Argue if you like, but sneaker culture as we know it would not be quite the same without Michael Jordan. The NBA legend (known by most as the GOAT) played a crucial role in catapulting sneaker culture to unprecedented heights with the release of his iconic signature sneaker line with Nike. Everyone who ever wanted to be like Mike was eager to get their hands on his shoes, especially the red and black Jordans, which became somewhat symbolic of his time with the Chicago Bulls. And to this day, the colour scheme is still among the most sought-after and iconic in the Air Jordan lineup.
The famous colour combination has been used to cover a number of classic Air Jordan designs over the years. Almost every model in the collection, from the original Air Jordan 1 to the more recent silhouettes, has some variation of the red and black colourway. So, we’ve lined up some of the most iconic red and black Air Jordans that have left a lasting impact on sneaker culture, and even some of the pair’s fans just really wish they could get their hands on.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Bred/Banned”
The Jordan 1 “Bred” has seen many incarnations over the years, from smooth satin finishes to patent leather reimaginings. Yet even with all the variations, the classic look still remains a favourite. Part of this undying appeal is linked to the infamous tale of the NBA “banning” the original black and red (Bred) colourway for breaking the league’s uniform requirements—a story that may not be the whole truth but has undoubtedly added to the legend of the colourway. The other part of the allure, well, that’s the classic black and red colour combo that was inspired by MJ’s famous Chicago Bulls uniform.
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Bred”
Many of Jordan Brand’s most iconic colourways tend to be linked to a defining moment in the basketball legend’s career; for the Air Jordan 4 “Bred”, that moment is MJ’s 1989 shot over Craig Ehlo in the NBA Playoffs. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were trailing seconds before the buzzer rang. Yet Jordan, sporting the distinctive black and red AJ4s, made a game-winning shot against his opponents that would go down in history. Since then, the Air Jordan 4 “Bred” has become one of the most sought-after colourways in the AJ4 collection. Of course, its timeless black nubuck uppers and red, grey and white accents don’t hurt either.
Air Jordan 4 Retro “Red Thunder”
Although His Airness never wore the “Red Thunder” AJ4 on the court (well, other than on the sidelines as the Hornets owner), its dramatic colour blocking, inspired by the original black and yellow “Thunder” pair from 2006, has made it a must-have for sneakerheads. Think all-black Durabuck uppers with red netted underlays and matching red eyelets and midsole. Without a doubt, these kicks make an impression.
Jordan 5 Retro “Raging Bull Red” a.k.a “Toro Bravo”
Red suede will always be a showstopper, and the “Raging Bull Red” Jordan 5 has plenty of it. This striking design, originally introduced as one half of the “Raging Bull” DMP pack in 2009, has a stunning all-red upper with black elements on the eyestays, inner lining, branding, and midsole. Not to forget the sneakers’ 3M silver tongue and translucent accents, which make them stand out even more.
Air Jordan 6 Retro “Toro Bravo”
In 2023, Jordan Brand revived the striking “Raging Bull Red” style of their 2009 Jordan 5 design, but this time on the famous Air Jordan 6 model. The “Toro Bravo” AJ6 colourway has the same ‘Varsity Red’ suede uppers as its predecessor but adds black to the tongue, inner lining, and midsoles. Of course, JB did not forget to add the frosty translucent outsoles underneath to complete the spectacular look.
Air Jordan 12 Retro “Flu Game”
Sure, the black and red Air Jordan 12 colourway is striking on its own, but MJ took these Tinker Hatfield-designed sneakers and made them legendary with his performance during the iconic ‘Flu Game’ in the 1997 NBA Finals. In Game 5 of the finals, Mike scored 38 points while wearing the famed sneakers despite being noticeably unwell. Since then, the colourway has become a sought-after piece of sneaker and basketball history.
PSNY X Jordan 10 Retro “Red”
Jordan Brand and Public School New York collaborated to produce two Air Jordan 10 styles back in 2015, which were unveiled at the brand’s fashion show in New York City. The “Red” friends and family colourway—with its red premium leather upper and black accents on the eyestays, inner lining and outsole—is arguably the more striking of the two styles. However, what’s most noteworthy about the sneaker is the custom insole, which boasts the label’s own significant milestones printed throughout as a clever nod to the AJ10’s tribute to MJ’s accomplishments inscribed on the rubber outsole.
Air Jordan 11 Retro “Playoffs Bred”
The Air Jordan 11 is striking in any colourway, but the “Playoffs Bred” version is particularly sentimental for sneakerheads. After all, this is the same look Michael Jordan famously donned when he led the Chicago Bulls to championship glory for the fourth time in his career during the 1995-1996 season. As luck would have it, the retro playoffs pair will make a noteworthy comeback in 2025, albeit as a low-top iteration.
Air Jordan 14 Retro “Red Ferrari”
When picturing a Ferrari, most of us imagine a luxurious (and speedy) sports vehicle coloured in red. Well, the Air Jordan 14 “Red Ferrari” perfectly captures that sleek and sophisticated aesthetic with its red suede uppers and black and carbon fibre elements. Jordan’s love for luxury cars is well-documented and this colourway is a fitting tribute to his personal style and interests—more significantly, his own red Ferrari. Fortunately, fans will have a chance to purchase these red and black Jordan shoes later this year.
Air Jordan 21 OG “Red Suede”
These striking red Jordans are known for their silver metal accents, black mesh panelling on the Phylon midsole, and Italian suede uppers, all inspired by the Bentley Continental GT Coupe. The stunning shoe even made it onto the big screen, appearing in the 2006 film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, shown off in all its splendour. These red and black Jordans will definitely remain a coveted pair within the brand’s footwear line.
