Air Jordan 1 “Sashiko”: The Newest Japanese Member of the Fam

Air Jordan 1 Low Sashiko is the second member of Jodan Brand to get the “Sashiko” treatment. In 2020, the streetwear giant released the Air Jordan 4 “Sashiko” in a Deep Ocean, Sail, Cement Grey, and Fire Red color scheme. And to say that those 4s are worth every minute and dime is an understatement! So 3 years later, the Jordan brand is blessing us desperate sneakerheads with another Sashiko pair that should brighten our dull sneaker days!

Don’t get us wrong, Jordan releases still have the biggest share of the hype cake, but with Yeezys out of the pictures, things have been a bit slow. But maybe for not too long… Adidas and Kanye seem to have found a middle ground, and you might be getting some not very profitable – but worth the flex – Yeezys!

What is Sashiko?

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery style that dates back to the 16th century. It was mostly used by the working class farming and fishing families to make stronger more practical workwear. A worn-out piece was stitched with layers of old cloth, producing a sturdy garment passed down through generations.

Sashiko involves stitching geometric patterns or motifs on fabric using a running stitch technique. Traditionally, white cotton thread is used on indigo-dyed fabric, creating a striking contrast. The stitches form repeating patterns such as waves, geometric shapes, or floral designs. And that is very much what our Air Jordan 1 Low “Sashiko” looks like— frayed and re-stitched.

Today, intricate sashiko embroidery is a style that has found its place in high fashion. Hence the special AJ 1 coming soon.

Air Jordan 1 Low Sashiko

This model of the Air Jordan 1 Low comes with an aged aesthetic and features a white canvas base with distressing. Denim fabric overlays on the toe box, forefoot, eye stays, and heels with frayed edges. Other details include black tumbled leather Swooshes, denim tongue labels, exposed stitching with foam padded tongues, and mesh inner lining. Cream-colored laces, and graphic insoles atop an aged midsole for a worn look. And a black rubber outsole completes the design.

But did you know there’s an AJ 1 KO “Sashiko” sample that never appeared? Shown off by Instagram sneaker leaker @bitchlikemykicks, the Air Jordan 1 KO ‘Sashiko’ follows in the footsteps of similarly-styled Air Jordan 4s, SB Dunk Lows, and Air Force 1s by drawing its inspiration from the indigo fabrics and thick white stitching of Japanese sashiko designs. Rather unlike its peers, its upper doesn’t display a single shade of indigo – instead opting for bleached detailing that gives it a striking abstract marbling effect and a tongue tag with special Japanese characters. Unfortunately, the silhouette never got to see the light of day.

Until today, Nike hasn’t disclosed any information regarding the release date or retail price. All we know is to expect it in the coming months on Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers. We will keep you up to date with this, and all upcoming Jordan releases from our blog. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.