Michael Jordan and Nike sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield are a formidable team. The basketball legend and the famous footwear designer have been collaborating for over 30 years, and throughout that time they have helped shape a generation of sneakerheads through iconic colorways. Nonetheless, the large quantity of red and black Jordans that we have seen throughout the years is a topic worthy of discussion.
As a tribute to the brand’s historically significant models, we’ve gathered the best red and black Jordans on the market today. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe this year, you should definitely pick yourself a pair of them.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Red Thunder
Part of Jordan Brand‘s 2021 Holiday lineup, the Air Jordan 4 “Red Thunder” was met with a warm welcome from sneakerheads alike Featuring a traditional color scheme that is sure to please fans of the Chicago Bulls, these shoes are a nod to the model’s 2006 “Thunder” colorway while propelling the Air Jordan history into the next decade.
The majority of the upper is constructed out of nubuck, and its all-black appearance serves as a dramatic backdrop for the pops of red at the midfoot and tongue. The molded eyelets and midsole details below are all black. Predictably, the pair does not include a “NIKE AIR” logo on the back, opting instead for a light grey Jumpman instead. Even though most of the outsole is jet black, details like tread and branding prevent it from being boring.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Bred (2019)
The most authentic remake of the Air Jordan 11 “Bred” since its 1996 debut finally arrived in 2019, courtesy of Jordan Brand. The unique design details on this pair make it stand out from seasonal drops in 2001, 2008, and 2012. This classic black and red coloring is set off by the contrast of the white midsole that has the now-iconic carbon fiber plate at the shoe’s midfoot.
The Jordan staple has an abundance of patent leather throughout and stays true to the original design by having a high top like the 1996 edition. The original Jumpman emblem completes the icy red outsole, and the “#23” motif appears on the heel. The leather collar and the mid-center stripe of the ballistic mesh tongue both have the same bold red logo.
Air Jordan 12 Retro Reverse Flu Game
As a reversal of the colorway that Michael Jordan wore in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, the Air Jordan 12 “Reverse Flu Game” completely flips the model. Featuring a two-tone color pattern and a suede top in a striking varsity red hue, this model is a remarkable way to show your support for the Bulls. The foam midsole and faux reptile overlay are both finished in a contrasting black.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Gym Red
Although Michael Jordan’s Jordan 14s were released towards the tail end of his “Last Dance” season with the Chicago Bulls, they are sometimes overshadowed by the shoes he wore to win his first five NBA titles. However, the “Gym Red” colorway of the 1998 model is certain to change the minds of some skeptics.
Similar to previous all-red colors with contrasting black and white, this pair creates an eye-catching impression. However, the scarlet pattern is broken up by overlays and tooling at the front of the foot. The Jumpman emblems on the lateral ankle, which are modeled by the tail fins of Italian racing cars, are just one more example of the color-blocking design philosophy that permeates the shoe from heel to toe.
Air Jordan 10 Retro Bulls Over Broadway
In tandem with Jordan Brand’s 30th anniversary, the Air Jordan 10 Retro “Bulls Over Broadway” made its debut in February 2015. The outsole celebrates Jordan’s legendary career with a chronology that begins with his comeback to the NBA in 1995 and ends with him scoring 55 points against the Knicks. These kicks have the number “30” printed on the insoles and an embroidered Air Jordan collection logo on the back of the tongue. Although the AJ10 is often overlooked by its predecessors, this release certainly left its mark.
Air Jordan 13 Singles Day
The “Singles Day” Air Jordan 13 Retro was inspired by the Chinese festival honoring single people on November 11. Part of the “What Is Love?” bundle, this shoe is paired with a mint green iteration designed just for women. Debuting in November 2016, the shoe was only available in Asia and has a bright red suede midsole and an upper with a wear-away panda camo design. Though it may be difficult to get your hands on this pair in comparison to other releases, this is certainly a surefire sneaker to have in your collection.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Patent Bred
The “Patent Bred” Air Jordan 1 High OG takes the classic two-tone “Bred” design and updates it with glossy patent leather. The alternative build is emphasized by details like the black nylon tongues, debossed Wings patterns at the ankle, and “Family” embroidery on the insole. The shoes are finished with white midsoles and red rubber outsoles for a pop of color and a unique design element.
This shiny rendition of the Air Jordan 1 from the Jordan Brand Holiday 2021 Retro range looks amazing with anything from cargo trousers to black denim.
Air Jordan 5 Raging Bull
Once only available as part of the 2009 Air Jordan 5 Raging Bulls Pack, the 2021 reissue brings back a much-loved design. The shoe is distinguished by a soft varsity red suede upper, black eyelets, and a luminous silver Jumpman logo on the tongue.
Additional Jumpman branding and the number 23 are stitched on the lateral side of the heel overlay. Meanwhile, the polyurethane midsole is bolstered by a visible Nike Air unit in the heel, while the outsole is composed of frosty transparent material.
Air Jordan 9 Retro Chile Red
Released this year, the Air Jordan 9 “Chile Red” is an instant eye-grab thanks to its all-over red design. The uppers have distinctive quilted panels along the profiles, and the mudguards are made of patent leather for a glossy look. Contrasting black accents like lace loops and tongue labels break up the otherwise homogeneous ruby color scheme. The sole and the heel tab used to remove them both relish in the contrast of total darkness. The new Air Jordan throwback, inspired by the Chicago Bulls, is a breath of fresh air 29 years after the original shoe debuted.
