You’ve seen them everywhere. On the subway, in the grocery store, and definitely on your Instagram feed. People call them "Royals," but there’s a whole lot more to the story of black and blue Jordans 1 than just one colorway. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how many different shades and stories exist under this one umbrella.
Most folks think Michael Jordan wore the original black and blue pair while dunking on people in the 1985 NBA season. Nope. That never happened. Jordan never actually wore the OG "Royal" 1s in a real NBA game. He wore the black and red "Breds," he wore the "Chicagos," but the blue? He only wore those for a famous photoshoot on a sunset-lit runway.
That one photo—shot by Chuck Kuhn—basically launched the entire legend. It became the "Flight Guy" poster. Even though he didn't play in them, MJ has often said that the royal blue and black combo is his personal favorite. If the GOAT says they’re the best, who are we to argue?
The Royal Legacy and Its Many Faces
When we talk about the black and blue Jordans 1, the "Royal" is the undisputed king. It’s the blue-print. Since 1985, we’ve seen this colorway come back a handful of times, and every time, it feels a little different.
For instance, the 2001 retro was a weird one because it had a different material on the Swoosh—kinda like a nubuck. Then you had the 2013 version, which a lot of people thought was too narrow. By the time the 2017 "Remastered" pair dropped, Nike finally got the shape and the tumbled leather closer to what people actually wanted.
But then, 2023 happened. Jordan Brand released the "Royal Reimagined." Instead of the smooth leather we all know, they covered the whole thing in suede.
People were divided. Like, really divided. Some sneakerheads loved the "luxe" feel, while others felt like it was a betrayal of the 1985 original. It's funny because you can still find those sitting on some shelves or for under retail on resale apps, which is almost unheard of for an OG-style Jordan 1.
Dark Marina vs. Game Royal
If you can't get your hands on a pair of 1985-style Royals, you've probably looked at the "Dark Marina Blue." Released in 2022, these are often confused with the originals by casual observers.
Here is the thing: the color blocking is flipped. On the OG Royal, the "toe box" is blue. On the Dark Marina, the toe box is black. It sounds like a small detail, but in the sneaker world, that’s the difference between a "classic" and a "modern spin."
Then there's the "Game Royal." This one is even brighter. It swaps the black panels for white ones in certain areas, giving it more of a "Chicago" vibe but in blue. It’s a lot louder. If you want people to notice your feet from across the street, these are the ones.
Why the "Blue" Matters So Much
There is a psychological thing with blue sneakers. Red is aggressive. Red is "Banned." Red is the Bulls. Blue? Blue is lifestyle. It’s easier to wear with jeans. It feels a bit more sophisticated, maybe even "royal," as the name implies.
The "Dark Marina Blue" specifically has a more muted, almost navy-ish tint compared to the vibrant "Hyper Royal" or the "University Blue."
The Materials Debate
The quality of black and blue Jordans 1 varies wildly depending on the year they were made.
- 1985 OG: Thick, stiff leather that ages like fine wine.
- 2017 Retro: Soft, tumbled leather that feels "broken in" right out of the box.
- 2023 Reimagined: Full suede. It’s a magnet for dust, but man, it looks buttery.
- 2022 Dark Marina: Standard modern Jordan leather—kinda shiny, a bit plastic-y at first, but gets better with wear.
Honestly, if you’re going to actually wear your shoes and not just put them in a plastic box, the leather versions are way more practical. Suede and rain? Not a good mix. You'll be out there with a brush and a prayer trying to get a water stain out of your $200 kicks.
Styling Your Pair Without Looking Like a Time Traveler
One mistake people make with the black and blue Jordans 1 is trying to match the blue too perfectly. You don’t need a royal blue hoodie, royal blue socks, and a royal blue hat. That's a bit much.
The beauty of the black base is that it grounds the shoe. Wear them with some faded black denim or even some olive cargo pants. The blue should be the "pop," not the entire outfit.
I’ve seen people rock the Royal 1s with a simple grey heather tracksuit, and it looks incredible. It’s that low-effort, high-impact look. Because the Jordan 1 High is such a chunky, iconic silhouette, it does all the heavy lifting for you.
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The Resale Reality
Let's get real for a second. If you want a pair of 2017 Royals today, you're looking at spending anywhere from $400 to $600 depending on the size. That’s a lot of bread for some sneakers.
However, because of the "market correction" we've seen in the last year or two, the newer black and blue variations are much more affordable. You can pick up the "Dark Marina Blue" or the "Royal Reimagined" for right around retail—sometimes even less.
It’s a great time to be a buyer if you aren't obsessed with having the "OG" 1985 blocking. Most people on the street won't know the difference anyway. They'll just see the Wings logo and that classic blue and black contrast and know you’re rocking something special.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Pair
If you're hunting for some black and blue Jordans 1 right now, don't just jump on the first pair you see on a resale site.
Check the "Royal Reimagined" prices first. Since many "purists" hated the suede, the price plummeted. If you like the look of suede, you’re getting a premium Jordan 1 for a bargain.
Also, watch out for the "Mid" versions. Jordan 1 Mids often come in black and blue colorways that look nearly identical to the Highs at a glance. They use cheaper materials and have a slightly lower collar, but they’ll save you $70. Just know that in some sneaker circles, Mids get a bit of "shade," though that's mostly just gatekeeping.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Decide on Material: If you want durability, stick to leather (2017 Retro or Dark Marina). If you want a unique texture, go for the 2023 Reimagined suede.
- Verify the Seller: Only buy from platforms with authentication services (like GOAT, eBay's Authenticity Guarantee, or StockX) because Jordan 1s are some of the most faked shoes on the planet.
- Check the Sizing: Jordan 1s generally run true to size (TTS), but they can be narrow. If you have wide feet, consider going up half a size, especially in the older 2013-era retros.
- Weather Proofing: If you go with the suede "Reimagined" pair, buy a can of water-repellent spray before you even put them on. You'll thank me later.