It could be a milestone year for the culture, particularly for Jordan Brand, which is marking the ruby anniversary of its reign. Forty years have passed since the genesis of the Air Jordan 1 “Bred”, the archetype, the original “transgression” that sparked a global phenomenon.

The tale is now canonical: Nike’s audacious flouting of the league’s color edicts with a black and red footwear. Presumed to be the AJ1 “Bred”, but it was actually the Nike Airship—the pair he wore while the AJ1 was still being conceived—that was the target of this mandate. But thanks to ingenious marketing, the Swoosh redirected the league’s ire toward the “Bred” AJ1. And thus began the monumental “Banned” campaign.

This act of rebellion, this defiance of convention, birthed sneaker culture as we know it, a lineage now four decades deep.

Michael Jordan in the black and red Nike Airship

In celebration, Jordan Brand unveils its full panoply. In addition to the “Reimagined” series (Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”), they have also summoned familiar collaborators: fragment design (FRGMT) and UNION (fragment design x Union LA x Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP), FRGMT and Travis Scott (fragment design x Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Sail/Military Blue”), and a host of others of equal repute.

Read: “Upcoming Air Jordan 1 Releases 2025: Full List of Confirmed Drop Dates“

These projects will be unveiled in due course, but Jordan Brand has come out with guns blazing with three highly anticipated releases in February—a high-octane opening salvo: the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black Toe Reimagined”, Air Jordan 1 High Retro ’85 “Bred”, UNION x Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP GH “I’m Back”.

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The trio would have been on most people’s radars. With their releases condensed into a single month, they’re a collector’s dream but a budget’s nightmare. If you only had one bullet in the chamber and are wondering which one to pull the trigger on, let’s break them down and examine the matchup:

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“Black Toe Reimagined” vs. ’85 “Bred” vs. UNION’s “Chicago/Shadow”: Which One Is for You?

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Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black Toe Reimagined”

Release Date: 15 February 2025
Price: US$180

These are not simply Air Jordans; they are a fragment of history, a whisper from the very dawn of a legend. While the celebrated Wings logo adorns the collars of most AJ1s, these are something altogether different. These are the prototypes, the first draft of an icon.

Harken back to Michael Jordan’s debut photoshoot at a playground where the camera captured a moment that would become one of his most iconic photographs, the young star cradling his shoes. Therein, a subtle detail emerges: the collar reads “Air Jordan”, not the familiar and now-ubiquitous Jordan Wings.

And those autographs he signed for the kids, MJ, smilingly, penned “My very best” alongside his signature—a sentiment handwritten by the icon himself, now subtly imprinted on the left shoe’s collar. A hidden truth, revealed only by the eye of ultraviolet light.

Even the shoe’s presentation case speaks volumes. The seemingly ordinary tissue paper bears unfinished hand sketches by Peter Moore—the architect of this archetype.

More than idle scribbles; they are windows into the creative crucible, the nascent stages of a symbol, an iconography that would shape the world of sport and style.

Images via @knowingkicks; Nike

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Similar Shoes to the “Black Toe Reimagined” To Consider

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Air Jordan 1 High Retro ’85 “Bred” (2025)

Release Date: 14 February 2025
Price: US$250

Little remains unsaid about the Nike Air Jordan 1 “Bred”, its DNA so deeply inherent in sneaker culture that its narrative has become a legend. Arguably second only to its “Chicago” sibling in the pantheon of sneaker icons, it mirrors the unparalleled stature of its namesake, the most celebrated athlete ever to grace the hardwood.

It’s only apropos that these shoes are released again for the model’s 40th anniversary. This is the very seed that birthed the sneaker culture landscape—the catalyst, the Big Bang.

Unlike the “Bred Toe Reimagined”, this iteration aspires to the purest recreation of the 1985 original, meticulously scrutinizing every nuance, from the very texture of the midsole to the suppleness of the leather.

Four decades may have passed, and modern advancements in comfort may surpass its vintage construction, but its inherent cultural cachet remains unparalleled. And that, ultimately, is justification enough to embrace its legacy, even if it demands a touch of sacrifice.

Indeed, the “Bred” transcends mere footwear; it has become a symbol of profound cultural significance. Stories abound of individuals even choosing to lace up these icons on their wedding day. Perhaps, the most important sneaker of all time can also grace the most important occasions.

Image via Complex

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Similar Shoes to the Jordan 1 High Retro ’85 “Bred” To Consider

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UNION x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP GH “I’m Back”

Release Date: 28 February 2025
Price: US$200

Union LA has long been a key partner to Jordan Brand. While their creative explorations extend across various silhouettes, it’s their Air Jordan 1 interpretations that have truly defined their collaborative identity. Therefore, their return to this iconic canvas for its fortieth anniversary feels less like a surprise and more like a predestined reunion.

Within the broader Nike ecosystem, UNION’s collaborations have met with varying degrees of acclaim. However, their ventures with Jumpman have consistently struck a chord, revealing a compelling creative philosophy. UNION doesn’t simply repaint; they reimagine.

Their collaborations transcend color palettes, often boldly reconstructing the silhouette itself, as seen most notably in the 2023 “Summer of ’96” AJ1 with Bephies Beauty Supply. Yet, their 2018 offering arguably remains their most impactful work.

For this milestone celebration, UNION returns to its signature approach, artfully blending two revered and highly sought-after colorways: the legendary “Chicago” as the base and the “Shadow” at the collar.

Staying true to form, this collaboration will also include two-tone and alternate laces presented within a specially designed shoebox. The insoles will bear marks of its pedigree. Its moniker, “I’m Back”, offers a knowing nod to Michael Jordan’s iconic press release announcing his return to the hardwood. And with this collaboration, Jordan Brand, in partnership with Union LA, emphatically declares its own return to the forefront of sneaker culture.

Image via @knowingkicks

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Similar Shoes to the UNION x AJ1 “Chicago/Shadow” To Consider

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Like all art, appreciation is subjective. The “Bred Toe Reimagined” offers a compelling argument for nostalgia, incorporating details previously unseen, a glimpse into an alternate history, and a “what if” rendered in leather and thread.

Conversely, the ’85 “Bred” champions a return to origins, a meticulous resurrection of its storied past. Union LA, meanwhile, presents a masterclass in homage, weaving two iconic colorways into a single, harmonious creation.

Regardless of which iteration captures your eye, each is a worthy addition to any collection, possessing a narrative waiting to be shared and admired. For it is the story that truly animates these creations, imbuing them with an allure that transcends materiality. Whichever path you choose, it is, in its own way, the right one.

Where To Buy the “Black Toe Reimagined”, Jordan 1 “Bred”, and Union LA x Jordan 1

Acquiring them at retail may prove a challenge, given their limited availability. If you fail to get them at the usual retail avenues such as SNKRS and other tier 0 retailers such as atmos and END., the SNKRDUNK App offers a haven. Visit the app and add your chosen pair to your favorites to receive real-time updates on price fluctuations and availability. You’ll thank us later.

Air Jordan 1 High Sizing Guide

The Air Jordan 1 High typically runs true to size, so your usual size should provide a comfortable fit. Those with wider feet may wish to consider a half-size up for additional room.

It’s also wise to consider the shoe’s intended use. If they are your “beaters”, enduring the wear and tear of regular activity, a half-size-up can also accommodate the natural swelling of feet during prolonged use.

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For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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