It’s 1984. The NBA just handed a young rookie from North Carolina a $5,000 fine for every single game he played in those "rebellious" sneakers. Or at least, that’s the story Nike sold us. The truth is actually a bit messier, and honestly, way more interesting. When you look at a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 red and black kicks today, you aren't just looking at leather and rubber. You’re looking at the greatest marketing "lie" ever told, a design that broke every rule in the book, and a shoe that basically invented modern sneaker culture.
Most people call them the "Bred" or the "Banned" colorway. It's a simple combo. Red. Black. White midsole. But in the mid-80s, the league had this "51% rule" where your shoes had to match your teammates' and be mostly white. Michael Jordan stepped onto the court in something that looked like a hazard sign, and the rest is history.
The "Banned" Myth vs. What Actually Happened
We’ve all seen the grainy commercial. The camera pans down Michael’s legs, a giant black bar covers the shoes, and a deep voice tells you the NBA threw them out of the game. It’s iconic. But if you talk to hardcore collectors or historians like Russ Bengtson, they’ll tell you the NBA didn’t actually ban the Jordan 1. They banned the Nike Air Ship—a similar-looking prototype MJ wore before the AJ1 was ready.
Nike didn't care about the technicality. They leaned into the "outlaw" persona. They paid the fines. They leaned into the idea that these shoes gave you an unfair advantage, or at least an unfair amount of swagger. It worked. People didn't just want the shoe; they wanted the defiance that came with it.
Why the Nike Air Jordan 1 Red and Black Is Still Impossible to Find
If you try to buy a pair of "Bred" 1s right now, you’re likely looking at the resale market. Sites like StockX or GOAT have them listed for three, four, maybe five times their original retail price depending on the year they were released. Why? Because Nike is the master of "perceived scarcity."
They don't just dump these on the shelves every Tuesday. They "retro" them. This means they bring the colorway back every few years—2001, 2013, 2016—with slight tweaks to the leather quality or the shape of the "Swoosh."
The 2016 "Banned" release is widely considered the gold standard because of the tumbled leather. It feels soft. It smells like a new car. It doesn't have that plastic-y sheen you see on cheaper mid-tops. Then you have the "Patent Breds" from 2021, which are shiny enough to use as a mirror. Purists hated them at first. Then, predictably, they sold out in seconds. That’s just how this game goes.
The Anatomy of the 1985 Silhouette
Design-wise, Peter Moore was a genius. He created a high-top that provided ankle support but didn't feel like a heavy boot. The Nike Air Jordan 1 red and black works because of the color blocking.
- The Toebox: Usually red on the "Bred," surrounded by black leather. It creates a focal point that draws the eye down.
- The Wings Logo: This was actually sketched on a cocktail napkin during a flight. It’s the only time it appeared prominently before the Jumpman took over.
- The Outsole: Solid red. When Michael jumped, you saw that flash of red underneath. It was theatrical.
Highs vs. Mids vs. Lows: Don't Get Fooled
This is where beginners get tripped up. You’ll see a pair of red and black Jordans at a local mall for $120 and think you hit the jackpot.
Check the tongue.
If it has a Jumpman logo on the tongue, it’s a Mid or a Low. If it says "Nike Air," it’s an OG High. To the average person, who cares? To a "sneakerhead," it's the difference between a daily beater and a museum piece. The Highs have a slightly different shape—the collar is taller, and the leather quality is generally tiers above the Mids.
How to Spot a Fake in 2026
The counterfeit market has gotten scary good. We aren't in the era of "crooked stitching" anymore. Professional "replicas" are now made in factories that use similar materials to Nike’s own. However, there are still "tells" that experts look for when verifying a Nike Air Jordan 1 red and black.
- The Hourglass Shape: Look at the shoe from the back. It should be wide at the top, narrow in the middle, and wide at the bottom. Fakes are often boxy or straight.
- The Corner Stitch: On the side panel, there’s a line of stitching that makes an L-shape. On many authentic pairs, this stitching should not touch the Swoosh. If it cuts right through the logo, be suspicious.
