Nike Finally Made a Waterproof Jordan 1 That Doesn’t Look Like a Boot

ARTICLE – I’m a sucker for anything waterproof. On my feet, that seals everything because I’m everywhere, low-carb’n all over the place. Weather is unpredictable wherever I go, so having a pair of versatile sneakers that can also handle wet conditions is a huge bonus.

Nike took one of the most recognizable silhouettes in sneaker history and rebuilt it from the ground up as an outdoor-ready shoe. Complete with GORE-TEX lining, aggressive trail lugs, and enough structural reinforcement to handle conditions that would destroy a standard AJ1 in a single outing, the Air Jordan 1 Element Low A/T exists precisely for this kind of life. If you’ve ever looked at your favorite Jordans and wished they could survive a rainstorm without turning into soggy relics, this is the answer you didn’t know was coming. The “Sail” colorway keeps everything clean and neutral while the bones underneath remain pure utility.

Price: $200 to $205
Where to buy: Nike.com, Nike app, select retailers

Heritage meets function in a way that actually works here. Jordan Brand could have played it safe with a winterized boot or a chunky hiking silhouette nobody asked for, but instead they kept the low-top profile intact. You still get the perforated toe box, the familiar lacing structure, and that unmistakable AJ1 shape that reads from across the street. The difference lives in the details: layered nubuck and suede panels replacing smooth leather, ballistic nylon reinforcing high-wear zones, and that telltale chunkier sole that signals serious traction. It’s a smart move that respects the original design language while completely rethinking what the shoe can actually do.

Built for Weather, Not Just Looks

GORE-TEX running through the interior is the real headline here. This isn’t a water-resistant coating that fades after a few washes or a DWR treatment that needs seasonal reapplication. GORE-TEX works by creating a barrier that blocks liquid water while still allowing moisture vapor to escape, which means your feet stay dry from the outside without turning into swamp environments on the inside. Anyone who has worn truly waterproof footwear knows how rare that balance actually is. Most waterproof shoes feel like wearing plastic bags after an hour of walking, and that’s precisely what this membrane avoids.

Nike layered nubuck and suede across the upper panels, choosing textures that naturally resist water absorption better than the smooth leather on a classic AJ1. Ripstop nylon sections add durability without weight, creating a shoe that can take trail abuse, sidewalk salt, and the general chaos of daily wear across unpredictable conditions. There’s an external heel counter adding stability that you won’t find on the original, and reflective hits on some colorways that catch light when you need visibility. Every material choice points toward function, and it shows in how the shoe handles real conditions.

Compare this approach to Nike’s ACG line or other GORE-TEX sneakers on the market, and the Element Low A/T holds its own while offering something those options don’t: Jordan heritage. You’re not sacrificing style for weather protection or settling for generic outdoor aesthetics. The shoe looks like a Jordan first and a weather-ready tool second, which is exactly the balance most people actually want.

What separates good waterproofing from great waterproofing is longevity, and GORE-TEX has decades of proven performance in far harsher conditions than urban environments. That membrane won’t degrade after a season of use or lose effectiveness because you forgot to reapply a coating. It’s built into the shoe’s DNA rather than sprayed on as an afterthought.

Trail Traction That Actually Grips

Look at the outsole and you’ll notice immediately that this isn’t a court shoe anymore. Lugged rubber draws from Nike ACG and the Mountain Fly Low, featuring deep grooves and multi-directional tread that digs into soft surfaces, grips wet pavement, and handles loose gravel without the slipping that plagues flat-bottomed sneakers. If you’ve ever walked across a rain-slicked crosswalk in standard Jordans and felt that moment of uncertainty, this outsole erases it completely.

Weight is the trade-off. This shoe sits heavier on foot than a regular AJ1 Low, and you feel that extra rubber and reinforced construction with every step. It’s not clunky, but it’s substantial in a way that reads more like a light hiking shoe than a casual sneaker. For all-day indoor wear, that heft might feel like overkill. For anyone moving between environments, catching trains, walking through parks, or dealing with weather that shifts by the hour, the added grip and protection justify every gram. You notice the stability most when conditions turn against you, and that’s when it matters.

Fit and Comfort Details

On foot, the Element Low A/T sits stiffer than its heritage sibling. That GORE-TEX layer and the reinforced upper create a more structured fit that doesn’t break in quite the same way smooth leather does. First few wears feel almost armor-like, with panels holding their shape rather than molding around your foot. Give it time, though. Materials soften enough to become comfortable without losing the protective cocoon that makes the shoe work.

Cushioning follows the standard AJ1 formula, which means adequate but not plush. Nike didn’t add extra foam or upgrade the midsole tech, so if you’re expecting Boost-level softness, recalibrate now. What you get is firm, stable support that handles walking distances without complaint. Padded collar helps, and the lacing system locks everything down securely enough that heel slip never becomes an issue. Sizing runs true for most feet, though the layered materials eat roughly a half-size worth of interior space compared to a regular AJ1 Low.

Breathability surprises for something waterproof. GORE-TEX has improved significantly over the years, and while summer heat will still make you wish for mesh panels, cool-to-cold weather feels genuinely comfortable. Spring rain, fall puddles, light snow: this is the shoe’s sweet spot. Conditions between 40 and 65 degrees where rain, mud, or cold might show up without warning represent the ideal operating range.

Where This Shoe Makes Sense

City commutes in unpredictable weather are the obvious use case. If your day involves subway platforms, slick sidewalks, office buildings, and outdoor walks between them all, the Element Low A/T handles every transition without requiring you to pack backup shoes or dodge puddles like they’re landmines. The “Sail” colorway works with almost anything you’d wear casually, keeping the visual clean while the tech underneath does the heavy lifting.

Light hiking and trail walking fit the brief too. These aren’t technical hiking boots, but for day trails, park paths, and terrain that sits somewhere between pavement and backcountry, the grip and weather protection deliver. You look like you’re wearing Jordans, which matters if trail fashion ranks anywhere on your priority list. The outdoor crowd has leaned hard into gorpcore aesthetics lately, and this shoe slots right into that space without trying too hard. Skip this for all-day indoor wear where weight becomes unnecessary drag, or hot-weather use where waterproofing turns into an oven.

The Verdict

At $200 to $205, the Air Jordan 1 Element Low A/T asks for a premium over the standard AJ1 Low, and you get functional value for that price. GORE-TEX membranes, trail outsoles, and reinforced construction don’t come cheap, and Jordan Brand assembled them into a package that still looks like a Jordan. The “Sail” colorway adds versatility that more aggressive color options might lack, making it an easier daily choice.

Waterproof matters to some lives more than others, and if yours involves unpredictable conditions, this shoe earns serious consideration. It won’t replace your trail runners for serious hikes or your dress sneakers for polished occasions, but it fills a gap that most collections don’t address at all: a heritage silhouette rebuilt for real weather.

Jordan finally made an AJ1 that can handle the conditions where you actually live. That’s worth something.

Price: $200 to $205
Where to buy: Nike.com, Nike app, select retailers