First Look at the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”

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Original Story (04/16/24): 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. To celebrate, Jordan Brand is bringing back one of the silhouette’s most iconic colorways.

According to zSneakerHeadz and Sneaker Files, the AJ1 will be returning in its OG “Bred” colorway in High ’85 form in 2025. This is arguably the most iconic Jordan 1 colorway of all time, second maybe only to the “Chicago,” depending on who you ask.

What makes it so iconic? Well, for one, it’s an OG colorway that Michael himself wore, most famously during the 1985 Slam Dunk contest. But it was Nike’s “Banned” marketing ploy that really made this pair legendary.

As the story goes, the NBA fined Michael Jordan $5,000 for every game he wore the “Bred” Air Jordan 1 as its color scheme did not adhere to the league’s dress code. Nike decided to capitalize on this, generating publicity by paying these fines for MJ and creating a “Banned” ad campaign.

As sneaker historians have pointed out, there is a bit of fiction to this tale. In the NBA’s letter to Nike, the league references a red and black shoe worn by MJ on or around October 18, 1984. There is no evidence of MJ wearing the “Bred” Jordan 1 during this time. Instead it was a black and red pair of Nike Air Ships. However, this letter is dated February 25, 1985, shortly after the Slam Dunk contest. So in a way, it was both the Nike Air Ship and Air Jordan 1 that caused the NBA to fine Jordan.

Nike stuck to their story though, and the Air Jordan 1 reached legendary status. Over the years, the Air Ship was rarely acknowledged by Nike, that is until All-Star 2020, when they finally retroed the Air Ship in the “New Beginnings” pack.

All-Star 2020 was also when Jordan Brand first introduced the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 model. This version of the Air Jordan 1 features a shape that is more true to the original 1985 release compared to the standard Retro High version. This includes a higher cut, a larger Swoosh, and sleeker toe box. This Air Jordan 1 High ’85 model is reserved for special releases, primarily the return of OG colorways, such as 2024’s “Metallic Burgundy” retro.

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is slated to release in Spring 2025 on SNKRS and at select retailers. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”
Color: Black/Varsity Red-White
Style Code: HV6675-067
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Price: $250 USD
Resell: StockX

Update (01/17/25): The rollout for the “Bred” Air Jordan 1 High ’85 has begun. Check out our latest coverage here.

Update (10/28/24): Retailer photos of the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 have arrived. Check them out below and expect these to drop in February for All-Star 2025.

Original 1985 Air Jordan 1 “Bred” photos via Sotheby’s:

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