SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jordan Brand |
| Model | Air Jordan 1 Low |
| Colorway | Black Toe |
| Style Code | CZ0790-106 |
| Release Date | July 28, 2023 |
| Retail Price | $110 |
| Available At | Nike.com, StockX, GOAT |
Some colorways just don’t need an introduction. The Air Jordan 1 Low “Black Toe” is one of those. If you know your AJ1 history, you know the original “Black Toe” high-top from 1985 is basically royalty in the sneaker world. So when Jordan Brand decided to bring that same color blocking to the low-top silhouette, I was genuinely excited. And honestly, the result speaks for itself.
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The construction here is what you’d expect from a solid AJ1 Low. Leather upper, perforated toe box, that classic Wings logo on the heel. The black toe cap wraps around the front and flows into the black eyestay and Swoosh. White sits in the middle on the panel and collar. Red hits the heel counter, the outsole, and the branding on the tongue tag. It’s the same formula that made the high-top legendary, just chopped down to a low-cut profile.
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I think what works so well here is the simplicity. There’s no crazy materials, no special stitching, no hype collaborator attached. It’s just a clean colorway on a proven silhouette. The SKU is 553558-116 and the retail price was set at $110 USD when these dropped at select Jordan Brand retailers and Nike.com back in early 2019. That’s a pretty accessible price point for a shoe with this much heritage behind it.
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Now, the low-top Jordan 1 has always lived in the shadow of its high-top sibling. That’s just the reality. But colorways like this one prove the Low can hold its own. The black and red blocking pops just as hard on the shorter silhouette. And from a wearability standpoint, the Low is arguably more versatile. You can throw these on with shorts in the summer or jeans in the fall and they just work.
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The outsole is solid rubber with that classic pivot circle and the red tint ties everything together. Traction is what you’d expect from a lifestyle Jordan. These aren’t built for the court in 2019, they’re built for the streets. And that’s fine. The Air-Sole unit in the heel gives you enough cushion for all-day wear without feeling like you’re walking on clouds. It’s a retro shoe. It does retro shoe things.
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If you missed these at retail, the resale market has them floating around. StockX has steady movement and prices aren’t crazy for most sizes. GOAT is another solid option if you’re hunting for a specific size. The 2019 release with the 553558-116 SKU is the one to look for if you want the OG-style color blocking. Jordan Brand later re-released a version with the CZ0790-106 SKU in 2023, which is also worth checking out if you can’t find the 2019 pair.
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That gets me thinking about how Jordan Brand handles their heritage colorways. They could easily run the “Black Toe” into the ground by slapping it on every silhouette. But they’ve been relatively smart about it. The Low got its turn, the Satin version got its turn, and the high-top keeps coming back in various forms. Each one feels intentional rather than just a cash grab. The Low version specifically fills a niche for people who want the look but don’t want the bulk of a high-top.
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Bottom line, the Air Jordan 1 Low “Black Toe” is a shoe that earns its spot in any rotation. It takes one of the most recognizable color schemes in sneaker history and packages it in a more casual, everyday format. The leather is decent, the color blocking is faithful to the original, and at $110 retail it was a no-brainer for anyone who appreciates AJ1 heritage. If you see a pair in your size, grab them. You won’t regret it.
