Another year, another price increase. Beginning Holiday 2022, Jordan Brand plans to raise the price of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG from $170 to $180 USD. This news comes just after the report of new data that revealed footwear prices are rising at the fastest inflation rate in 20 Years.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG is celebrated for its design specs that are closest to the original 1985 model crafted by Peter Moore. This edition also boasts exceptional structure with high quality materials and conceptual storytelling. For longtime sneaker enthusiasts, the premium price tag of these sneakers have been justified by the aforementioned elements, but this $10 increase means that we could easily be seeing $200 AJ1s within the next couple of years. The latest price increase might be a result of the global logistics issues that have affected the footwear industry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan Brand’s parent company, Nike, has also raised prices this year on other popular models such as the Nike Air Force 1 and Nike Air Max 97.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator for Vermont, commented on Nike’s price increases as he tweeted, “Corporate greed is Nike increasing its profit by 125% last year to $5.7 billion & blaming “inflation” for a 10.5% price spike on a pair of expensive sneakers made by workers in Vietnam earning less than a buck an hour while Phil Knight became $26.7 billion richer in the pandemic.”
Corporate greed is Nike increasing its profit by 125% last year to $5.7 billion & blaming “inflation” for a 10.5% price spike on a pair of expensive sneakers made by workers in Vietnam earning less than a buck an hour while Phil Knight became $26.7 billion richer in the pandemic.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 20, 2022
Although inflation is plaguing the nation, it is worth questioning if this is a necessary price increase with honest reason behind it. Considering the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG retailed for $160 back in 2019, the mark-up from then to now seems extreme. The resale market may even be a contributing factor as to why prices are rising so quickly. Knowing that people are willing to pay well-over retail price for certain sneakers, it makes sense for corporations to take advantage of the opportunity. What’s $10 for us is billions for them.
At this time, Jordan Brand hasn’t confirmed the price increase, but trusted industry-insider zSneakerHeadz has reported that the $180 USD MSRP change will debut with the Air Jordan 1 Reimagined “Chicago” – one of Jordan Brand’s most popular colorways. This sneaker is expected to drop in October and will kick off the Holiday 2022 countdown. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Gorge Green” is expected to release afterwards with the adjusted price as well. For more sneaker news and Jordan Release Dates, follow @NiceKicks on Twitter.
