Update February 12, 2025 – It may be the most sought-after release of 2025: the Air Jordan 1 High OG ’85 'Bred'. Nike is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Jordan Brand with the sneaker that started it all in 1985.
The Air Jordan 1 High OG ’85 'Bred' drops on Friday, February 14, 2025 — just in time for the NBA All-Star Weekend. The sneaker will be available at Nike and selected retailers. Check out the full list of stores in the Sneakerjagers release calendar. Don’t forget to sign up for the raffles!
If you want to read more about this iconic release, check out the articles below.
Official images of the Air Jordan 1 High OG ’85 'Bred' revealed
Update 31 January 2025 – As the Jordan Brand campaign continues - where even fines were handed out to those wearing the Air Jordan 1 at Nike HQ - the official images of the sneaker have now been revealed. There were rumours that the release would be exclusive to the US, but good news for European fans: the pair will also be available here via the Nike SNKRS app. Check out the official images below!
Jordan Brand takes social media accounts offline for 'Banned' campaign
(Update 17th January 2025)
Jordan Brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a nod to the iconic 'Banned' story of the Air Jordan 1 'Bred'. The sneaker, dropping on 14th February 2025, is inspired by the moment in 1984 when Michael Jordan's black-and-red shoes were banned by the NBA. Surrounding the release, the question is being asked: "What if Nike hadn't paid that fine?" With teasers and collaborations, including a sneak peek by Fabolous, Jordan Brand is bringing back the original High '85 model.
After Fabolous gave us that sneak peek, Jordan Brand took things up a notch in their marketing game: on 16th January 2025, they deactivated the @jumpman23 Twitter and Instagram accounts, cranking up the excitement around the 'Banned' campaign even more. This mysterious move, combined with the ongoing 'What If' storyline, has only made the hype around the Air Jordan 1 'Bred' grow bigger.
As a marketing fan, I can't help but be impressed by this campaign. The hype, the creativity, and the clever strategies mean this isn’t just a product drop, but a branding moment that’s adding to Jordan Brand’s legacy. With the release dropping right before All-Star Weekend, it’s set to be a massive celebration of their rich history. Stay tuned for more teasers from Jordan Brand in the coming weeks!
First images of the Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' 2025
(Update 29th October 2024)
In April 2024 emerged the first rumors about the return of the Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' in 2025. For a while, there was silence regarding this release, but now, in October 2024, the first images have finally surfaced, making it seem like the rumor is officially confirmed.
By now, we're all familiar with the iconic color blocking of the Air Jordan 1 'Bred' and the story behind it. Rumors had already suggested that the sneaker would retain the same color combination, and the new images show that the OG design of the '85 version is indeed making a return.
However, it’s not an exact replica; the 2025 version features some notable updates. Think of a higher collar, a smaller Wings logo, and a revised Swoosh. This release marks a significant moment in the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. Additionally, it will be the first true return of this once-banned colorway in nearly a decade.
The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' is scheduled for release in February 2025, likely during All-Star weekend. Make sure to stay updated on the latest news by regularly checking the Sneakerjagers news page!
If you’re not familiar with the story behind this sneaker, read on for the details.
The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 'Bred' is making a comeback in 2025
(First published 20th April 2024)
It looks like the legendary Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' is about to make a comeback, dear community. This timeless shoe, famous for its classic black and red colour blocking, is scheduled to be re-released in spring 2025 to celebrate the model's 40th anniversary.
The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' has an interesting and well known history. This colorway was first released in 1985 as the very first signature sneaker by none other than the legendary Michael Jordan at Nike. The 'Bred' colours - black, varsity red and white - quickly became a symbol of rebellion and style. Partly because they were banned for a while by the NBA, as the sneakers deviated from uniform regulations.
With the upcoming retro release, we can expect an authentic revival. The Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' stays true to the OG colour scheme. Which makes the trainer look very much like the beloved 1985 model. However, some upgrades have been added, such as a larger, sleeker Swoosh.
Made from high-quality leather, this sneaker will feature a black base with varsity red accents, on a sturdy rubber sole and finished with a white midsole. Each pair comes with extra laces, a hang tag and the OG boxing, making it a true collector's item.
We still need to be patient as the Air Jordan 1 High '85 'Bred' is expected to start dropping in spring 2025. While we wait for more details, you can preview the 1985 pair in detail below.
Stay tuned by checking the Sneakerjagers release calendar regularly.
Curious about more timeless classics and the story behind the NBA policy? Then read: Timeless classics from Nike that never go out of style
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
In 1985, Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls when he launched his own Jordan line with Nike. One of the first sneakers he released with Nike was the Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Bred', featuring the colors of the Chicago Bulls uniform.
According to the NBA, the sneaker did not comply with league regulations because it allegedly lacked white. As a result, Nike had to pay a fine each time Michael wore them, which only added to the sneaker’s rebellious image.
Later, it was revealed that the banned shoe was actually the Nike Air Ship, but the story has remained legendary ever since.
The Air Jordan 1 High OG '85 'Bred' drops on February 14, 2025, just before NBA All-Star Weekend.
