Honestly, if you grew up watching the NBA in the late '90s, the image of Michael Jordan stalking the court in those dimpled leather sneakers is burned into your brain. It was 1997. The Bulls were on the verge of a second three-peat. And on MJ's feet was something that looked less like a basketball shoe and more like a predator.
Specifically, the red and white Jordan 13—often called the "Cherry" or just the "Chicago"—defined an era. But here's the thing: most people today mix up the different versions or think they’re all the same "Bulls" colorway. They aren't. Not even close.
The "Black Cat" logic
Tinker Hatfield is a genius, but he was also kinda weird with his inspirations. He noticed Michael played like a giant predatory cat. Stealthy. Fast. Hard to pin down. So he designed the 13 to look like a panther’s paw.
The green hologram on the ankle? That’s the eye. The pods on the outsole? Those are the paws. When you look at the red and white Jordan 13, you’re seeing the cleanest expression of that "Black Cat" concept. The white quilted leather upper contrasts against that deep "True Red" suede in a way that just feels... expensive. Even back then, it felt like luxury.
Why the Cherry 13 keeps coming back
You might hear people call these the "Chicago 13s." Whatever. The point is, they are legendary because they represent the 1997-98 regular season. While Mike famously switched to the Jordan 14 for the final shot in Utah, the 13 was the workhorse of the "Last Dance."
- The OG Release: Late 1997 into early 1998.
- The 2010 Retro: A solid comeback, though some purists complained about the shape.
- The 2017 Retro: This one hit the "True Red" suede just right.
- The 2026 Rumor: Word on the street is a 2026 "True Red" retro is happening with better "OG" accuracy.
If you’ve ever tried to keep that white leather clean, you know the struggle. It’s a magnet for scuffs. But man, when they are fresh out of the box? Nothing else looks quite as sharp on a court.
Red Flint vs. The Classics
Okay, let’s clear up some confusion. In 2021, Jordan Brand dropped the Red Flint 13. A lot of casual fans saw "red and white" and jumped on them. But the Red Flint is basically a remix of the famous "Flint Grey" colorway.
It swaps the classic blue mesh for "Gym Red" mesh. It’s a great shoe, sure. It’s bright. It pops. But it’s a modern flip, not the historical heavyweight that the "Cherry" is. If you're looking for the shoe Mike actually wore during the regular season, the Red Flint isn't it. You want the one with the white leather pods and the red suede wrapping around the heel and midsole.
The tech inside the pods
People forget these were actual performance beasts. They weren't just for looking cool at the mall.
The 13 introduced a carbon fiber shank plate that was actually pretty revolutionary for the time. It gave you this weirdly snappy, responsive feel. Combine that with Zoom Air in the heel and the forefoot, and you have what many collectors still call the most comfortable Jordan retro ever made.
There's no "clunky" feel here. Despite looking bulky, they’re surprisingly light. The segmented outsole—those paw-like pods—allows your foot to flex more naturally than a flat-bottomed shoe like the Jordan 1. You can actually play ball in these today and not feel like you’re wearing bricks.
Styling the "Bred" and White look
How do you even wear these now? Honestly, stay away from skinny jeans. It’s 2026; we’ve moved past that. Because the red and white Jordan 13 has so much volume, you need pants that have a bit of weight to them.
Think loose-fit cargos or some heavyweight fleece joggers. The red suede is very "loud," so keep the rest of the fit neutral. A black hoodie or a plain white tee lets the shoes do the talking.
Pro Tip: If you're buying a pair from 2017 or earlier, watch out for "bleeding." The red suede on the 13 is notorious for staining the white leather or even your white socks if they get damp. It’s a pain, but it’s the price of looking that good.
Is the hype real for 2026?
The sneaker market has been a rollercoaster lately. Resale prices are weird. But the red and white Jordan 13 is one of those "safe" bets. It’s a foundation shoe.
Collectors are already buzzing about the 2026 "True Red" release because Jordan Brand has been getting better at the "remastered" shapes. They're making the toe box less boxy and the hologram clearer.
If you missed out in 2017, the upcoming drop is basically your redemption arc. Expect a retail price around $210, which is steep, but considering the history and the tech, it's about what you'd expect for a flagship retro.
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What to do next
If you're hunting for a pair right now, check the "Cherry" (2017) or the "Red Flint" (2021) on secondary markets like eBay or GOAT. Always check the hologram first. On fakes, the 23 and the Jumpman inside the green "eye" usually look blurry or don't transition smoothly when you tilt the shoe.
If you're waiting for the 2026 drop, start saving now. These won't sit on shelves. The Chicago-style colorways never do.