- The Wings Logo Depth: The "Air Jordan" wings should be deeply embossed, not just printed on. You should feel the ridges with your fingernail.
- The Smell: This sounds weird, but it’s real. Authentic Nikes have a specific chemical/leather scent. Fakes often smell like heavy industrial glue.
Stylistic Longevity: How to Wear Them Without Looking Like a 2012 Hypebeast
Back in the day, people wore these with baggy jeans that swallowed the whole shoe. Please don't do that. The AJ1 has a slim profile compared to the chunky Jordan 4 or 5.
It looks best with:
- Straight-leg raw denim (cuffed once).
- Black cargo pants with a slight taper.
- Vintage-wash hoodies.
Basically, let the shoe be the loudest part of the outfit. If you’re wearing red and black shoes, a red and black shirt, and a red hat, you look like a walking billboard. Tone it down. Let the leather speak for itself.
The Cultural Weight of the Color Red
Red is aggressive. It’s the color of the Chicago Bulls, but it’s also the color of danger. In the 80s, basketball shoes were boring. They were white. Maybe they had a little blue stripe if you were lucky.
When Michael Jordan wore the Nike Air Jordan 1 red and black, he wasn't just playing a game. He was performing. He was a rockstar. That’s why these shoes have crossed over into every subculture. Skaters loved them because the flat sole was perfect for grip tape. Rappers loved them because they represented "making it." Now, even high-fashion designers are trying to mimic that 1985 magic.
👉 See also: How Much Water Is 2 Ounces: The Visual Guide Most People Get Wrong
What Most People Get Wrong About "Comfort"
Let's be honest for a second. The Jordan 1 is 40-year-old technology. It’s a flat rubber cupsole with a tiny "Air" unit embedded in the heel. If you’re expecting to walk on clouds like you’re wearing New Balance or Yeezys, you’re going to be disappointed.
They are stiff. They take about a week of consistent wear to "break in." But once that leather softens up and the insole molds to your foot? They’re surprisingly wearable for an entire day. Just don't try to run a marathon in them. Your shins will hate you.
The Investment Angle: Are They Better Than Gold?
Probably not. But they’re better than most stocks. If you bought a pair of 2016 Breds for $160, they are now worth roughly $800 to $1,000 in deadstock (unworn) condition. That’s a massive return.
But there’s a catch. Polyurethane and rubber degrade. If you "stock" a pair of Jordans and never wear them, the midsoles can eventually crumble or the glue can dry out. Ironically, wearing them occasionally actually keeps the materials flexible. If you’re buying them to flip, keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you’re buying them to wear? Just lace them up and go. Life’s too short to worry about creases in your toebox.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're looking to grab a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 red and black sneakers, don't just jump on the first eBay listing you see. The market is flooded with "too good to be true" deals.
First, decide on your budget. If $500+ is too much, look for the "Bred Toe" or the "Heritage" colorways. They use the same colors but in different patterns and are usually much cheaper.
Second, use a verification service. If you're buying used, ask for "tagged photos" (a photo of the shoes with a piece of paper showing the seller's name and today's date). This proves they actually have the shoes in hand.
📖 Related: Why Black and Silver Nails with Rhinestones Are the Only Look You Need This Season
Finally, check the "Star Count" on the sole. On a new pair, the tiny stars on the toe of the outsole should be crisp and defined. If they’re worn down or blurry, that shoe has seen some miles.
The Jordan 1 isn't just a trend. It’s a permanent fixture of design. Whether you’re a 16-year-old kid or a 50-year-old who remembers watching Michael fly, that red and black leather hits exactly the same way.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Verify Your Size: Jordan 1s generally run "True to Size" (TTS). If you have wide feet, consider going up half a size, as the toebox can be narrow.
- Check Release Calendars: Use apps like SNKRS or websites like Hypebeast to track upcoming "Restocks" or similar colorway drops to avoid paying resale prices.
- Invest in Protection: Get a basic leather cleaner and a water-repellant spray. Red dye can sometimes "bleed" onto the white midsole if they get soaked, so a quick coat of protector goes a long way.