Michael Jordan’s Original Air Jordan 1 ‘Bred’ Will Release Next Month in Only 23 Stores

Ian Servantes

21 January 2025 at 10:22 am·2-min read

The Air Jordan 1 High “Bred” has been fiercely anticipated ahead of its return next month, and as the release draws nearer, it’s becoming clear that the sneaker will be much more difficult to purchase than initially thought.

Only 23 stores in the U.S. will get stock of the Air Jordan 1 “Bred” in February, lending credence to the rumor that only 10,000 pairs will be made available. The boutiques that will host releases confirmed so on Instagram just days after Jordan Brand deactivated its social media channels. So far, it does not appear that the Snkrs app will have its own release.

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Although the return of the Air Jordan 1 “Bred” is always reason for sneakerheads to rejoice, this year’s retro treatment is being handled with more care in honor of the seminal model’s 40th anniversary. Jordan Brand has made the effort to create the sneaker’s original proportions from 1985 with greater attention to detail than ever before, and premium materials will help take the retail price up to $250, a decision that had already raised eyebrows before consumers realized how rare the shoe will be as well.

Sometimes referred to by the nickname “Banned,” “Bred” was the very first Air Jordan 1 to release to the public. The black and red color scheme failed to conform to NBA uniform regulations, thus informing the myth that they were banned by the NBA, a gift to Nike in marketing the shoe.

The truth, however, is that the Air Jordan 1 was never formally banned by the league. Instead, it was the Air Ship in the same “Bred” treatment that was flagged prior to Michael Jordan beginning to wear his own sneaker. After that, he’d never wear the Air Jordan 1 “Bred” in an NBA game, instead opting for the approved “Chicago” and “Bred Toe” editions. He did wear the sneaker for the 1985 NBA Dunk Contest, though.

The Air Jordan 1 High “Bred” will release February 14 for $250. Below you can find a list of all 23 confirmed retailers.

Air Jordan 1 High “Bred” Store List

A Ma Maniére
All the Right
Bait
Concepts
Grinmore
Kicks Crew
Lapstone & Hammer
Oneness
Premium Goods
Shoe Gallery
Shoe Palace
Sneaker Politics
Social Status
Sole Play
SoleFly
Succezz
Trophy Room
Two18
Undefeated
Up NYC
Wish
WoodStack
Xhibition

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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