How to Draw an Air Jordan 1: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to design your own legendary sneaker? This tutorial is perfect for young artists and sneakerheads ages 7+ who want to master the classic Air Jordan 1 silhouette. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this streetwear icon to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A clean, professional outline drawing of an Air Jordan 1 sneaker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Sole

Pencil sketch of the base sole of an Air Jordan 1 sneaker on white paper.

Draw the base of the shoe by sketching a long, narrow rectangle with slightly rounded corners. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the curve of the toe and heel later.

Step 2: Defining the Heel and Collar

Drawing the heel and ankle collar structure of the Jordan sneaker.

Extend the heel line upward and loop it back to create the ankle collar. Tip: Think of the collar as a soft, rounded cuff that hugs the ankle; don't make it too rigid.

Step 3: Shaping the Upper

Adding the upper panel and tongue structure to the sneaker drawing.

Add a curved rectangular shape across the top of the foot area. Connect this to the collar with a gentle, wavy line. Tip: This creates the 'tongue' area, so keep your lines smooth and flowing.

Step 4: Adding Eyelets

Sketching the lace eyelets along the throat of the sneaker.

Define the other side of the collar with overlapping curves, then draw small, flat ovals where the laces will go. Tip: Space these ovals evenly to make the shoe look realistic and symmetrical.

Step 5: Sketching the Laces

Adding the shoelace details across the top of the sneaker.

Draw curved shapes between the eyelets to represent the laces. Connect them with short lines. Tip: Don't worry about perfection; laces are naturally messy, so slight variations look great!

Step 6: Drawing the Swoosh

Add the iconic Nike swoosh on the side using two curved lines that meet at a sharp point. Tip: The swoosh should look like a fast, flying checkmark—keep it sleek!

Step 7: Adding Panel Details

Adding panel lines and toe box details to the sneaker.

Add a 'V' shape on the side and wavy lines on the toe box to show the shoe's panels. Tip: These lines define the different leather sections of the shoe, so make them distinct.

Step 8: The Wings Logo

Draw the Air Jordan wings logo near the collar: a circle with two feathered wings extending from the sides. Tip: Use short, quick strokes for the feathers to give them a textured look.

Step 9: Final Textures

Adding final texture details like ventilation holes and sole grip lines.

Add small dots to the toe box for ventilation and short lines on the sole for grip. Tip: These tiny details make your drawing look like a professional design sketch!

Step 10: Color Your Design

Finished Air Jordan 1 drawing ready for coloring.

Your outline is ready! Grab your markers or colored pencils. Fun fact: The original Jordan 1s were banned by the NBA for their bold red-and-black colorway, so feel free to break the rules with your own unique color scheme!