The Truth About Glow In The Dark Jordan 1s: 5 Models That Shine (And The One That Doesn't)
The allure of a sneaker that lights up the night is undeniable, making the "glow in the dark Jordan 1" one of the most searched-for silhouettes in the collector community. As of late December 2025, the conversation is dominated by recent releases and a major controversy surrounding a shoe that promised luminescence but failed to deliver. This article cuts through the hype to reveal the true glow-in-the-dark Jordan 1s you need to know about, including the highly-anticipated 2024 Halloween drop and the model that left fans in the dark.
The concept of phosphorescent footwear has always been a powerful marketing tool for Nike and Jordan Brand, turning a simple leather sneaker into a statement piece for late-night wear. While the technology is often reserved for special edition or holiday releases, several Air Jordan 1 models—both High and Low—have genuinely featured this coveted, light-activated material. However, not every shoe with "Glow" in its name actually shines, a fact that has recently caused significant debate among sneakerheads.
The 2024 Jordan 1 Glow Controversy and The Real Shining Stars
The term "Glow in the Dark Jordan 1" can be misleading, as Jordan Brand often uses "Glow" in a colorway name simply to denote a vibrant, neon-like shade of green, rather than a functional phosphorescent material. This distinction became a major point of contention with one of the most high-profile releases of 2024.
1. The Non-Glow Model: Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Green Glow' (2024)
The Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Green Glow,' released in April/May 2024, was one of the year’s most anticipated drops due to its striking color-blocking and its name.
- Colorway: White/Black/Green Glow
- Style Code: DZ5485-130
- Release Date: April/May 2024
- Retail Price: $180 USD
- The Controversy: Despite the 'Green Glow' moniker, collectors quickly discovered that the shoe’s vibrant green panels and outsole do not actually glow in the dark.
The shoe features a classic "Bred Toe" color-blocking layout, replacing the traditional red with a pastel-like green hue. The design drew comparisons to the ultra-limited "Igloo" colorway from the 2017 Art Basel collection, making it a desirable sneaker for its aesthetic alone. However, the lack of actual luminescence was a major disappointment for buyers expecting a true glow-in-the-dark feature, leading to a significant discussion about Jordan Brand’s color naming conventions.
2. The True Luminescence: Air Jordan 1 Low 'Black Cat Halloween' (2024)
In stark contrast to the 'Green Glow' High, the Air Jordan 1 Low 'Black Cat Halloween' is a model that genuinely embraces the glow-in-the-dark feature, making it a must-have for collectors seeking that authentic night-shining effect. This release was perfectly timed for the spooky season.
- Colorway: Black/Black/Multi-Color
- Style Code: HQ3442-001
- Release Date: October 2024
- Retail Price: $120 USD
- Glow Feature: This model features a 'Black Cat' theme, with the most notable glow element being the 'LED eyes' graphic hidden on the sneaker’s design, which activates under UV light or in the dark.
The 'Black Cat Halloween' Low utilizes a blacked-out upper, allowing the phosphorescent elements to truly pop in low light. This model confirms that Jordan Brand still produces glow-in-the-dark sneakers, but tends to reserve the feature for specific, themed releases rather than applying it to every shoe with a "Glow" color name.
A Brief History of Phosphorescent Air Jordan 1s
While the 2024 releases are the most current talking points, the history of glow-in-the-dark Air Jordan 1s dates back several years, featuring different cuts and color combinations. These models are now sought-after by collectors for their unique design and scarcity.
3. The GS Exclusive: Air Jordan 1 Low 'Glow In The Dark' (2019)
One of the earliest explicit uses of the "Glow In The Dark" label on an Air Jordan 1 was a Grade School (GS) exclusive Low model. This release cemented the idea that the technology could be applied to the classic silhouette.
- Colorway: White/Ember Glow-Barely Volt-Black
- Style Code: 554723-176
- Release Date: June 12, 2019
- Glow Feature: The outsole and select accents on the upper featured a phosphorescent pigment, providing a clear, functional glow.
The use of "Ember Glow" and "Barely Volt" gave this shoe a vibrant, summery look in the daylight, which translated into a bright glow effect at night. Because it was a GS size run, adult-sized pairs are virtually non-existent, making it a rare find for many sneaker enthusiasts.
4. The 'Electric Green' Connection: Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2
While the original Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Electric Green' is not confirmed to glow, the colorway itself is a key part of the luminescence conversation. The vibrant, shocking 'Electric Green' shade has been used on other Jordan models, such as the Air Jordan 6, where the outsole was intended to glow.
- Topical Authority Entity: The 'Electric Green' color is frequently associated with glow-in-the-dark features across the Jordan line, even if a specific Jordan 1 model does not utilize the technology.
The Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT 2, which has also featured 'Electric Green' shades, uses a more modern, comfortable construction. This shows how Jordan Brand continues to experiment with neon and vibrant colors that *imply* a glow, even if the phosphorescent pigment is absent.
What Makes a Sneaker Truly Glow in the Dark?
The difference between a shoe that is simply a bright color and one that actually glows is a key technical detail: the application of a phosphorescent pigment. This material, often strontium aluminate, absorbs energy from light sources—natural sunlight or UV light—and then slowly releases that energy as visible light (luminescence) when the surrounding environment is dark.
For sneaker collectors, the best way to activate a glow-in-the-dark shoe is to expose it to a strong, direct light source, such as a blacklight (UV light), for a short period before stepping into a dark space. The intensity of the glow is directly related to the concentration of the pigment and the amount of light absorbed.
Topical Entities for Deeper Understanding:
- Phosphorescent Pigment: The chemical compound that absorbs and emits light.
- Luminescence: The emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat.
- UV Light Activation: The most effective way to "charge" the glowing material.
- Jordan Brand: The manufacturer responsible for the design and material choice.
- Sneaker Collector: The primary audience driving demand for these unique features.
In summary, while the 2024 'Green Glow' High OG proved to be a visually stunning shoe that sparked a major controversy for its misleading name, the true glow-in-the-dark legacy of the Air Jordan 1 is carried by models like the 'Black Cat Halloween' Low. For enthusiasts, the key is to look beyond the colorway name and confirm the presence of a genuine phosphorescent outsole or panel to ensure your sneakers truly shine when the lights go out.
The demand for these unique, light-up sneakers remains high, solidifying the "glow in the dark Jordan 1" as a perennial favorite in the world of high-heat footwear releases.
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