Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1 ‘Black Toe’ Is Returning in October — With a Twist
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A version of the Air Jordan 1 worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season is about to get its first ever release.
The Air Jordan 1 High “Black Toe Reimagined” is scheduled for October with “Air Jordan” branding that predates the famous wings logo. The words “Air Jordan” are stamped into the collar rather than the wings logo, appearing just as they did in a sample of the sneaker worn by Jordan in the 1984-1985 season. Jordan can also be seen with a pair of shoes slung over his shoulder in an early promotional image that’s printed onto a special box housing the sneakers today.
Aside from the switch in branding to delight those steeped in Jordan history, the “Black Toe” treatment appears largely as usual. White leather forms the basis of the shoe, while the mid and forefoot overlays, as well as the Swoosh, appear in black. The heel’s overlays then appear in red to match the tongue branding and outsole. The only other departure from the standard “Black Toe” is an off-white midsole suggesting age.
“Black Toe” is one of nine original Air Jordan 1 High colorways released in 1985, followed by five more in 1986, and one of only three that Jordan actually wore on the court. The other two, which also make use of red, black and white, are the famous “Chicago” and “Bred” editions — the latter of which was only worn by Jordan for the 1985 Dunk Contest.
“Bred” is also referred to as “Banned” because the color scheme was subject to fines when Jordan wore it on the Air Ship, aka the “Pre-Jordan.” Despite the lore of Jordan being fined for wearing the black and red sneakers that failed to conform to uniform regulations, he never actually flouted the rules in the Air Jordan 1.
The last time the “Black Toe” colorway released was in 2016, although it did dress the Air Jordan 1 Low in 2023. Another Union collaboration on the Air Jordan 1 coming next year will reportedly mash up “Black Toe” with “Shadow,” another OG variant.
The Air Jordan 1 High “Black Toe Reimagined” will release October 18 through the Snkrs app and select thid-party retailers. Pricing is set at $180.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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