The Sneakers That Started It All: 40 Years of the Air Jordan 1

🏀 40 Years of Flight: The Return of the Jordan 1 Bred & Black Toe

There are sneakers… and then there are Air Jordans.

And sitting at the very top of that mountain is the Jordan 1 — the shoe that rewrote the rulebook in 1985 and never looked back.

Now, in 2025, the Jordan 1 turns 40 years old. And how does Nike celebrate? By bringing back the two colorways that every sneakerhead, every hooper, every collector has burned into memory: the Bred and the Black Toe.

 

The Bred: The Shoe That Broke the Rules

The “Bred” — the sneaker the NBA tried to ban but couldn’t stop.

If you know, you know. The Bred AJ1 wasn’t just a sneaker — it was a statement.

When MJ laced them up in ‘85, the NBA tried to ban them. Nike paid the fines, MJ kept wearing them, and the legend of the “Banned” Jordan was born.

This year’s release marks the 10th time the Bred has come back — but what makes this one special is that it’s a true OG Retro. The shape, the feel, even the packaging — all built to take you straight back to that rookie season when a 22-year-old kid from North Carolina started changing the game.

 

The Black Toe: Chicago Soul, Reimagined

The “Black Toe Reimagined” — a prototype come to life, honoring MJ’s rookie year.

If the Bred is rebellion, the Black Toe is pure Chicago essence.

Worn by MJ in his rookie year, it’s clean, it’s bold, and it’s as classic as a fadeaway jumper.

But this drop isn’t just a copy-paste. The Black Toe Reimagined goes back to MJ’s early prototypes — swapping the Wings logo for the original “Air Jordan” text on the collar, adding his autograph details, and aging the midsole for that vintage touch. It feels like a piece of history you can hold in your hands.

 

Breaking News: Another Bred Before 2025 Ends?

 

You read that right: Jordan Brand is expected to release another Air Jordan 1 High ’85 in the iconic “Black/Varsity Red/White” color scheme before 2025 ends.

The unconfirmed report was first spotted by Sneaker News, which found a new SKU for a never-before-seen ’85 retro. The description pointed toward the Bred color palette, sparking speculation that February’s limited “Bred” drop might get a second wave this October.

Before publishing, House of Heat° reached out to Jordan Brand for confirmation. While official word hasn’t landed yet, insiders and sneaker sleuths have already lit up social media with theories. The most consistent buzz? That another premium $250 Chicago Bulls-themed AJ1 will hit shelves later this year.

But here’s where it gets interesting:

• The “Black/Varsity Red” combo has shown up in multiple ways across Jordan history — from the OG Breds to the 2020 “Alternate Bred.”

• While “Black Toe” and “Chicago” color-blockings also use the same trio of colors, they apply them differently.

• A High ’85 Chicago Retro was rumored after the 2022 Lost & Found project, but sources confirm that version was just a promo sample for Jordan Brand family and not meant for retail.

With the “Black Toe Reimagined” already released, it’s unlikely we’ll see another so soon. Which leaves one exciting possibility: a fresh twist on the Bred — or maybe the most faithful ’85 reissue we’ve seen yet.

Either way, sneakerheads better circle October on their calendars.

Why This Release Matters

 

40 years later — the Jordan 1 still dominates culture, fashion, and the streets.

The Air Jordan 1 isn’t just another sneaker. It’s the DNA of sneaker culture.

• It’s the shoe that connected basketball with hip-hop, skateboarding, and streetwear.

• It’s the shoe that built a billion-dollar culture from the ground up.

• And it’s the shoe that, 40 years later, still looks better than anything else on the street.

Whether you were there in ‘85 or just got into sneakers yesterday, lacing up a pair of Breds or Black Toes feels like stepping into the story of basketball, fashion, and rebellion all at once.

 

All Eyes on 2025

2025: A sneakerhead’s dream, with more retros and collabs on the way.

This year is shaping up to be a sneaker lover’s dream (or wallet’s nightmare). Alongside the Bred and Black Toe, Jordan Brand has lined up special collaborations, anniversary editions, and reimagined retros.

The hype is already through the roof — and if history tells us anything, these pairs won’t sit for long.

 

Final Word

Nike could’ve picked any sneaker to headline Jordan Brand’s 40th anniversary.

But going back to the Bred and Black Toe? That’s the right move.

Because these aren’t just kicks. They’re history, they’re culture, and for a lot of us… they’re the reason we fell in love with sneakers in the first place.

Here’s to 40 years of the Jordan 1. And here’s to the next 40.

Because legends never go out of style.