The Air Jordan 1 is arguably the most recognized sneaker of all time. Everyone, even non-sneakerheads, know this shoe when they see it. It was the original that started it all for sneaker culture and features some of the best traction of all time. As a shoe originally released in 1985, it lacks modern cushioning and support. Some Jordan 1s feature polyurethane insoles similar to what was in the original (a slight upgrade from the cheap insoles in most shoes). You can use those insoles if you want a “true to 1985” experience, but if you’re looking to wear them for long periods of time or play basketball in them, Move Insoles are a much better option.

The Air Jordan 1 fits Move Game Day and Game Day Pro insoles true to size. For example, if your shoes are a Men’s Size 12, use the size 12 insole. 

The Air Jordan 1 sometimes, but not always, includes a light adhesive attaching the stock insole to the shoe’s base. The bond is not strong, so you can use your hands to pull the insole free of the shoe easily. Loosening the laces of the shoe will help make the switch easier. Once you’ve removed the stock insoles, you can slide the Move insoles into the shoes and adjust their position as needed. That’s the process. You'll be ready to play in your Move insoles in 2 minutes. 

The Jordan 1 will have some string taped or glued down to the strobel board underneath the insole. This is a result of older shoe manufacturing methods. The strings are secured to the sidewall of the shoe so even if the strings move while making the insole swap, it won’t affect performance.

For a more detailed explanation of removing and replacing the insoles on the Air Jordan 1, please refer to the instructions below.

Air Jordan 1: How to Remove and Replace the Insole

Step 1: Loosen Laces and Remove Current Insole

First, loosen the laces on the shoes as much as possible. This will make it easier to get the tongue out of the way, remove the included insole and insert your new Move insole. The stock insole of the Air Jordan 1 is attached to the shoe’s strobel board, the layer between the insole and the cushioning, with lightly sticky adhesive. 

To remove the insole, slightly lift the middle edge of the insole near the arch area. Push your fingers further underneath the insole. Slowly lift one of the insoles until the adhesive begins to detach. Next, slide your fingers towards the rear of the shoe and fully detach the insole from the heel. Then slide your fingers forward as far as possible to separate the adhesive from the toe area. You may not be able to reach the end of the insole due to space constraints inside the shoe. That’s ok. Once only a small amount of adhesive is left attached at the toe, gently pull the insole free. Remove the insole from the shoe and put it to the side. Repeat the process for the other shoe.

 Tip: If the adhesive will not detach with light pulling, use a hair dryer set to low heat to warm and loosen the glue.

Step 2: Insert your Move Insoles

Now, grab the Move insole that matches the shoe. The left insole's sculpted arch and sawtooth pattern are on the right side. The right insole's sculpted arch and sawtooth pattern are on the left.

Hold the bottom of the insole and ensure your fingers support the more flexible toe area. Starting with the toe area, insert the insole into the shoe and use your hand to guide it towards the inside front. Due to space constraints, you may not be able to guide the insole to the toe of the shoe. Get the end of the insole as close to the toe as possible. 

 Then, move your hand back along the underside of the insole to the TPU section and push. Stop once the insole touches the inside toe of the shoe. Once the insole is in place, align it with the shoe's base and push down until it settles into place. Slight adjustments may be needed to ensure the insole sits flush with the shoe's base. Once the insole is secure in the first shoe, repeat the process for the second shoe.

Step 3: Checking the Fit

To check the insole’s placement and fit, slide your feet into the shoes, tie them and walk around. If the insole feels slanted or shifted to one side, remove the shoe and readjust the insole’s position.

The fit will feel different. Your foot will sit higher in the Air Jordan 1, have more contact with the upper materials, and feel slightly tighter. That’s normal. 

You should also immediately feel the extra cushion and frictionless nature of the Move insole. You’ve upgraded your insole in multiple ways, and your shoes will now have a closer, one-to-one fit. 

Tip: If you prefer a looser fit for casual wear (not recommended for basketball), you’ll want to go up in shoe size. Take your Move insoles with you when you try on shoes to ensure the proper fit.