The KickStream Review: Another Day, Another High Top
Here we go again. Jordan Brand knows the market has cooled off on the Air Jordan 1, but they aren’t about to put the model back in the vault. Instead, we’re seeing new angles—themed drops designed to create buzz where original colorways are taking a breather. Enter the alleged “Clips” AJ1 Retro High OG.
The official line is that the AJ1 isn’t the automatic cash cow it was during the peak hype cycle, so experimentation is necessary. This “Clips” drop feels exactly like that: necessary filler for the seasonal roster, attempting to fuse a classic silhouette with a contemporary team palette.
Details & The Color Story
Based on the leaks and preliminary reports, this is a true High OG cut, which is always the baseline requirement for serious collectors. However, the color blocking is where the discussion begins.
- The Theme: The “Clips” designation is a clear nod to the LA team, suggesting a blend of blues, reds, and potentially white/grey.
- The Execution: Interestingly, the rumored colors include ‘Pale Ivory’ and ‘Coconut Milk.’ If true, this indicates JB is leaning into a muted, slightly distressed or vintage vibe, rather than a loud, on-court performance look. It’s the new standard move: make the shoe look aged even when it’s fresh out the box.
- The Quality Check: As with all non-OG drops, the leather quality and panel alignment will be the deciding factor when these hit shelves. We’re tired of seeing great colorways ruined by stiff, synthetic materials.
Context: Saturation Strategy
The conversation about the AJ1 market is undeniable. We’ve had hundreds of releases over the last few years—Mids, Lows, Highs, Zoom variations, and collaborations that blur the line between exclusive and accessible. The sheer volume ensures that fewer releases achieve true grail status, leaving most to sit on shelves or only sell slightly above retail.
These thematic, non-OG colorways are designed to capture the attention of the younger heads or those who missed out on the true classics. They provide a high-profile silhouette without the prohibitive resale price, keeping the shoe in rotation without touching the sacred Bred or Chicago releases. It’s smart business, but it gums up the timeline for those of us waiting for the proper retros.
The KickStream Verdict
Is this a shoe we needed? No. Does it serve a purpose in Jordan Brand’s release schedule? Absolutely. For purists, this is just more noise, a shoe that will likely be an easy cop and an even easier fade. For fans of thematic drops or those hunting for a solid everyday High that won’t require a mortgage payment, the “Clips” offers an alternative. Keep your expectations grounded, and don’t mistake novelty for necessity.
Curated automatically by The KickStream Archive AI.
Source: Original report