The drop at a glance
| Release date | October 10, 2026 |
| Retail price | $185 |
| Style code | IQ5495-005 |
| Colorway | Black / Royal Blue |
| Where | Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, Finish Line, select Jordan retailers |
One of the three original grails
Bred. Chicago. Royal. Those are the three 1985 originals, and the Royal has only ever seen three High OG releases. This fourth release matters because Nike is going back to the smooth leather closer to the 1985 original — not the tumbled leather of the 2017 pair — which is exactly what collectors have been asking for.
Expect one of the most contested SNKRS drops of Q4. If you only chase one pair this fall, this is a defensible pick.
The deep cuts
- The 2017 Royal (555088-007) dropped April 1, 2017 at $160 in tumbled leather — the exact gripe this 2026 pair answers.
- 2026 is only the fourth High OG release of the Royal in 40-plus years: 1985, 2013, 2017, 2026.
- This one uses the standard High OG cut, not the more limited '85 shape.
How to cop
- SNKRS — it will almost certainly be a draw, not first-come-first-served.
- Foot Locker / Finish Line apps — reservation systems give you extra entries.
- Resale reality check — Royals historically hold strong above retail. If you strike out, check the marketplaces in our Shop and know the market price before you pay it.
Keep them alive
Black and royal blue shows every scuff. Ice the outsoles, protect them before first wear — the care gear in our Shop is what we actually use.
Release dates can shift — follow the Drop Report for updates.
