Over three decades since the controversy, Michael Jordan’s iconic sneakers – the Nike Air Ship OG ‘Banned’ is finally expected to be released to the public in a few days. Coming in the iconic red and black colourways, the sneaker stirred the whole world back in 1985, as the sneakers were considered to be against NBA uniform policy. Receiving a $5,000 fine each time the sneakers were worn on the court, the lore of these sneakers carried on throughout the ages. Although the actual sneakers never made it to the public, several similar silhouettes had been released throughout the years.
Considering how rare and expensive these upcoming sneakers will be, we take a look at some alternative silhouettes that made use of the highly popular Chicago Bulls colourway of red, black and/or white.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 ‘Varsity Red’
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High 85 ‘Varsity Red’ is pretty similar to the original 1985 model, with the same Black and Red colourways revisited.
The upper of the shoe is made of Black leather, encompassed in a Red leather overlay. The laces, which are also Red, blend into the overlay, with a Black-winged Air Jordan logo embossed along the ankle. The padded nylon tongue also features the Nike Air logo.
Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Bred’ (2018)
The Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Bred’ comes in the classic Black and Red colourway (which is where the term ‘Bred’ comes from). Wrapped in a Black synthetic nubuck leather case, this sneaker has an added Red leather which gives it an added flare. The midsole comes in White, making it stand out that much more, as it is the only part of the entire sneaker that doesn’t fit the dark tone.
The toe box, part of the upper leather finish, comes in Red with contrasting Black laces. The Black tongue sports a Red Jumpman logo. While the Mid Bred is a step away from the usual dual-tone Air Jordan 1s, it still serves as a classic design that sneakerheads will love.
Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Chicago Toe’
With the Chicago Bulls colourway becoming extremely famous in 1985, Nike revived the look with the Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Chicago Toe.’ Both the lateral and the medial sides have a Black Nike Swoosh with the embossed wings on the outer sides. The instantly recognizable Jumpman logo is visible on the tongue, giving the sneakers a well-deserved premium feel.
The sole comes completely in White for a clean aesthetic, with a black across the toe box, adding to its ‘Chicago Toe’ name.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Satin Black Toe’ WMNS
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Satin Black Toe” was an incredibly exclusive pair of sneakers, released only in women’s sizes. In this revamped version, the ankle collars and heel are dressed in a Red colourway, with the base White, and the overlays and mudguard in Black. The heel and ankle collars, which were traditionally made of leather, are now made of luxurious satin material, adding that extra classy touch.
The winged logo on the lateral side of the shoe is attached as a metal badge, giving that added premium feel. Moreover, the tongue features an embossed logo that says Nike Air.
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Black Toe’
The Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Black Toe’ keeps all the designs of the popular Mid Black Toe, except adding a new flavour with it being a low top. Sticking to the colourway of Black, Red, and White, the wings logo are embossed on the black, blending in with the Red.
The Jumpman logo is printed in White along the Black tongue. Jordan’s famous jersey number of 23 can be seen on the shoe, placed proudly atop the lace structure. If you’re a classic sneakerhead who’s a fan of the truly tried and tested models, this low top sneaker should be a part of your collection.
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Gym Red’
With a low heel tab and a dual-tone colourway of Red and White, the Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Gym Red’ is a classic example of the appeal of simplicity. With the Air Jordan wings embossed on the back of the heel counter, it hides camouflaged within the red leather. The Jumpman logo is also printed in Red on the White tongue.
The Nike Swoosh is visible in Red on both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe, with a white toe box and laces to match. The cushioning on the inside ensures great comfort.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 OG ‘New Beginnings’
The Air Jordans 1 Retro High 85 OG ‘New Beginnings’ is a tribute to the shoes Michael Jordan wore at the beginning of his career. Inspired by the original 1985 shoes, these pair of sneakers are a lighter take on the infamous Nike Air Ship silhouette that were banned.
The shoe comes in a Red and White colourway, made of a White leather base. The Red laces sit atop the White tongue, with a Red Nike Swoosh wrapped around the white exterior.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Track Red’
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Track Red’ is an interesting alternative to the previous silhouettes above, adding a twist to the classic Red, White, and Black colourways. The ‘Track Red’ heel counter is done in suede material, with a white and black upper. The Black winged Air Jordan logo and laces stick out from the rest of the lighter tone. These sneakers were a nod to Jordan’s NBA feat of acquiring six championship rings, as the sneaker comes with a Six Of A Kind Hand inscription on the right insole.
Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Bred Toe’
The Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘Bred Toe’ is a mashup of two classic and wildly popular Air Jordan 1s – the Bred and Black Toe. With a mid-top heel tab, the Mid Bred Toe has an embossed winged logo on the lateral sides. Contrasting to its dark tone, it is wrapped with a White midsole. The toe box is Gym Red in colour, along with the accompanying signature Nike swoosh. The Mid Bred Toe is a great alternative for those who do not want to buy high tops.
Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ‘Newspaper Air Times’
The Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ‘Newspaper Air Times’ was released as a tribute to Michael Jordan making headlines in the newspaper. This mid-top shoe sticks to the colourway of Black, Gym Red, and White. The black and white newspaper print on the toe box and the side panels adds to the unique aesthetic of the sneakers. Yet, in stark contrast with the Black and White body, the Nike Swoosh logo comes in Gym Red, with the Air Jordan wings embossed right above. When it comes to sneakers, these pair are definitely one of the more unique designs within the Air Jordan 1 line up.
