The Air Jordan 1 Low Banned takes one of the most iconic color stories in sneaker history and applies it to the low-top version of the AJ1. The original black-and-red “Bred” colorway became famous in 1985 after Nike marketed the shoe as “banned” by the NBA for violating uniform rules, turning the controversy into one of the most legendary sneaker campaigns ever. This low-top release continues that legacy while adding several callbacks to the famous 2011 “Banned” Air Jordan 1 High release.
Introduced in 1985 alongside the high-top, the Air Jordan 1 Low was designed by Peter Moore as a more versatile low-cut version of Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker. Over the years, it has evolved from a basketball alternative into one of the most recognizable casual sneakers and streetwear staples in the Jordan lineup.
This pair is packed with special details tied to the “Banned” theme. Instead of the standard Wings logo, the heel features a large Varsity Red “X” graphic, referencing the 2011 high-top release. The insoles include text pulled from the original 1984 Air Jordan commercial discussing how the shoe was “thrown out of the game” by the NBA. Inside the collar, you’ll find the stamped date “10.18.84,” marking when the NBA sent its warning letter to Nike. The inside tongue tags read “Imagine” and “If…?”, while the collar lining includes small scattered red and white X graphics.
I’ve been wearing my Chicago AJ1 Lows to work all the time, so these instantly felt like a must-have addition to that rotation. I really like how the low-top versions of classic Air Jordan 1 colorways combine the wearability and convenience of a low with the history of the originals. I grabbed these right on release day through the SNKRS app.
Packaging follows the standard black Air Jordan 1 box setup, but with Banned-style X graphics printed on the lid, side panels, and inside of the box. The pair also comes with white, red, and black lace options, featuring “Imagine If” text on the aglets.
Materials
Material-wise, the upper uses a fairly solid black and Varsity Red leather construction. These aren’t labeled as a premium or collaborative release, so expectations should stay realistic, but overall the leather feels decent and the shoe is put together well. For a standard release AJ1 Low, the quality here is definitely respectable.
Fit & Comfort
Fit is typical Air Jordan 1 Low sizing, fitting true to size with a fairly standard shape overall. Underfoot, the cushioning setup feels stable and a bit firm compared to for example a modern runner, but still perfectly fine for casual everyday wear. Like most AJ1s, they lean more toward style and versatility than outright comfort tech.
If these are sold out at different stores online, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: Black / Black – Varsity Red
Style Code: IW6276-001
Retail Price: $145
Year of Release: 2026