Which Are The Greatest Black And Red Jordans Ever
The Iconic black and red Jordans, or “bred” is by far the most important Jordan colorway for several reasons. A close second, in my opinion, would have to be the soft UNC blue and white, but that’s another topic for another day. It would almost be blasphemous if we didn’t begin this article with none other than the Jordan 1 “banned”.
Greatest Black And Red Jordans Ever
here is the list of the Greatest Black And Red Jordans Ever
Jordan 1 ‘banned’
In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 High made history as the first-ever shoe in black and red colors. Its release caused a sensation, forever transforming how sneakers were worn, sold, and perceived. At the time, Michael Jordan, a rookie for the Chicago Bulls, would go on to become the greatest basketball player, with his sneakers pioneering and dominating the sneaker culture for years.
During his rookie season, the NBA aimed to ban Michael Jordan’s black-and-red sneakers due to insufficient white on them. Undeterred, MJ, in partnership with Nike, continued wearing the sneaker, even facing a $5000 fine per game. While costly, this defiance paid off, laying the groundwork for the Jordan Brand’s legacy and its evolution into a $2 billion+ business today.
Despite the legend surrounding the banned Air Jordan 1, recent research suggests that it wasn’t the shoe officially forbidden by the NBA. The Nike Air Ship, similar in design, was the “banned” shoe. The NBA objected to Jordan wearing a black and red version during the 1984 preseason. Though non-compliant, Michael switched to a white-based version for the following game. This revelation acknowledges the Nike Air Ship’s role in paving the way for sneakers of diverse colors and styles.
Jordan 4 ‘Breds’
The next Black and red Jordan in the lineup has to be the Air Jordan 4 “bred”. Michael Jordan wore the Tinker Hatfield-created Air Jordan 4 during his inaugural MVP campaign. In the same year’s NBA Playoffs, it was also memorably worn by MJ during “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo.
The heel tab, insole, and outsole all bear the “Nike Air” logo. Additionally, it marked the debut of the Flight logo. It was only ten years later in 2008 that the Jordan Brand made the first-ever “Bred” Air Jordan 4 throwback decision. This pair retains the original “Nike Air” branding and is almost identical to the original from a decade earlier.
Just four years later, the “Bred” 4 made a comeback without its Air Jordan 19 companion from the earlier release. The Jumpman branding that was first used on the 2008 version was carried over to the 2012 iteration. This pair, which was released before Jordan Brand started its Remastered initiative to enhance the quality of its retros, received criticism for its inferior construction materials.
To commemorate the sneaker’s 30th birthday, Jordan Brand decided to finally restore the original “Nike Air” label on the “Bred” Air Jordan for the first time in twenty years. On Saturday, May 11, 2019, the shoe went on sale at a few locations throughout the world for $200. I have no doubt sneakerheads around the world are foaming at the mouth just waiting for the next ‘bred’ 4 release.
Sneakerheads were ecstatic to see a display of unreleased Off-WhiteTM x Nike/Jordan Brand sneakers when the late Virgil Abloh’s first solo show, “FIGURES OF SPEECH,” debuted back in 2019. An Off-WhiteTM x Air Jordan 4 in the well-known “Bred” hue was also a part of the collection.
Despite numerous release rumors, it has now been confirmed that the sneaker will not be made available. The Off-WhiteTM x Air Jordan 4 “Bred” was merely manufactured as a sample prototype, a Jordan Brand spokesman recently told the media. Including that, there are no intentions to sell Virgil Abloh’s design to the general public. Should this sneaker go on sale, I have no doubt it will bring the sneaker community to its knees, and fetch insane resale prices.
Jordan 5’s
My personal favorite Jordan 5, which I consider the greatest of all time, is the Jordan 5. It boasts eye-catching design details that age well, and its rich history in the series includes several impressive black and red iterations. The OG Jordan 5 Fire Red, with its white upper and perfect ‘bred’ accents, marked the beginning of the Air Jordan line’s Fire Red colorway success.
The Fire Red 5, with its reflecting tongue, has been retro’ed more frequently than the black tongue model. Both colorways served as “home” and “away” alternates during the regular season. The Fire Reds were unique with the number 23 sewn on the heel in the original releases, though not a guarantee for every pair of 5s.
