You know that feeling when you see a pair of sneakers and instantly think of a Ferrari? That’s not an accident. Tinker Hatfield literally sat down and looked at Michael Jordan’s Ferrari 550M when he was dreaming up the White and Red Air Jordan 14. It’s sleek. It’s fast. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing shoes in the entire Jordan catalog, mostly because it represents the end of an era.
Some people call them the "Candy Canes." Others just call them the "Cherries." Whatever name you’ve got for them, these kicks are steeped in 1999 nostalgia and a whole lot of Chicago Bulls DNA. But there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about when MJ actually wore them and why they look the way they do.
The Ferrari on Feet: Why They Look Like That
If you look closely at the side of a pair of white and red 14s, you’ll notice a little shield logo. It’s a Jumpman, sure, but the shape? Pure Maranello. Tinker wanted to capture MJ’s obsession with speed. You’ve got the "tires" on the heel—that weird ribbed rubber—and the cooling vents on the medial side that actually look like intake manifolds.
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The white and red colorway specifically—officially White/Black-Varsity Red—was meant to be the "Home" version of the silhouette. While the "Last Shot" 14s get all the glory because of that legendary jumper over Byron Russell, the white and red pair is the one that actually feels like a classic Bulls uniform.
It’s got that crisp, perforated leather. It’s got the sharp hits of Varsity Red on the midsole "teeth." Basically, it looks like it’s moving even when it’s sitting on a shelf.
Breaking Down the Tech (That Still Holds Up)
Even in 2026, the tech inside these things isn't half bad. You’ve got:
- Dual Zoom Air: Most retros today use a single unit, but the OGs and the high-quality retros featured Zoom in the heel and the forefoot.
- Asymmetrical Collar: Notice how one side is higher than the other? That’s for ankle support while keeping your range of motion open.
- Shank Plate: That big carbon fiber (or TPU on some retros) plate in the middle is there to keep your foot from twisting.
The "Candy Cane" vs. "Cherry" Confusion
Here’s where it gets kinda messy. If you’re scrolling through eBay or StockX, you’ll see people using these terms interchangeably. They aren't different shoes. They are the exact same 136011-102 style code from back in the day.
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The "Candy Cane" nickname comes from the red-and-white striped vibe of the midsole and the ribs. It’s a fan-made name that stuck. "Cherry" is usually what younger collectors call them, likely because they associate the white/red combo with the Jordan 11 or 12 "Cherry" colorways.
Honestly? Call them whatever you want. Just don't let a reseller convince you that a "Cherry 14" is rarer than a "Candy Cane 14." They’re the same beast.
A Timeline of Releases
- 1999 Original: The one that started it all. If you find a pair of these now, the midsoles are probably crumbling into orange dust. Don't try to wear them.
- 2006 Retro: These were... okay. The shape was a little wonky compared to the OGs, but they filled the void for a few years.
- 2012 Retro: This release was huge. It brought back the perforated side panels that some earlier versions lacked.
- 2019 Retro: This is widely considered the best version. The leather quality was surprisingly decent, and the shape was much closer to that sleek 1999 silhouette.
Did Michael Actually Wear Them?
This is the big "gotcha" for sneaker historians. Most people assume Michael Jordan wore every OG colorway on court. He didn't.
Michael famously debuted the 14s during the 1998 NBA Finals, but he was wearing the Black/Varsity Red (Last Shot) pair. By the time the White and Red Air Jordan 14 actually hit shelves in early 1999, MJ had already announced his second retirement. He never wore this specific colorway in an NBA game as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
You might see photos of him wearing them during a practice or a random event, but the "Home" 14 never got its championship moment. Instead, it became a lifestyle staple—a shoe for the fans who wanted to carry that Bulls energy into the post-Jordan era.
How to Style Them Without Looking Like a 1990s Coach
The biggest struggle with 14s is that they can look "bottom-heavy." Because of those aggressive "teeth" on the midsole, they don't always play nice with skinny jeans or super-baggy sweats.
The Pro Move: Go with a straight-leg chino or a slightly tapered cargo. You want the pants to sit right at the top of the tongue. Since the shoe is mostly white with those aggressive red pops, keep the rest of your fit neutral. A grey hoodie or a black tee lets the shoes do the shouting.
Current Market Value (2026 Update)
If you're looking to pick up a pair today, the 2019 retro is your best bet for wearability. On the secondary market, prices for a Deadstock (DS) pair are hovering between $350 and $500 depending on size.
If you find a "deal" under $200, check the heels. The 14 is notorious for the rubber "tires" peeling away or the midsole foam separating near the toe. It’s a fixable issue for a professional restorer, but a headache for a casual buyer.
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Actionable Steps for Collectors
- Check the Jumpman Count: Every pair of 14s has exactly 14 Jumpman logos (7 on each shoe). Check the insoles, the lace tips, the soles, and the shields. It’s a quick way to spot a low-tier fake.
- Storage Matters: Because of the synthetic materials used in the midsole, these shoes hate humidity. If you're "stocking" them, use silica packets and keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the glue from failing.
- Sizing Advice: Most 14s run true to size (TTS). However, if you have a wide foot, the "pinky toe pinch" is real because of that sharp Ferrari-nose taper. Consider going up half a size if you're worried.
The white and red 14s aren't just a pair of sneakers; they’re a design experiment that marked the end of the greatest dynasty in sports. They might not have a "Last Shot" story, but they’ve got a style that hasn't aged a day since 1999.