When Nike announced the debut of the Air Jordan 1 Patent Bred, tongues were set wagging. Both longtime Jordanheads who fondly recall the original Air Jordan 1 Bred from the ’80s and those eager to try something fresh welcomed the release with open arms.
Thanks to their efforts, we were wonderfully prepared for what was to come. Even though it was disappointing that the release date kept getting pushed back, the excitement never waned. Nike has made it a practice to cause controversy by releasing updated versions of classic shoe designs.
Compared to other sneakers, the Air Jordan 1 Patent Bred stands apart. It’s one of the sleekest and most visually pleasing designs we’ve encountered.
Let’s explore how this sneaker differs from the rest.
Air Jordan 1 Patent Bred: Closer Look
The new Patent Bred’s upper is made of patent leather, which shines to create a luxurious look. A sneaker with such a dazzling sheen is a rarity, but we applaud the effort to improve upon a classic.
The sneaker is designed with an elegant three-color gradient. The toe box, Swoosh, ankle strap, & heel counter are all done in varsity red, while the rest of the top is done in black patent leather.
Looking closely, you can see the meticulous stitching that securely and attractively joins the upper’s many parts. It’s a sophisticated touch that makes the design pop. The bright varsity red Nike swoosh on the tongue’s top, the wide black laces, and the blacked-out tongue make for a striking design.
The sneakers’ wide laces and removable tongue allow for a customized fit. In addition, the red-toe box has decorative vents to let air in and keep your feet dry and cool.
Vents are necessary since patent leather tends to be very warm to the touch. Nike padded the collar and inside tongue to cushion the wearer’s ankles and the top of their feet without adding excessive bulk.
It provides comfort and support while letting the feet & ankles move more freely. In addition, the white midsole contrasts sharply with the dark upper and outsole, creating a sense of harmony between the shoe’s overall design and its parts.
The sandwiching effect created by the soles’ varsity red underside is visually appealing and functional.
Nike paid close attention to the smallest details to make a cohesive aesthetic impression on this pair of sneakers. The look is finished with a bang with the trademark wings logo on the collar.
Availability and Cost
Dated December 2021, Jordan’s Patent Bred debuted for the first time. The shoes retailed for $180 on Nike Kicks, but they sold out in only a few short hours. Unfortunately, the truth is that you will have a hard time finding the Patent Bred version at the starting price.
The astute retailers knew they could stock up on multiple pairs to sell later on when the initial supply ran out. The retail price of a pair of Air Jordan 1 Patent Breds is anywhere from $220 to $380, as seen by the data provided by Stock X. The buyer’s willingness to spend more at auction determines the final selling price.
Some Patent Bred sneakers have also been selling for between $203 and $425 on Flight Club. For the time being, resellers have all the cards until Nike restocks. No word yet on whether Nike will produce more of the wildly successful shoes.
Inspiration Behind Jordan 1 Patent Bred
Like the original Air Jordan 1 Bred, which debuted in 1985-86, the Air Jordan 1 Patent Bred is a nod to the past. Then, it revolutionized the shoe industry by raising the bar for function and form.
The latest edition has everything nostalgic fans of the genre could want and more, a popular demographic in the United States. Once the NBA outlawed the Air Jordan 1 Bred, the sneaker became a cultural phenomenon. Wearing one became a symbol of rebellion or the criminal lifestyle.
Professional basketball players were the ones who most felt this way. You may bet that if our sporting heroes were engaging in such behavior, a swarm of imitators would soon follow.
This backstory endears them to those who lived through it, but the new Nike Air Jordan 1 Patent Bred also catches the eye of today’s sneakerheads.
