The legendary Air Jordan 4 in the iconic ‘Bred’ colorway made a reimagined return on February 17, 2024. This new iteration celebrates the rich history and significance of the ‘Bred’ colorway and brings a new twist to the classic design. This article will delve into the storied past of the ‘Bred’ colorway, exploring its origins and highlighting some of the most memorable releases that have solidified its status as a timeless classic.
History of the Bred Colorway
The Air Jordan 1 made its groundbreaking debut in 1984-1985, sporting a striking black and red colorway inspired by the Chicago Bulls. Initially dubbed ‘Bred,’ these iconic sneakers soon earned the infamous ‘Banned’ nickname due to their violation of the NBA's strict uniform policy, which mandated a majority white-colored design for shoes worn during games. Each time Michael Jordan stepped onto the court wearing them, he was fined $5,000. Nike seized this opportunity to craft a rebellious image, agreeing to pay the fines and weaving the controversy into their marketing campaign. This strategy not only exploded the hype surrounding the shoes but also ignited the beginning of a legendary partnership with Michael Jordan, forever altering the landscape of basketball and the footwear industry.
Air Jordan 4 Bred
As this Bred colorway rose to legendary status, it was no surprise that each new Air Jordan release would sport the same palette. This brings us to the Air Jordan 4, which first hit the shelves in 1989 in the ‘Black Cement’ colorway. Mirroring the bold black and red of the original Air Jordan 1, it quickly became a favorite. It followed in the footsteps of the Air Jordan 3 and became the second Jordan model to feature a visible Air unit in the midsole and Nike Air branding on the heel tabs. A decade later, the 10th anniversary of the Air Jordan 4 was celebrated with a release that closely resembled the original, further solidifying the appeal of the ‘Bred’ colorway.
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Bred’ would make numerous re-releases later, with a special one in 2008. Jordan Brand introduced the celebrated “Countdown Packs” in honor of the launch of the Air Jordan 23 in 2008. Each pack featured two Jordan models whose numbers equaled 23. The Jordan 4 was paired with the Jordan 19, and other models were also paired up in packs. Fast forward to 2019, the Bred colorway returned once again, much to the delight of sneaker fans. This release was widely acclaimed for its faithful reproduction of the original ‘Black Cement’ design from 1989, complete with the original Nike Air branding.
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Bred Reimagined’
The Bred colorway is one of the most well-known and popular colorways in all of sneakers and continues to make its mark through re-releases and reimagined designs. This past February, the Air Jordan 4s were released in this colorway with a full leather upper, differentiating from the traditional design that included nubuck. It features grey and white details that contrast the bold red accenting. This sneaker is a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 4 and continues to shine a light on the legacy of the Bred colorway.
The Air Jordan 4 has continued to make history and cement itself as one of the most loved sneakers of all time. The ‘Bred’ colorway has solidified its fame and will continue to do so for generations to come. Shop your favorite Jordan 4's here.
