Nike is no stranger to the outdoor footwear game. In fact, its ACG label has been specializing in town-to-trail shoes ever since it launched in 1989. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that the company decided to transpose arguably its most iconic basketball shoe for all-weather conditions.
The Air Jordan 1 Element was born, adding a waterproof Gore-Tex lining to the shoe. And while many sneakerheads strapped on the Element for their trail jaunts, these shoes weren’t really made for the trail. That all changes with the Element Low, a new take on the AJ1 that blends the iconic silhouette with some design elements that tell you exactly what it was made for.
From Hardwood to Hiking Trail
Debuting in 1985, the original Air Jordan 1 — Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe — became an instant cultural phenomenon. Peter Moore’s design, featuring its distinctive color blocking and leather uppers, forever changed how we think about athletic footwear, even today. Fast forward 40 years, and the Jumpman is celebrating this milestone by taking the AJ1 somewhere it’s never been before: legitimate backcountry terrain.
Previous Gore-Tex iterations of the Jordan 1 stayed faithful to the original’s flat rubber outsole, which meant they were weather-resistant but not exactly trail-capable. The Element Low abandons that tradition entirely, borrowing heavily from Nike’s ACG division with an aggressive lug-laden outsole that wouldn’t look out of place on the Mountain Fly Low, extending up the sidewall for improved grip on uneven surfaces. You also get foam midsole cushioning underfoot for comfort.
Built for the Elements
The upper swaps smooth leather for a mixed-material construction of nubuck and ballistic nylon, still reinforced with Gore-Tex for all-weather protection. You’ll still find that perforated toe box and familiar paneling, but the execution here definitely prioritizes on-trail function. Reflective braided laces give you low-light visibility while dual pull tabs on the tongue and heel make entry easier when you’re dealing with gloves or cold hands. It’s a far cry from the court-ready setup of the original, but that’s exactly the point.
Spec Sheet
Model: Air Jordan 1 Low A/T Element
Upper: Nubuck leather and ballistic nylon with Gore-Tex lining
Midsole: Foam
Outsole: Rubber with aggressive lug pattern
Lacing: Reflective braided laces
Price: $200-$205 USD
Release Date: Late 2025
Pricing & Availability
Availabe in Glacier Blue and Medium Olive, the Air Jordan 1 Element Low releases later this year through Nike and select retailers, priced at either $200 or $205 depending on which colorway you choose.
Recap
Nike Air Jordan 1 A/T Element Low
Nike’s taking the iconic Air Jordan 1 and turning it into an actual hiking boot with the new Element Low, which ditches the flat court sole for aggressive trail lugs and still packs Gore-Tex weatherproofing throughout.
