In 1985 sports photographer. Chuck Kohn. photographed Michael Jordans wearing the Air Jordans 1 Royals. This photo turned Nike poster was the first time anyone saw Michael wearing the Air Jordans 1 sneakers. Ever. Known to be his favorite colorway. Jordans chose the Royals to be the first Air Jordans 1 available for purchase. They were also the only color-way out of the Top 3 Air Jordans 1 Retro colorways ('Banned' and 'Chicago') that he never wore on the court. Since 1985. the Royals have been released in 2001. 2013. and 2017.