Black and red is a staple color combination in Jordan Brand’s realm. Some of Jordan’s most beloved creations don the ever-so-popular color scheme, but what about the inverse union of these colors? Over the years, the all-red (or mostly red) colorway has proven to be a favorite amongst Jordan enthusiasts. Remember the “Toro Bravo” 5s? What about the “Motorboat” 9s?
Red has been a common color from the very beginning in the Air Jordan line, but there’s nothing that will turn heads quite like a pair of Red Jordans.
Air Jordan XX1 “Red Suede”
Release Date: February 18, 2006
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Metallic Silver-Black
Jordan Brand’s first display of predominately red on a silhouette came in the form of the 2006-released Air Jordan XX1. The “Red Italian Suede” XX1 was the second colorway of this shoe and released during the NBA All-Star Weekend of that year. The “Red Italian Suede” colorway is widely considered the best of this D’Wayne Edwards-designed silhouette.
Air Jordan 1 High Premier Varsity Red/Dark Army
Release Date: November 8, 2008 & December 2, 2013
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Dark Army-White
The Varsity Red premium leather is very appealing on this 2008-released Air Jordan 1 High Premier, but its many accents make it an even more attractive shoe. The Nike Swoosh and inner lining are composed of velour, while Varsity Red and Dark Army complement the outsole of the latter color mentioned. These re-released on Cyber Monday of 2013.
Air Jordan 5 “Toro Bravo”
Release Date: May 30, 2009
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Black
The Varsity Red/Black Air Jordan 5 via the Toro Bravo Pack is undoubtedly the most popular on our list. Comprised mainly of Varsity Red nubuck, this particular colorway of MJ’s fifth signature shoe represents passion, inspired directly by MJ’s drive for the game. Jordan Brand also stated that it takes its color from the red bandanna runners in Pamplona wear.
Air Jordan 2 “Candy” Red
Release Date: November 6, 2010
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Black
The Varsity Red/Black Air Jordan 2 was packaged with two other solid-colored 2s from the 2010-released Candy Pack. Premium nubuck makes up the majority of this shoe’s base, while white stitching and black piping show up throughout the upper. It’s also finished with a white outsole.
Air Jordan 3 “Doernbecher”
Release Date: December 11, 2010, July 20, 2013
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Black-Metallic Silver
The “Doernbecher” Air Jordan 3 that originally released at the end of 2010 is suddenly back at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Re-released in 2013, this particular creation tells the tale of designer Cole Johanson. “COLE” is spelled out within a diamond grid pattern in addition well as tie-ins to his two favorite foods, spaghetti, and chocolate, on the pull-tab. The “Doernbecher” 3 also features two words imprinted on the insole that helped Cole beat his lymphoma: Strength and Courage.
Air Jordan 14 Velour Sample
Surface Date: January 8, 2012
Release Date: August 16, 2014
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Black-Metallic Silver
The Air Jordan 14 ‘Velour’ is the only shoe on our list that did not see a release date when it first hit the internet. Photos of this sample surfaced on the web at the beginning of 2012 leaving many wishing for a release date. It specifically features a seamless, Varsity Red velour base, a black sole/inner lining, and a metallic plate. Thankfully for fans, this colorway will release in adapted fashion in 2014.
Jordan Spizike “Gym Red”
Release Date: October 20, 2012
Official Colorway: Gym Red/Black-Dark Grey-White
One of the most popular colorways of the Spizike in recent memory, the “Gym Red” pair owns a primarily suede base with minimal black hints, including the elephant print on the toe box and heel area.
Air Jordan 9 “Motorboat Jones”
Release Date: December 1, 2012
Official Colorway: Challenge Red/White-Black
As part of the Johnny Kilroy Pack, the “Motorboat Jones” Air Jordan 9 is widely considered one of the better releases of 2012. A vibrant Challenge Red upper gives this shoe an extremely brighter look compared to most of the other shoes on this list that sport Varsity Red bases.
Air Jordan XX8 “Red Camo”
Release Date: March 2, 2013
Official Colorway: Gym Red/White-Black
In the same manner, as the previously seen Spizike, the recently released “Red Camo” Air Jordan XX8 dons a Gym Red color scheme. It also features a brighter color of red (Crimson) on the inner lining. The “Red Camo” XX8 released as part of the “Colors” Pack with two other XX8s.
Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo”
Release Date: July 13, 2013
Official Colorway: Fire Red/White-Cement Grey
Jordan Brand release one of the boldest additions to the red family of releases by dropping the “Toro Bravo” Air Jordan 4. A vivid shade of red nubuck dominates the base, while cement grey hints provide nice, contrasting elements.
Air Jordan XX8 “Elephant Print” Fire Red
Release Date: September 21, 2013
Official Colorway: Fire Red/White-Black
The Air Jordan XX8 “Elephant Print” took on two motifs on one take. The zip-up upper sports an all-over elephant print aesthetic, amplified by the hot fire red hue.
Air Jordan 6 “Infrared 23”
Release Date: February 21, 2014
Official Colorway: Infrared 23/Black-Infrared 23
Coinciding with All-Star Weekend and the return of the OG White/Infrared 6, the “Infrared 23” 6s based the sixth silo entirely off the bold tone. Not only did it see the highlighted hue all over fashion, but it also kicked off the “Infrared 23” campaign for JB in 2014.
Air Jordan 1 High OG “Gym Red”
photo via Hypebeast
Release Date: June 28, 2014
Official Colorway: Gym Red/White
An overseas exclusive, this Air Jordan 1 release brought a team basketball to feel to the signature that changed the game. Leather and suede based the upper in red, contrasted by white branding and a midsole of the same tone.
Jordan Future “Gym Red”
Release Date: July 2, 2014
Official Colorway: Gym Red/Gym Red-White
Much like the Spizike, the Jordan Future has raised in the ranks as one of the favorited JB models that don’t reside in the signature family. A red woven upper was matched by a red Air Jordan 11 outsole.
Air Jordan 6 “OG Spizike”
Release Date: August 9, 2014
Official Colorway: Varsity Red/Black-White-Classic Green
Going in reverse, the Air Jordan 6 “OG Spizike” sees colorway inspiration from a model it actually inspired. All-red leather reigns on the upper, juxtaposed by a white midsole and green accents.
There are new Jordans that come out regularly that we track on our calendar of release dates.
