Behind the Design: Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred'
An icon back from 1985.ByAaron ShamimFeb 04, 2025
The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred,' arguably the biggest release of the year, represents a return to the purest form of Michael Jordan's first signature shoe in celebration of its 40th anniversary. This 2025 release brings back the original 1985 design with the exact specifications of the shoes that changed basketball footwear forever. The shoe's return marks a significant moment in sneaker history, offering collectors and fans a chance to own a piece of footwear history. This article delves into the design, significance, and appeal of the Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred.'
History of the Air Jordan 1
Nike's first Creative Director, Peter Moore, was tasked with designing the Air Jordan 1. Michael Jordan wanted something different than the typical Nike and Converse basketball shoes already out. He didn’t want a shoe high off the court like Nike’s latest releases, which used their newest Air technology. After one specific design meeting with Jordan, Moore sketched the winged logo on a cocktail napkin during a flight back to the Nike HQ. This logo, featuring a basketball in the middle, became the hallmark of the Jordan 1. Returning to Nike HQ, Moore went to work and designed a silhouette that became timeless.
The Air Jordan would debut on April 1, 1985, at a retail price of $64.99. Nike aimed to sell 100,000 pairs in its first year and reach $3 million in revenue by year 4. Instead, Nike generated $55-$65 million in revenue during year one, with millions of pairs being sold. From then on, it was clear that Michael Jordan’s new signature line would change things forever. Although Jordan has openly stated his dislike for some of the colorways, he stuck with Moore’s vision, and the rest is history.
Behind the Design: Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred'
The timeless 'Bred' colorway from the Air Jordan 1 takes inspiration from the Chicago Bulls team colors, featuring a black and red color scheme that became instantly iconic. This shoe became famous for breaking NBA rules by violating the league's uniform policy with its bold color scheme, leading to Jordan being fined $5,000 every time he wore them during games. Despite this controversy, Nike used this as a genius marketing campaign, which earned the shoe its 'Banned' nickname. This 2025 release returns to the original 1985 specifications, including full leather construction with the exact same thickness and texture as the original. Every detail has been obsessively studied, engineered, and crafted to match Michael Jordan's first signature shoe perfectly. The result is a faithful reproduction that adheres strictly to the original specifications, featuring the distinctive sleeker toe shape, premium thicker leather construction, and authentic retro stitching pattern - nothing added, nothing compromised.
The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' represents a significant moment in footwear history, offering collectors and fans a chance to own an authentic recreation of the original 1985 design. This release isn't just another retro - it's a meticulous recreation of the shoe that started it all, maintaining the integrity of the original while providing modern manufacturing quality. The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' will be released worldwide on February 14, 2025, and you can find your pair on KICKS CREW.