Air Jordan 1 High OG David Letterman Story Explained
The Air Jordan 1 High OG “David Letterman” is one of the most surprising sneaker stories in Jordan Brand history. Released in 2016, it commemorates Michael Jordan’s 1986 interview on Late Night with David Letterman after his 63-point playoff performance.
During that interview, Jordan and Letterman famously joked that the Air Jordan 1 was “ugly.” That moment became sneaker history. This colorway pulls directly from the bright orange tracksuit Jordan wore on the show, paired with deep navy accents for contrast. The mix feels loud but intentional, much like the era itself.
Michael Jordan debuting the Air Jordan 1 on David Letterman in 1986 🚀
“They are ugly” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/xb9IeikZbe
— Sneaker Bar Detroit (@SBDetroit) December 13, 2025
Classic Air Jordan 1 details remain intact. Nike Air branding appears on the tongue, while the heel stays clean without a Jumpman. Inside, the “On Air” insole graphic quietly seals the reference. Compared to Chicago or Bred pairs, this version leans heavier on narrative than nostalgia.
Years later, the Air Jordan 1 High OG “David Letterman” still feels bold and era-specific. For those hunting a pair, resale platforms like StockX remain the best option.
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Air Jordan 1 High OG “David Letterman”
Color: Light Crimson/Midnight Navy-University Blue-White
Style Code: 555088-606
Release Date: April 30, 2016
Price: $160
