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Nike’s Most Iconic Shoe Ever Is Unrecognizable as a Technical Hiking Boot

A waterproof upper, rugged outsole and reflective laces turn this legendary Nike shoe into a fall-ready hiker.

Close-up of the heel section of an olive green and brown sneaker with perforated suede material, black fabric lining, and a bright red pull tab. The shoe features a textured sole with rugged treads and a subtle embossed logo on the upper heel area.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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From the Cortez the first-ever Air Max, Nike’s back catalog is full of legendary designs that forever changed footwear.

None match the mystique, notoriety and overall success of the Air Jordan 1.

air jordan 1
The original AJ1 came out in 1985. It has appeared in countless colorways since.
Nike

First released in 1985 — and quickly “banned” by the NBA, only fueling its intrigue — the AJ1 today represents much more than a shoe.

It’s a cultural touchpoint for sports, fashion and even film, instantly familiar by all who lay eyes on it … at least in its original form.

Pump fake

Heading into the final quarter of its 40th anniversary year, the Air Jordan 1 is now double-teaming as a technical hiking boot that’s borderline unrecognizable compared to the original.

A pair of Nike sneakers in olive green and brown tones with a rugged, textured sole designed for traction. The shoes feature green laces, a green tongue with a black and gold Nike Air label, and bright orange pull tabs at the heel. The midsole is white with speckled detailing, and the Nike swoosh is prominently displayed on the side in a darker olive shade. The overall design combines outdoor durability with sporty style.
Say hello to the most technical AJ1 to date …
Nike

Truth be told, very little connect the two beyond the perforated toe box and paneling. Only here, smooth leather makes way for a mixed-material upper comprised of nubuck and ballistic nylon — both reinforced with Gore-Tex lining for all-weather protection.

Close-up of the back heel area of a Nike Air shoe featuring green fabric with a textured pattern, olive green stitching, and a black pull tab with orange "GORE-TEX" text. The Nike Air logo is prominently displayed on a black fabric tag. The shoe's interior lining is black with a red insole visible inside.
Ballistic nylon and nubuck leather replace smooth leather, as found on the original AJ1.
Nike
Close-up of a Nike sneaker featuring olive green and brown tones with water droplets on the surface. The shoe has textured fabric and suede materials, olive green laces, a green tongue with a Nike Air logo, and a brown Nike swoosh. The midsole is white with speckled detailing.
Gore-Tex gives the shoe an extra layer of weather protection.
Nike

This isn’t the first time Nike’s winterized the Air Jordan 1 with Gore-Tex. However, previous variants stayed closer to home, with a flat rubber outsole akin to the OG.

The Air Jordan 1 Low Element Gore-Tex, meanwhile, takes a page out of Nike’s ACG playbook, adopting a lug-laden outsole reminiscent of the Mountain Fly Low and other trail-ready designs.

Pair that with reflective 3M laces and you’re left with what is easily the most rugged and capable Air Jordan to date.

Sole of a Nike shoe with a rugged, heavily textured tread pattern designed for traction, featuring multiple angular lugs and a central Nike logo. The sole is dark brown and appears durable for outdoor or trail use.
The highly technical outsole looks like something pulled out of Nike’s ACG division.
Nike
A pair of olive green Air Jordan sneakers shown from the back, featuring rugged, heavily textured soles for traction. The shoes have bright red pull tabs with "GORE-TEX" branding and a red loop detail above the sole. The Air Jordan logo is embossed on the heel area in black.
The lugs extend up the sidewall for improve traction on uneven surfaces.
Nike

Availability and pricing

Already showing up overseas, the Air Jordan 1 Low Element Gore-Tex is expected to release in the US in early October with a price of around $200.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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