The black and white 1s are commonly known as the Air Jordan 1 sneakers, first created by Nike in 1985 for NBA player Michael Jordan. This iconic shoe launched Jordan’s signature sneaker line with Nike and paved the way for sneaker culture as we know it today.
The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore and released in 1985 as Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike. It was groundbreaking at the time for featuring the bold black and red “Banned” colorway that violated the NBA’s uniform policy, leading to fines for Jordan each time he wore them on court. Nike capitalized on the controversy by marketing the shoes with the “Banned” nickname. The “Chicago” colorway with white, black, and red was also released the same year.
The black and white Air Jordan 1s debuted in 1986 as part of the ongoing Air Jordan lineup. Referred to as the “Black/White” colorway, they featured a simple two-tone black and white leather upper with the original Nike Air wing logo on the ankle. This clean and classic color combination made the black and white 1s an instant classic.
Over three decades later, the Air Jordan 1 remains one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, and the black and white colorway is still a fan favorite. It maintains the same classic design with an update to the circular Jumpman logo on the ankle in place of the original wing. Each year new takes on the black and white 1s are released, featuring premium materials like satin, suede, and wool.
History and Background
The history of the Air Jordan 1 dates back to 1984 when an up-and-coming rookie named Michael Jordan entered the NBA after being drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls. At the time, Nike was struggling to break into the basketball shoe market which was dominated by brands like Converse and Adidas.
Nike saw the marketing potential of the young, exciting player and sought to sign Jordan to a 5-year endorsement deal. While Jordan initially wanted to sign with Adidas, his agent convinced him to go with Nike which offered him his own signature line of shoes and apparel, something no other brand was willing to do at the time.
Designer Peter Moore was tasked with creating the first Air Jordan shoe which ended up being the iconic Air Jordan 1. Unlike other basketball sneakers of the era, the Air Jordan 1 featured a lower cut design made of leather instead of standard canvas or mesh materials. It was lighter and more comfortable than traditional high tops, designed to maximize Jordan’s athleticism and dynamic playing style.
The first colorway released was the striking “Banned” black and red which Jordan debuted during his rookie season. When the NBA banned the shoes for not meeting uniform guidelines, Nike capitalized on the controversy and marketed the sneakers using their “Banned” nickname. Jordan was fined each time he wore them on court.
In 1986, Nike released the simple but classic black and white Air Jordan 1 which was officially dubbed the “Black/White” colorway. Featuring clean black and white leather panels over a black midsole, it created an iconic monochromatic look.
The Original Black and White Colorway
The black and white Air Jordan 1s from 1986 featured the following details:
- Black and white leather upper
- Perforated toe box for breathability
- Nike Air wing logo on ankle
- Nike Air cushioning sole
- Red Nike Air branded tongue tag
- Black laces and midsole
- Red accents on the stitching and outsole
This OG colorway was the fourth Air Jordan 1 model after the “Banned,” “Chicago,” and “Natural Grey” releases. It represented a change from the bright, bold colors of the earlier models to a simpler, understated aesthetic.
The black and white colors were likely chosen to create a shoe that would be wearable on and off the basketball court. Jordan was known for his fashionable style, and these would match a variety of casual outfits.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
The Air Jordan 1 was revolutionary in both its design and social impact, and the black and white colorway played an important part in its legacy. Here are some of the key cultural contributions of the black and white Air Jordan 1s:
- Helped establish Jordan Brand – The success of early models including the black and white 1s helped Jordan’s shoe line reach new levels of popularity and become an established sub-brand under Nike.
- Ushered in sneaker collecting – The phenomenon of collecting Air Jordan sneakers originated with the 1s. Their status as must-have cultural symbols sparked the sneakerhead community.
- Inspired future collaborations – The black and white 1s laid the groundwork for the sneaker collaborations Jordan Brand would later be known for by proving the marketability of branded athlete shoes.
- Contributed to sneaker culture and streetwear – Air Jordan 1s have heavily influenced fashion, music, and youth culture. The black and white colorway became ingrained as a staple Air Jordan look.
- Enabled Jordan’s superstardom – The Air Jordan brand helped propel Michael Jordan into a global superstar. The black and white 1s were an early chapter in this process.
Over 35 years since it first released, the black and white Air Jordan 1 remains one of the most iconic designs ever, coveted by sneaker collectors, basketball fans, and streetwear enthusiasts. Its simplicity and timeless style cement its status as a classic.
The Air Jordan 1 Black and White Over the Years
Nike has brought back the classic black and white colorway on the Air Jordan 1 many times over the past decades, re-releasing it in both its original form and new interpretations.
Here is an overview of some key black and white Jordan 1 releases:
| Year | Version and Details |
|---|---|
| 1994 | OG Retro with “Nike Air” branding |
| 2001 | Retro with Jumpman logo added |
| 2013 | “Black Toe” colorblocking with red accents |
| 2015 | Remastered with higher quality leather |
| 2017 | Satin version with satin upper |
| 2021 | Collaboration with Dior using premium materials |
There have also been many limited and special edition black and white releases over the years including collabs, rare samples, and player exclusives.
Each re-release celebrates the iconic colorway while offering something unique to collectors. The strong demand for new takes on these sneakers shows the lasting appeal of the original black and white Air Jordan 1.
The Air Jordan 1 Black and White Colorway’s Significance
It’s clear that the black and white Air Jordan 1 is more than just a shoe – it’s a cultural symbol intertwined with the history of sneakers, basketball, and street culture. Here’s a summary of why this colorway is so significant:
- Classic, timeless aesthetic – The monochrome colorway has remained stylish and relevant after over three decades, adapted both on and off the court.
- Part of Jordan history – An early chapter of Jordan’s partnership with Nike that spawned an iconic brand and his career-defining shoes.
- Influenced sneaker culture – The phenomenon of collecting, trading, and obsessing over sneakers can be traced back to the Air Jordan 1.
- Quintessential Jordan colorway – Represents Jordan Brand and reflects MJ’s excellence, sportsmanship, and swagger through a simple palette.
- Retro nostalgia – Continues to be released frequently to the delight of sneaker connoisseurs who appreciate old school designs.
The black and white Air Jordan 1 laid the blueprint for athlete footwear and decades later, its appeal and significance cannot be denied. It remains the definitive Jordan shoe and gold standard among sneaker collectors worldwide.
Conclusion
From hardwood courts in 1985 to streetwear fashion today, the black and white Air Jordan 1 has maintained its status as a cultural icon. Its simple colorway contrasts with the enormous influence these sneakers have had on everything from sports to music and beyond. Jordan Brand was built on the wings of this indisputable classic.
The story of the black and white 1s is intertwined with the rise of Michael Jordan as a superstar athlete and Nike establishing itself as a leading sports brand. Its legacy continues today with new generations discovering and collecting the origibal models as well as fresh takes on the iconic colorway.
Over 35 years since it first hit shelves, the Air Jordan 1 black and white colorway remains one of the most significant sneakers ever created. Its timeless style and appeal keeps its legend alive, certifying it forever as a cornerstone of sneaker culture.
