The Nike Air Jordan 1, a titan of sneaker culture, is about to take a trip down memory lane. Remember the iconic “Banned” colorway, notorious for defying NBA uniform rules with its bold black and red? Well, it all started with a prototype featuring an even more unique detail—the original “Air Jordan” text on the ankle collars.

A Glimpse Back in Time:

In 1984, Michael Jordan, a young rookie, signed a groundbreaking deal with Nike, giving birth to a collaboration that would redefine the sneaker industry. The Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore, bursts onto the scene with its innovative Air cushioning, high-top silhouette, and daring color scheme.

The “Banned” colorway, however, faced controversy. It clashed with the NBA’s predominantly white footwear regulations, resulting in fines for Jordan. This unexpected publicity, ironically, only fueled the sneaker’s popularity.

The Prototype with a Twist:

This prototype acts as a gateway to the dawn of the Air Jordan 1 era, offering an exclusive look at the initial stages of this iconic sneaker’s journey. Captured as if straight from its debut in 1985’s promotional campaigns and ads, the sneaker remains in impressive condition, with only slight indications of its age.

Adorned with the legendary black and red palette, this piece artfully applies black across the mudguard, eyestays, midfoot, and collar areas, contrasted by the lively red that highlights the toe box, laces, Swoosh logo, and heel/collar overlays.

Distinctive “Air Jordan” lettering adorns the collar overlay, showcasing the brand’s initial forays into crafting its unique identity. This feature, coupled with Nike’s emblem on the tongue tag, rests above the classic Air Jordan 1 sole.

Scheduled for auction at Grey Flannel Auctions, details regarding the date and estimated price of the Air Jordan 1 “Banned” prototype are eagerly awaited by enthusiasts worldwide. As we approach the holiday season of 2024, Jordan Brand is also set to honor this historic model with the release of the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe Reimagined”.

In other news, check out the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Elite FG “Sunset”. Alternatively, you can also head to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and browse the latest and greatest Air Jordans.