The legacy of Air Jordan has been etched into the annals of sneaker history with bold and vibrant colorways that command attention and express individuality. Among these, the red palette stands out, symbolizing power, passion, and determination – all attributes associated with Michael Jordan (and matching his Chicago Bulls team colors). Outside of classics like the “Chicago” or “Bred,” numerous Jordans have taken this red color palette to a whole other level. Ahead of the release of the Air Jordan 6 “Toro Bravo,” we’re looking back at the best red Air Jordan sneakers throughout the history of Jordan Brand.
Each sneaker in the Air Jordan lineage that bears this bold color scheme tells a story of unyielding spirit, courage, and excellence, characteristics deeply embedded in the DNA of both the brand and its namesake. The audacious red colorways are not just a nod to the basketball legend's iconic team colors, but they also epitomize the groundbreaking persona of Michael Jordan himself, transcending the world of sports to become cultural symbols.
Ahead of the release of the Air Jordan 6 “Toro Bravo,” we find ourselves compelled to embark on a retrospective journey, tracing the footprints of the best red Jordan sneakers that have left a lasting impact throughout the illustrious history of the Jordan Brand. From commemorating championship-winning moments to spotlighting significant milestones in Michael Jordan's career, these red colorways have provided a vibrant canvas to narrate these iconic narratives.
Intricately interwoven with stories of success, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness, these red Air Jordans encapsulate the essence of the man behind the brand. As we delve into this exploration, we also pay tribute to the fusion of high-end fashion, innovative technology, and performance that has come to define the Jordan Brand. Embrace this journey with us as we step into the realm of these striking red silhouettes, each holding a unique place in the vast and impressive Air Jordan repertoire.
15: Air Jordan 13 Retro Singles Day
One of the best red Air Jordan 13's ever, the Jordan 13 “Singles Day’ came as part of Jordan Brand’s “What Is Love?” pack back in 2016. The sneaker commemorates the Chinese Holiday, Single's Day. Like many other entries on this list, most of this AJ 13 takes on a red finish with black accents spotted throughout.
14: Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Gym Red
Exclusive to Europe, the Air Jordan 1 High “Gym Red” combines suede and leather for this almost entirely red pair. Pops of white on the Swoosh, Jordan Wings logo, and midsole allow the vibrant gym red hits to stand out on the Jordan 1 High.
13: Air Jordan 12 Retro Gym Red
A bold take on the iconic Air Jordan 12, the “Gym Red” iteration from 2018 completely covers the upper in a monochromatic red hue. This shoe features a bold, all-red colorway, taking the classic Air Jordan 12 silhouette to a new level of style. The Gym Red edition's striking color and premium quality make it a popular choice among Jordan collectors.
12: Air Jordan 6 Retro Slam Dunk
A limited-edition pair made in collaboration with the Japanese manga and anime series “Slam Dunk,” this Air Jordan 6 contains the jersey number of the series' lead character, Hanamichi Sakuragi, and hosted anime graphics on its all-red upper. The Air Jordan 6 Retro Slam Dunk stands out for its pop-culture crossover appeal and vibrant design.
11: Air Jordan 6 Retro Toro
Calling back to the Air Jordan 5 “Raging Bull” and Air Jordan 6 “Infrared 23,” 2023’s Air Jordan 6 Retro “Toro Bravo” is the latest all-red sneaker from Jordan Brand. Accents of black provide a striking contrast, making this shoe a standout piece. Its bold design and memorable color palette make it an iconic release in the Air Jordan 6 line.
10: Air Jordan 21 Retro Red Suede
The “Red Suede” version of the Air Jordan 21 stands out among the original AJ21 releases with its vibrant all-ready upper. This pair features a luxurious red suede upper for a sleek and sophisticated look. The fusion of high-end materials and technological innovation makes it a remarkable edition in the Jordan series.
