From a glass-breaking dunk in Italy to one of the most iconic non-OG AJ1s of all time
If you’ve ever shelled out four figures for a pair of Jordan 1s, odds are they were “Shattered Backboards.” What makes that wild is these kicks weren’t born from a collab or a flashy promo campaign. They’re rooted in a moment that actually happened.
In 1985, during a summer exhibition in Trieste, Italy, a young Michael Jordan took flight in a black and orange jersey, threw down a dunk, and shattered the backboard on impact. That game, and that jersey, inspired one of the most beloved colorways in Air Jordan history.
The Original 2015 Drop
The first “Shattered Backboard” hit shelves in June 2015. It wasn’t an OG Chicago colorway, but it had that same soul. The black, white, and starfish-orange blocking mirrored the jersey MJ wore in Italy. Jordan Brand also dropped premium materials on this one, with leather quality that instantly set it apart.
Sneakerheads noticed. Some even called it the best leather ever on a GR AJ1.
Quick Facts
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Style Code: 555088-005
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Release Date: June 27, 2015
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Retail Price: $160
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Nickname: “SBB”
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Current Resale: $800+ DS
The Trilogy: 1.0, 2.0 and Satin
In 2016, Jordan Brand followed up with a flipped version. The “Reverse Shattered Backboard” (2.0) featured the same color scheme with inverted blocking. It didn’t hit quite as hard, but it kept the theme alive.
Then came the 2019 Satin version, a women’s-exclusive with luxe satin panels and translucent outsoles. That pair introduced SBBs to a new audience and helped cement the colorway’s long-term appeal.
Why the SBB Colorway Stands Out
Most Air Jordans get nicknames after the fact. This one started with a real story. A shattered glass moment, an overseas game, and a legendary dunk.
Pair that with tumbled leather, clean blocking, and that signature orange? You’ve got something more than a sneaker. It’s history you can wear.
The 2025 Retro Is Coming
Mark your calendar. On August 23, 2025, the Shattered Backboard returns. This retro sticks close to the 2015 version, with premium tumbled leather and OG Nike Air branding on the tongue.
Release Info
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Date: August 23, 2025
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Style Code: DZ5485-008
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Retail: $185
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Packaging: Custom shattered-glass insole and box
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Where: SNKRS, boutiques, and select retailers
Final Word
The “Shattered Backboard” is proof that story still matters. There’s no Travis co-sign, no Off-White tag, no collab hype engine. Just a real moment in MJ’s history that became a cultural fixture.
If you missed the 2015 drop or passed on the 2.0, this is your shot to grab the pair that sneakerheads still call one of the greatest AJ1s ever.
Cop Guide
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Turn on SNKRS Drop Alerts
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Follow @ColaKicks for raffle info
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Track every August release
