The controversial leather toe cap is finally coming back after 30+ years
Jordan purists, this one’s for you. The Air Jordan 10 “Steel” is dropping August 2, 2025, and for the first time since 1994, it’s getting the full OG treatment, including that leather toe cap MJ famously hated.
According to @zsneakerheadz, the 2025 retro will feature the re-worked shape that’s actually close to the original 1994 model. That means the toe cap is back, along with the correct blue Jumpman logo on the outsole instead of the red one they’ve been using since 2005.
Why This Matters
The AJ10 “Steel” has retroed twice before, in 2005 and 2013, but both times Jordan Brand cut corners. No toe cap, wrong Jumpman colors, and the shape was off. Sneakerheads have been asking for a proper OG retro for years, and it looks like we’re finally getting it.
The toe cap situation is wild when you think about it. Jordan straight up didn’t like that design element, so they removed it from later versions. But here’s the thing: the story of the AJ10 isn’t complete without it. This shoe was designed while MJ was playing baseball, and he first wore the “Steel” colorway at Scottie Pippen’s All-Star Classic in September 1994.
What to Expect
White leather upper with light steel grey and black accents, the cleanest AJ10 colorway, hands down. The outsole will feature all the early career accolades listed, just like the original. And yes, that powder blue Jumpman is coming back instead of the red one we’ve been getting.
Release Details:
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Price: $215
- Where: Nike.com, select Jordan retailers
- Sizes: Full family sizing
This is essentially Jordan Brand acknowledging that they should have done it right the first time. For collectors who’ve been waiting decades for a proper “Steel” retro, this might be worth the wait.
The $215 price tag stings a bit, but if they’re bringing back OG tooling and materials, it could be justified. We’ll have to wait and see the final product when the official images are released.
