Peter Moore | ‘Bred’ Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG (1985) | Size 11.5

The Nike “Air Jordan 1” is one of the most iconic designs in the history of both streetwear and basketball, and is a key part of the origin of the Air Jordan brand for Nike. Designed by Peter Moore, the sneaker has remained an instant classic since its commercial release in 1985. 

In 1984, Nike gave Michael Jordan his own signature line of shoes and clothes, which was pivotal in Michael agreeing to sign with Nike. It was the first time the brand did anything like this, and it paved the way for many of the player collaborations we now see. The term “Air Jordan” was coined by Michael Jordan’s agent David Falk. David apparently came up with name because Nike shoes had air in the soles and because, of course, Michael Jordan played basketball in the air.

In terms of the shoe itself, the original Air Jordan 1s were so popular and successful that Nike continued to make new signature Air Jordans each season. This tradition continued beyond Michael’s retirement, and Nike is currently on the Air Jordan 34. From the day it launched, Air Jordans have always represented the pinnacle of sneaker design. The shoes are unmatched when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, materials, innovation, performance, and of course style.

This sneaker in black and red or ‘bred,’ is a retail pair from 1985 in pristine condition, particularly when noting the age of the item. Most notably, it is the pair from the famous ‘Banned’ Nike commercial. 

In 1984, Michael Jordan’s black and red shoes (Air Ships) became controversial after the NBA sent a letter to Nike in February of 1985 informing the company that Jordan’s colorful shoes were a violation of the league’s uniformity of uniform clause. Nike responded by creating an ad campaign around Jordan’s ‘banned’ shoes (advertising this particular model), remarking that while “the NBA threw them out of the game, fortunately, the NBA can’t stop you from wearing them.” 

The Air Jordan brand was created in the wake of the famous banned Nike ad campaign, and established MJ as the league's leader in shoe style.