In 1984, Air Jordan was first designed for basketball icon Michael Jordan and released to the public. Following their broader distribution on April 1, 1985, the sneakers soon sold out due to Michael’s enormous popularity. There has been an increase in the value of these shoes as a collectible throughout time.
Over the years, Jordan Brand models have been seen wearing a wide range of colors and patterns on their sneakers, which has fascinated sneakerheads everywhere. In fact, no other hue can ever take the place of black. A pair of grayscale shoes is a wardrobe must. Thus, all-black Air Jordans are highly sought after as a consequence. There have been a slew of black and white Jordans released throughout the years, but these are some of the most notable.
Air Jordan 1 Retro Black White (2014)
To mark the release of the Air Jordan 23, Jordan Brand released the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Black/White” in 2008 as part of the “Countdown Pack.” The CDP was a limited-edition collection of throwback Air Jordan shoes. 2014’s OG “Black/White” Air Jordan 1 displays the original Nike Air branding on the tongue and a heel with no logo on the back as if it were a true Air Jordan 1.
Air Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat (2020)
For the 2020 version of Air Jordan 4 Retro, the all-black hue of the iconic style has been re-introduced, drawing influence from one of Michael Jordan’s nicknames. This pair, much like the original 2006 release, has a black suede top and a black midsole. The woven tongue tag’s Jumpman logo is presented in Light Graphite, the only contrasting design feature of the shoe.
Dior x Air Jordan 1 High (2020)
The Dior x Air Jordan 1 High is a part of a bigger partnership that includes footwear, clothes, and accessories, bridging the gap between streetwear and premium fashion. Designer Kim Jones’ interpretation on the classic shoe has an Italian leather top with hand-painted borders in white and grey. A Dior woven tongue tag, a Nike Swoosh in Dior Oblique jacquard, and ice outsoles that show a Dior and Dior Wings emblem on each shoe are just a few of the dual branding touches on this sneaker.
Air Jordan 12 Retro Playoff (2022)
Air Jordan 12 Retro “Playoff” 2022 brings back the sneaker worn by Michael Jordan during his 1997 championship run. Stitching lines radiate from the black leather upper, while lizard-textured overlays in white give the mid-top an important two-tone color scheme. Colorful crimson embellishments appear on the tongue and webbing heel loop of the shoe’s shiny silver eyelets. With a full-length Zoom Air cushion, a carbon fiber shank plate, and herringbone traction pods beneath the forefoot and heel, these shoes are designed to perform.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Metallic (2016)
The Air Jordan 5 Retro “Metallic” 2016 was introduced in 2016 and serves as a reworked version of the original 1990 colorway. The shoe includes a Black nubuck top with a luminous 3M tongue, fire red highlights, an ice blue outsole, and a “Nike Air” emblem on the heel as a true recreation of the original design. Retro versions of the Air Jordan 5 OG “Metallic” were launched in 2000, 2007, and 2011 as well. It’s certainly a classic colorway that sneakerheads alike have seen multiple times throughout the years
Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 72-10 (2022)
The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “72-10” resurrects a 2015 Air Jordan 11 release’s celebratory design motif. Similar to the last pair, this one pays homage to the Chicago Bulls’ incredible 72-10 record in the 1996-96 season. The black tumbled leather upper is paired with a complementary patent leather mudguard in the style of a low-top shoe. The tongue and heel include a crimson Jumpman logo for a splash of color. A white Phylon midsole with full-length Air-sole cushioning and a transparent rubber midsole provides lightweight cushioning.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Anthracite (2021)
The Air Jordan 5 Retro “Anthracite” reimagines the original silhouette. “23” marking on the lateral heel and shark-tooth midsole detailing are standard Air Jordan 5 design characteristics, but the sneaker’s unusually constructed upper has soft suede and breathable textile on the vamp and midfoot. Mirroring the usual shoe netting, matte silver quarter panels include oblong holes to mimic the reflective treatment often seen on the tongue.
Air Jordan 13 Retro Black Cat (2017)
The Air Jordan 13 Retro “Black Cat” has a monochrome finish that pays tribute to one of Michael Jordan’s numerous nicknames. Holographic cat eye details and reflective patterning on the mesh overlays and rope laces of the shoe’s black suede upper complete the look. Black Phylon midsoles with Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot have a glossy appearance. The herringbone traction on the panther paw outsole of the 13 is a distinctive characteristic.
