Professional BMX athlete and cultural icon Nigel Sylvester is continuing his prolific partnership with Jordan Brand, announcing his latest sneaker collaboration, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Better With Time.” Set for release on August 16, 2025, the sneaker is a testament to Sylvester’s unique storytelling ability and his ever-growing influence in the worlds of sport and fashion.
The “Better With Time” release serves as a direct sequel to Sylvester’s highly sought-after 2018 Air Jordan 1 High. That initial collaboration introduced the concept of a pre-distressed sneaker, designed to look worn-in straight out of the box. This new low-top iteration continues that narrative, featuring a black-based colorway with the same signature scuff marks that mimic the wear from Sylvester’s brakeless riding style. The theme, as marketing materials state, is that “some things don’t fade, they deepen… Their marks aren’t flaws, but proof of life, love and growth.”
In an exclusive interview with Footwear News, Sylvester elaborated on the concept. “I wanted to apply a story to it,” he said. “And talk about the things that get better with time: sneakers, or art, or your favorite pair of denim.” The design is a low-top version of a friends-and-family exclusive high-top he wore in 2022, bringing a long-requested colorway to the public and marking a full-circle moment for his journey with the AJ1 silhouette.
This release comes during a banner year for the 37-year-old Queens native. In March 2025, he dropped the Air Jordan 4 “Brick by Brick,” a release that many enthusiasts are already calling a top contender for sneaker of the year. This followed his pivotal role in 2024, where he introduced the Air Jordan 4 RM, a modified silhouette featuring a new “Bike Air” logo, further cementing his creative pull within the brand. “He expands the spectrum of what the brand can represent,” Kith founder Ronnie Fieg told WWD. “He makes it feel more human, more accessible and more culturally relevant.”
The campaign for the “Better With Time” sneaker underscores Sylvester’s deep roots in street culture. Jordan Brand tapped fellow New Yorker and rapper A$AP Ferg for a promotional video and song, celebrating the “Bike Airs.” This authentic connection is characteristic of Sylvester, who, despite turning pro in 2005, eschewed traditional competitions to build his career through his cinematic “GO” video series and powerful brand collaborations.
His influence extends beyond footwear. Sylvester has secured partnerships with global brands like Mercedes-Benz, Moncler, and McDonald’s, and was even shouted out by Jay-Z on Frank Ocean’s 2017 track “Biking.” His digital footprint includes an appearance in the popular video game “Fortnite,” where his “Brick by Brick” sneakers were available as a cosmetic item.
The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Better With Time” is a reflection of its creator’s journey—one defined by authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to building a legacy. As Samantha Baker, Jordan Brand’s global communications director, noted, the project is a tribute to “growth, resilience and evolution.”
The sneaker is scheduled to launch on August 16, 2025, for a retail price of $160. It will be available via the Nike SNKRS app and select Jordan Brand retailers.