9: Air Jordan 10 Retro Bulls Over Broadway
Nodding to game in which Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks in his return to the NBA, the Air Jordan 10 “Bulls Over Broadway” features a vibrant all-red upper. The theme of MJ's return gets accented on this Air Jordan 10 with black hits along the tongue, collar, and heel. Its rich color, quality construction, and homage to Jordan's roots make this shoe a favorite among fans.
8: Air Jordan 14 Retro Ferrari
Michael Jordan’s affinity for luxury sports cars has been apparent for decades, even inspiring details including the pull tab on the Air Jordan 6 and the emblem on the AJ14. In 2014, Jordan Brand took this theme and ran with it on the Air Jordan 14 Ferrari, dressing the sneaker in a red hue similar to what one pictures when one hears, “Ferrari.” This sneaker's distinctive design and rich backstory make it a prized possession for Jordan fans and car enthusiasts alike.
7: Air Jordan 8 Retro Valentine’s Day W
Jordan Brand went all-out for Valentine’s Day in 2018 with the Air Jordan 8 Retro, crafting an all-ready rendition of the silhouette. Added details, like the “Loves Me” and “Loves Me Not” text below the cross strap and an included Valentine’s Day card, make this a fitting tribute to the holiday of love. The Valentine’s Day edition has been widely appreciated for its theme-centric design and high-end aesthetic. That adoration for the Valentine's Day theme carries over to this Jordan 8.
6: Air Jordan 6 Retro Infrared 23
Much like the upcoming Air Jordan 6 “Toro Bravo,” the “Infrared 23” colorway features black accents against a bright red finish. This Jordan 6 differs due to the all-leather finish and slightly different midsole. The Infrared 23 iteration of the Air Jordan 6 boasts a vibrant, all-red leather upper, accented by hits of black and a translucent outsole. Its bold colorway and iconic silhouette make it a must-have for Jordan aficionados. The Infrared 23 signifies a perfect blend of Jordan Brand's legacy and modern fashion.
5: Air Jordan 3 Retro Unite Fire Red
A contemporary take on the Air Jordan 3 Fire Red, this pair launched in 2020 and is almost completely covered in the vibrant red hue. On this Air Jordan 3's heel, the Nike Air text is replaced with "Nike Chi," a fitting tribute to the city where MJ played and the NBA All-Star host for 2020. Key features include the iconic elephant print overlays and Nike Air branding on the heel. The bold design and commitment to heritage make this shoe a fan-favorite in the Jordan lineup.
4: Air Jordan 3 Retro Doernbecher
Cole Johanson, a patient at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, designed one of the best Jordan sneakers to come from the Doernbecher program. The red-based AJ3 comes accented by black hits and a diamond pattern that spells Johanson's name. It features a reflective red upper and translucent outsole, with personal touches that represent Johanson's journey. This Jordan 3 underscores Nike's commitment to giving back, making it a cherished piece among the Jordan series.
3: Air Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96
MJ and the Chicago Bulls' legendary 72-10 season is celebrated with a vibrant red colorway of the AJ11. The Jordan 11 Win Like 96 is a must-have for any sneaker rotation. This model features a bright red patent leather upper, symbolizing the Bulls' dominance. It combines high performance with nostalgic appeal, serving as a reminder of Jordan's incredible sporting legacy. This memorable colorway and historical significance have made it a standout in the Jordan 11 lineage.
2: Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro
Donned in a bold red upper with contrasting black and white accents, the Jordan 4 “Toro” is one of the few non-OG Jordan 4 colorways that commands major respect among sneakerheads. This pair features a vivid red nubuck upper, complemented by contrasting black, white, and gray details. Known for its distinctive colorway and high-quality construction, this model is a favorite among sneakerheads. The design showcases the innovative spirit of the Jordan brand while maintaining a nod to the past.
1: Air Jordan 5 Retro Raging Bulls
Coming as part of the “DMP” pack with a black-based colorway, this pair commemorates Jordan's fierce on-court persona with its fiery red suede upper. Contrasting hits include clear lace locks and a translucent outsole to round out this Air Jordan 5. Its bold aesthetics and premium materials make it a sought-after release among Jordan fans.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
