Forget flowers: Your Valentine deserves Jordans

Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG ($130)

Launch: Saturday, February 14, 2015 – 10:00 AM EST

When you arrive to pick up your date for Valentines, you could bring a dozen roses, but that would be boring, and flowers die anyway. Instead, give them the gift of a clean pair of Jordan 1 Lows in deep black and romantic Varsity Red. As the low-top rendition of one of the first shoes ever in the Air Jordan line, the midsole is graced with an off-white sail color for that vintage look that will remind them of how long you’ve been together. The Bred (a nickname given to black and red Jordans that stems from a leaked release calendar) makeup of the Jordan 1 is a timeless winner, and it shows your Valentine that you know the way to their heart.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Laser ($185)

Launch: Sunday, February 8, 2015 – 10:00 AM EST

Of course, this may not be an old romance, you might need something a little more fitting for a first date. The Jordan 1 High with laser engraving keeps one foot in the past while finding ways to be modern and trendy, akin to giving your date a simple arrangement of white tulips with bright yellow centers. The sneaker is part of a line celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of the original Jordan 1, so Nike goes all out with the materials. An icy blue translucent outsole and Metallic silver swoosh break up the clean white upper, with extra insole and tongue adornments to commemorate the milestone in the brand’s history.

Air Jordan 7 Retro (GS) ($140)

Launch: Saturday, February 7, 2015 – 10:00 AM EST

While both Air Jordan 1s are available from toddler up through the full range of men’s sizes, Jordan Brand always reserves a pair of Retro Jordans for the small-footers, this time in the classic VII silhouette from 1992. They aren’t the first shoe to enjoy the “For the Love of the Game” moniker, taking inspiration from the title of Michael Jordan’s autobiography, signified by a stitched basketball heart on the rear quarter panel. This time around, dark grey nubuck is laced with fuchsia stitching for an extra pop, the sneaker version of a selection of blooming birds of paradise with tall, wide blades of grass.

30th Anniversary Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ($140)

Launch: Saturday, February 14, 2015 – 10:00 AM EST

At the last minute, Jordan Brand surprised us by confirming another two pairs of Retro releases in smaller sizes, both using pearl as a theme to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Jordan brand. The first takes the classic 1 model and swaps out the smooth leather for a heavily textured sandy upper. Mother of pearl finish, iridescent detailing and lace loops, and a teal collar bring extra pop to an otherwise understated shoe.

30th Anniversary Air Jordan 4 Retro ($180)

Launch: Saturday, February 14, 2015 – 10:00 AM EST

The second is a new take on the Air Jordan IV, a classic designed by sneaker great Tinker Hatfield. The entire upper is dressed in Iridescent pearl coating, with splashes of subdued color all over. instead of rubber logo and detailing, Jordan Brand has once again looked to laser etching and metallic additions to create a truly smooth, cohesive look.

All of the Retro Jordans have been remastered for this year with special materials and attention to design, in an effort to restore the quality of the original releases. They typically sell out within minutes, but if your date has small feet you’re in luck, because GS sized shoes tend to sit on shelves a lot longer. For a full selection of Jordan Brand sneakers and gear, head over to their page on the Nike website.

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