The black and red Air Jordan 1s are one of the most iconic colorways of the original Air Jordan model. First released in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 was the first signature sneaker for NBA legend Michael Jordan. The black and red colorway, officially known as the “Bred” colorway, is considered one of the most popular and sought-after versions of the Air Jordan 1.
History of the Air Jordan 1 “Bred”
The original Air Jordan 1 “Bred” colorway was released in 1985 as the first Air Jordan signature shoe. It featured a simple black and red color scheme, with a black leather upper, red Nike Swoosh logos, and red detailing on the midsole.
When Michael Jordan first wore the sneakers in 1984, they violated the NBA’s uniform policy, which stipulated that shoes had to be mostly white. Jordan was fined $5000 each time he wore the black and red Air Jordan 1s, but that only helped fuel demand for the shoes. Nike paid the fines and used the controversy in marketing campaigns with the slogan “Banned in the NBA”.
The Air Jordan 1 Bred returned to retailers in 1994, 1999, and 2001 with the same “Nike Air” branding on the tongue. In 2013 and 2016, Jordan Brand re-released the shoe as the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Bred” as part of Jordan’s Retro Remastered series, updating the materials while keeping the classic color scheme intact.
In 2019 and 2020, Jordan Brand brought back the Bred 1s once again. The 2020 retro incorporated the latest technology while retaining the nostalgic Bred aesthetics that Jordan fans covet.
Details of the “Bred” Colorway
Here are the key features that define the iconic black and red Air Jordan 1 Bred colorway:
| Upper | Black leather, typically higher quality for Retro releases |
| Swoosh | Red Nike Swoosh logos on each side |
| Collar | Red lining around the collar |
| Wings Logo | Red “Wings” logo on ankle |
| Midsole | White midsole with red outsole |
| Tongue | Red Nike Air logo on tongue (or black Jumpman logo on newer models) |
| Laces | Black laces |
| Heel | Red “Nike Air” logo (or black “Nike Air” on 2020 model) |
This simple but eye-catching color scheme of black, red, and white is what makes the Air Jordan 1 Bred so iconic and recognizable.
Other Notable Releases
In addition to the original 1985 release and retro editions, there have been some other notable Bred-themed Air Jordan 1 releases over the years:
– Air Jordan 1 KO “Bred” (1986) – The KO version used canvas instead of leather on the upper.
– Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Banned” (2016) – Commemorated the “Banned” controversy with red crossing out the Swoosh.
– Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Banned Bred” (2017) – Flipped the black and red on the upper with red leather and black accents.
– Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Bred Toe” (2018) – Added white “toe” panels for a new twist on the Bred theme.
– Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Bred Satin” (2019) – Luxury satin upper with glossy black satin and red accents.
– Air Jordan 1 Mid “Banned Bred” (2020) – Mid-top version of the AJ1 brought back the “Banned” theme.
– Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Bred Patent” (2020) – Bred color scheme with shiny patent leather instead of tumbled leather.
Significance and Legacy
The Air Jordan 1 Bred holds a special place in sneaker culture and the legacy of Michael Jordan for the following reasons:
– It was the first Air Jordan shoe that started the entire Jordan Brand sneaker empire.
– The controversy around the banned black/red colors helped promote the shoes and build brand mythology.
– It represents the start of athlete branding and signature sneakers becoming ingrained in sports culture.
– The timeless design and colors make it wearable decades later. Vintage 1985 pairs are coveted by collectors.
– It inspired an entire color scheme used across other Air Jordan models over the years. Jordan Brand releases new Bred-themed shoes every year.
– The Bred 1s remain one of the most popular and best-selling Air Jordan retros year after year.
Buying Guide
For sneaker collectors and Jordan fans looking to buy the Bred 1s, here are some tips:
– **Model Number** – Look for models numbers like 136027-061 for true Retro OG editions with Nike Air branding.
– **Box Label** – Check that box label matches the model number and includes details like “Nike Air” and correct size info.
– **Leather** – Retro releases should use high-quality leather, while lower-tier releases may use cheaper materials.
– **Shape** – Ensure the silhouette and not too bulky or misshapen compared to original 1985 design.
– **Stitching** – Stitching should be tight and clean throughout, with no loose threads or sloppy glue marks.
– **Toe Box** – Toe box should have smooth lines and not be over-tumbled or creased.
– **Swoosh** – The Swooshes should be evenly sized, shaped, and positioned.
– **Soles** – Look at the sole stitching for signs of re-gluing or inconsistencies. Soles should not be overly yellowed.
– **Insoles** – Insoles should have size/production info and match the box label specifications.
– **Packaging** – Original retros come with extra laces, Hang tag, and retro-styled packaging.
Where to Buy
There are a few options for getting your hands on a pair of Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Breds:
– Direct from Nike/Jordan during Retro re-releases – Sign up online ahead of launch dates. Limited quantities sell out extremely fast.
– Resale sites like GOAT, StockX, Stadium Goods – Prices often resale for well over retail value due to demand.
– Consignment shops – May have used pairs in-stock but likely with a premium. Worth calling local spots.
– eBay – Both new and used pairs pop up regularly. Carefully vet sellers via reviews and ratings.
– Sneaker conventions – Events like Sneaker Con have vendors selling rare kicks. Great place to find legit pairs, but expect markups.
– Facebook groups – Join Jordan-focused groups and follow group rules for buying/selling/trading with other members. Use PayPal invoices and do due diligence.
Price Range
Pricing for the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Bred varies widely based on where and when they were released:
– Retail pricing – The 2019 retro had an MSRP of $160, while the 2020 retro retailed for $170. New releases cost near that depending on model.
– Resale – Pre-owned Breds from 1985 through early 2000s can sell for $1000+ for desirable deadstock pairs in high demand.
– Recent Retros – Expect to pay $200-$600 over retail for recently released Bred 1s purchased resell. Popular sizes like 9-10.5 tend to have the highest premium.
| Release Year | Average Resale Price |
| 2016 | $350-$450 |
| 2017 Banned Bred | $300-$400 |
| 2019 | $240-$350 |
| 2020 | $350-$550 |
Prices fluctuate over time based on size/condition and broader market supply and demand factors.
Spotting Fakes
Due to the popularity and resale value of the Bred 1s, counterfeits are common. Here are tips for identifying fake Bred Air Jordan 1s:
– Misshapen or disproportionate silhouette, toe box, and Swoosh shapes
– Cheap, stiff leather lacking proper texture and tumble
– Sloppy stitching, glue marks, loose threads
– Wrong details like incorrect logo fonts, colors, sizes
– Numbers and text on size tags, box labels, insoles don’t match legit versions
– Not enough red throughout – counterfeits tend to lack proper vibrant red shades
– Translucent soles, incorrect sole shapes, wrong mold numbers, no Nike Air units
– Packaging flaws like incorrect box lid specs, missing extras, typos
– Improperly sized or shaped heel tabs, wings logos, collar foam, and collar lining
– Lack of attention to finer details like gloss levels, correct color shades, cuts of materials
When purchasing, scrutinize images closely and ask for multiple detailed photos including logos, soles, size tags if buying online. In person, closely inspect all aspects and compare to known authentic pairs.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Bred remains one of the most iconic, recognizable, and beloved colorways in sneaker history. Its timeless black and red color scheme pays homage to the original banned AJ1 that sparked a sneaker revolution. Jordan Brand continues the legacy by releasing new Bred 1 iterations that remain must-haves for any sneaker collector. Prices remain high on the secondary market, but the enduring appeal of the Bred 1s make them a shoe that will always be in demand.