Let’s rewind to the 1980s. Back then, the NBA enforced a strict rule: every basketball shoe had to be at least 51% white. This made most sneakers, whether Converse or New Balance , look almost identical. But when Michael Jordan began working with Nike, his signature sneakers were loud; designed in striking red and black. Each time he wore them on the court, he was fined $5,000 for breaking the uniform code. Nike, however, embraced the controversy, paying the fines for every game and turning the rebellious ‘Bred’ into what is now famously known as the ‘Banned.’ This bold move sparked one of the greatest marketing campaigns in sports history.
While the ‘Bred’ has been re released several times over the years, Jordan Brand’s latest iteration is a standout. The upcoming Air Jordan 1 High ’85 ‘Bred’ has been meticulously recreated to closely mirror the original design. The team went back to the drawing board, rebuilding the shoe from scratch to ensure it embodies the same look and feel as the 1985 classic.
Dressed in a timeless ‘Black’ and ‘Varsity Red’ leather upper, the sneaker features signature details like the iconic Nike Swoosh on the sidewalls and the winged basketball emblem on the collar. The midsole, finished in clean white, incorporates Nike’s renowned Air technology for superior comfort and bounce.