The legacy of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’

On a hot afternoon on August 25, 1985, in Trieste, Italy, Michael Jordan did more than just score 30 points. What no one would forget was the thunderous crash—a dunk so powerful it shattered the backboard. Still a rookie, Jordan was breaking not only the glass but also the rules of traditional basketball.

Thirty years later, Jordan Brand immortalized that moment with the Air Jordan 1 'Shattered Backboard.' Released on June 27, 2015, for $160, it sold out within minutes. The resale price quickly surpassed $500, and for many years it stayed above $1,000. But it wasn't just hype—it was history. It was heritage. It was MJ shattering the backboard in Italy. This is how a saga was born: the “Reverse Shattered Backboard” in 2016, the satin version in 2018, and the 3.0 version in 2019. All sold out. All with soul.