Another iconic black and red Jordan 5 is the Toro Bravo/Raging Bull, part of the 2009 DMP “Raging Bull” bundle. Honoring Michael Jordan’s success with the Chicago Bulls, this design features bright red suede uppers, black eye stays, translucent midfoot netting, and throats for a distinctive look.
The reflective tongue, a tonal “23” hit, and a second black Jumpman on the heel add to the Toro Bravo’s appeal. Black midsoles with white and red decorations, a clear Air Max unit at the heel, and icy blue outsoles distinguish it. This release, part of the “Defining Moments Pack,” pays homage to the original pair with a woodboard print on the box.
A recent noteworthy release is the Air Jordan 5 x Gore-Tex, a durable, stylish, waterproof sneaker in classic black and red. The GORE-TEX-wrapped design features reflective silver components, semi-transparent off-white touches, and red GORE-TEX branding at the heel. Ready for wet and cold conditions, this Jordan 5 ensures both functionality and style.
Jordan 11 ‘playoffs’
A very, very close second to the 5s for me has to be the Jordan 11 (HIGH TOPS ONLY)!
The Jordan 11 ‘bred’ / ‘playoffs’ shockingly almost didn’t happen; Nike had intended to end Michael Jordan’s trademark brand after the Air Jordan X due to his initial retirement from the NBA in 1993. Tinker Hatfield toiled away behind the scenes creating the Air Jordan XI in the hopes that Michael Jordan would one day return to the court, a gamble that paid off handsomely for the designer while everyone else at Nike believed the line was finished.
Although the expression “made like a tank” is frequently used in footwear, the Jordan XI definitely pushed the durability threshold. The shoe was made to be tough, with an emphasis on withstanding the game-to-game wear and tear from MJ’s high level of play, even though its shiny patent leather and nylon may appear good. Hatfield experimented with several materials like Cordura nylon and patent leather, including a stiff carbon fiber shank for added stability.
The sneaker was originally released in a black and white colorway which was called the Jordan 11 ‘Concords’, which, like the Jordan brand’s black and red color scheme, also received controversy for its lack of the Chicago Bulls colors (black and red). It’s quite hilarious when you think of it, the lack of white in the ‘bred’ color scheme caused an uproar in the NBA when it was first debuted in the Jordan 1, but during his 1996 season, the AJ11 concord placed Jordan again under fire once again only this time for the lack of black and red in his sneakers.
Jordan 12 ‘flu games’
The Jordan 12 ‘flu game’ is a legendary sneaker with a captivating history, earning its place among the greatest black and red Jordans. Jordan faced a 103-degree temperature and severe flu-like symptoms on the morning of Game 5 in the 1997 NBA Finals. Doubts loomed about his ability to suit up with the series tied at two games apiece and heading to a hostile Utah environment.
However, Jordan not only played but dominated, scoring 38 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and hitting the game-winning three-pointer. Despite his illness, he showcased exceptional skills, running the fast break and making crucial plays. The “Black/Red” Jordan XIIs he wore that night became iconic as the “Flu Games,” entering sports mythology and sneaker slang.
Jordan’s Bulls secured a 3-2 series lead, ultimately winning Game Six in Chicago. While the “Flu Game” gained fame, a myth surrounding Jordan’s illness was addressed in The Last Dance documentary. Jordan clarified that he had food poisoning, not the flu. The documentary detailed his late-night food order, despite reservations, from a neighboring pizzeria, leading to the heroic “Food Poisoning” XIIs performance. The Jordan 12, with its unforgettable Utah night tale, stands as one of the most significant Air Jordans.
Air Jordan 14 ‘Last shot’
The color red isn’t just associated with Jordans; it’s also closely linked to the premium sports car brand Ferrari. The Jordan 14 effortlessly blends sneakers and fast cars. Michael Jordan himself donned the Air Jordan 14 during Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, solidifying its status among the iconic models in the vast Jordan Brand collection. In his last game for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan delivered a remarkable performance, securing the go-ahead basket that clinched the championship.
The Air Jordan 14 stands out among various Jordan Brand models with intriguing stories. Tinker Hatfield, during the design phase, found inspiration in the Ferrari 550 M type. The rubber heel mimics Pirelli tires, and the Jumpman emblem mirrors the legendary Ferrari logo, capturing the sleek body design of the car. Beyond its original 1998 release, the AJ14 gained renewed attention in 2014 with a new all-red colorway known as the “Ferrari,” creating considerable excitement in the sneaker community.
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