is running hot.

Design Details on the 2026 Pair

Leather and colour

The 2026 Royal keeps the classic blocking: a black leather base with royal blue on the toe box, Swooshes, collar and heel. Early images show slightly thicker leather and a more pronounced tumbled texture on the blue panels compared with the 2017 release. Some side-by-sides suggest the blue reads a touch lighter than past versions, though that is hard to judge until pairs land in hand. Classic Nike Air branding sits on the tongue, with the wings logo on the ankle.

The 1985-inspired box

The real talking point is the packaging. Jordan Brand has produced a special edition box built around that 1985 promotional shoot, with the famous road photo of MJ in black and royal gear wrapped around the outside and more shots from the session inside. If you are buying to collect, keep the box in good nick. It is part of what makes this release worth owning.

Not an '85 cut

Jordan Brand had hinted that OG colourways would return on the '85 shape. This one does not. The Royal uses the standard High OG last, so it fits and wears like the Lost & Found and most other modern Highs, rather than the taller, chunkier Jordan 1 High '85 Black White.

Jordan 1 Royal Sizing

Because it uses the standard High OG last, the Royal fits like any recent Jordan 1 High. Most people go true to size. If you have a wide foot, or you plan to wear thick socks through winter, a half size up gives a bit more room across the toe box, but the leather softens and moulds to your foot after a few wears. If you already own a pair like the University Blue or the Patent Bred, take the same size. Grade school sizes run smaller, so check the size chart on each listing before you order.

How Hard Is the Royal to Get?

Hard. OG colourways are the most competitive Jordan 1 launches of any year, and the Royal has not been retroed in its original blocking since 2017. That means a whole generation of buyers who missed the last release, plus collectors who want a fresh pair with the special box. Expect raffles and app launches to be oversubscribed in the US, and NZ allocation details are still TBC. Any pairs that land locally are likely to move fast. If you want a guaranteed pair in your size, buying from a trusted reseller skips the raffle lottery and the waiting game. You can see the full range of Jordan 1 Highs we have on hand right now.

Where to Buy the Jordan 1 Royal in NZ

Im Your Wardrobe has the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG 'Royal' (2026) in stock now. Every pair is 100% authentic and inspected before it leaves us. Orders go out with tracked delivery NZ-wide, shipping is free on orders over $350, and Afterpay is available at checkout so you can split the payment. Missed out on the OG? Browse the wider Jordan collection, check what's new this week, or see what is trending across the store. For more on the silhouette, read our Air Jordan 1 history guide.

Jordan 1 Royal FAQ

When does the Jordan 1 Royal 2026 release?

The Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Royal' releases on 10 October 2026 in the US. The NZ release date is TBC, but pairs are available now at Im Your Wardrobe.

What is the style code for the Jordan 1 Royal 2026?

The style code is IQ5495-005.

Does the Jordan 1 Royal fit true to size?

Yes. The 2026 Royal uses the standard High OG shape, so most people take their usual Jordan 1 High size. Wide feet may prefer half a size up.

Is the 2026 Royal an '85 cut?

No. It uses the regular High OG last, not the taller '85 shape, though it does come in a special box inspired by Michael Jordan's 1985 Nike photoshoot.