Nike’s iconic ‘Bred’ Jordan 1 shoe is getting a glossy patent makeover. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High’s essential design DNA, as well as the original color placements, are retained in the new release. The varsity Red toe box, heel overlay, and swoosh contrast with glossy black paneling. On the tongue, the famous Air Jordan emblem is embossed in black, next to a sewn Nike tag. The original Bred High has been re-released numerous times since its debut in the 1980s, but the slight sheen on this pair feels very modern. Following in the footsteps of past patent releases such as the “All-Star” Dunk and the “Fearless” Air Jordan 1, “Patent Bred” adds to the trend with its OG industry clout.
History
Peter Moore created the Jordan 1 sneakers between 1985 and 1986. Nike introduced 13 colorways of the sneaker during the first season and initial go-around with the shoe: The classic “Banned”, “Chicago”, “Royal”, “Black Toe”, “Shadow” and “Carolina Blue”, as well as Black & White, Blue & White, Metallic Red, Metallic Purple, Metallic Blue, Metallic Green, and Natural Grey. Following Jordan’s retirement from basketball in 1994, the Jordan 1 was reintroduced to the retro market after a successful run in the 1980s.
When you think of the Air Jordan 1, the “Banned” colorway, commonly known as the “Bred” or Black and Red, is the first that springs to mind. They’re known as “Banned” because legend has it that Jordan was fined $5000 per game he wore them because they broke league uniform standards.
The shoes were made available and quickly sold out. The sale price was set at $65 a pair, which was a high price at the time, and they sold out almost as quickly as they do now. When the shoes sold out, Nike quickly restocked them. They made too many the second time around, and they sat on the shelves for years, finally being marked down to $20 in some places. Later models, particularly the Jordan 3, swiftly overshadowed the Jordan 1, and the Jordan 1 was essentially forgotten.
In 1994, eight years after the final Air Jordan 1 was produced, Jordan Brand re-released the sneakers in some colorways, especially the “Banned” and “Chicago”.
The shoe was released again in 2001, this time with a Jumpman-branded mid-top. It wasn’t until 2008 that Jordan Brand began re-releasing the Jordan 1 with the original high cut. The Jordan 1 High has had a fairly consistent market presence since then.
The original 1984 Breds can be obtained for a whopping $3,500, while even recent re-releases sell for upwards of $800. The Bred color palette has crept into practically every Nike silhouette, but none of them have the same impact as the ones worn by Jordan himself on the court. Despite numerous re-releases, the Bred Air Jordan 1 High remains one of the most iconic sneakers ever manufactured. Its legendary status stays constant, while its value continues to rise.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Patent ‘Bred’
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Patent ‘Bred’ treats the iconic colorway to a glossy makeover. Aside from the shoe’s patent leather construction, the essential design DNA remains intact. The upper pairs basic black paneling with contrasting hits of Varsity Red on the toe box, Swoosh, heel overlay and collar flap. A woven Nike tag adorns the black nylon tongue, while a Wings logo is stamped on the lateral collar. The high-top rides on a sturdy rubber cupsole, enhanced with an Air-sole unit encapsulated in lightweight polyurethane. – from GOAT
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Although some will undoubtedly be unhappy that this retro will not be available in classic leather, one can argue that the glossy finish gives the sneaker a modern twist. Patent leather has always been a polarizing material. The crease factor and high-gloss finish are divisive on even the most basic general release and how the market reacts remains to be seen for the time being.
Retailing for $170, the Air Jordan 1 High OG ‘Bred Patent’ will be available at select shops and on Nike.com on December 30th. Make sure to check it out on at Fight Club and GOAT. You can take a looksneak peek at other popular Jordan releases here.
