It was late December 2021. The world was cold, but the hype for the Jordan 1 Bred Patent was absolutely boiling over. People were calling them "tacky" one minute and then entering every raffle they could find the next.
Basically, it was the ultimate sneaker paradox.
If you've been around the sneaker scene for even a week, you know the "Bred" (Black and Red) colorway is the holy grail. It’s the 1985 "Banned" heritage. It’s Michael Jordan flying from the free-throw line. So, when Nike decided to take that untouchable DNA and coat it in a high-gloss, mirror-like finish, the community collectively lost its mind.
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Some people loved the flash. Others thought it looked like a tuxedo shoe gone wrong. But three years later, where do we actually stand?
The Shiny Elephant in the Room
Let’s be real: patent leather on a Jordan 1 is a bold choice. This isn't the subtle matte leather of the 2016 retro. This thing reflects light like a sports car. When the Jordan 1 Bred Patent first dropped for $170, the biggest concern was the creasing.
Patent leather doesn't age like regular leather. It doesn't "break in" so much as it "breaks down."
When you walk in these, the creases aren't these soft, character-filled lines. They’re sharp. Sometimes they’re even white or cloudy. If you’re the type of person who carries a microfiber cloth in your pocket, these will be your best friend. If you’re a "wear your sneakers" purist who hates maintenance? They might be your worst nightmare.
What Really Happened With the 2021 Release
Most people don't realize how much Nike leaned into the "special" nature of this drop. It wasn't just another colorway.
- The shoes came with a metallic red Jumpman hangtag.
- The box was a special gloss-finish version of the traditional Nike box.
- Inside the collar, the word "Family" was embroidered in cursive.
That "Family" detail was a nod to the fact that this specific colorway has been passed down through generations. It was a nice touch, honestly. It made the shoe feel like a collector's piece rather than just a shiny cash grab.
But even with the fancy packaging, the "Patent Bred" had some fierce competition. In the resale market today, they usually hover around $250 to $350 depending on your size. Compare that to the 2016 "Banned" 1s, which can easily clear $800.
Why the gap? It’s the versatility. You can wear a matte Bred 1 with literally anything. The Jordan 1 Bred Patent is a loud shoe. It’s a "look at me" shoe. It’s amazing for a night out or a high-energy fit, but maybe not the best for a casual grocery store run in sweatpants.
The Maintenance Struggle is Real
Cleaning these is a whole different ballgame. You can't just hit patent leather with a stiff brush and some Jason Markk and call it a day.
If you get a scuff on these, you’ll feel it in your soul. Since the surface is essentially a plastic coating over leather, a deep scratch is permanent. However, for light streaks? Some people swear by a tiny bit of non-acetone nail polish remover or even just a damp microfiber cloth.
Actually, the best trick is to use a dedicated patent leather cleaner to keep the shine from getting cloudy over time. Fingerprints are your biggest enemy here.
Jordan 1 Bred Patent vs. The New 85 Retro
The landscape shifted again recently. With the 2025 release of the Air Jordan 1 High '85 "Bred," the patent version has officially become the "alternative" choice.
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The '85 cut is what the purists want. It has the original height, the original shape, and that stiff, old-school leather. But here's the kicker: the '85 retro retailed for $250 and was limited to 10,000 pairs.
This makes the Jordan 1 Bred Patent the "attainable" Bred.
If you want the iconic black-and-red look without paying a month's rent, the patent version is still the smartest play. It’s built on the standard "OG" silhouette (not the '85 cut), which most people actually find more comfortable for daily wear anyway. The padding is a bit more forgiving, even if the patent leather itself starts out stiff.
How to Wear Them Without Looking Like a Mirror
If you’re going to rock these, keep the rest of your outfit muted. Let the shoes do the talking.
- Denim Choice: Stick to dark indigo or black denim. Light wash jeans can sometimes clash with the "formal" vibe of the patent finish.
- Crease Protectors: I’m usually against them because they make shoes uncomfortable, but for this specific pair, they are almost mandatory if you want to keep that toe box looking smooth.
- The Laces: They come with red and black laces. The black laces tone them down just a little bit. The red laces? Full-blown "Spider-Man" energy. Choose wisely.
The Jordan 1 Bred Patent isn't just a sneaker; it's a statement about where Jordan Brand is going. They aren't afraid to mess with the classics. Whether you think the shine is "cheap" or "premium," there's no denying that when these hit the light just right, they're one of the most striking shoes Nike has ever put out.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify Authenticity: If buying from a secondary market like eBay or GOAT, check the "Family" embroidery inside the collar; fakes often get the font thickness wrong.
- Storage Matters: Never store these touching another shoe. Patent leather can actually "color bleed" or stick to other materials if left in a hot closet.
- Sizing Tip: Go true to size. Patent leather does not stretch as much as natural leather, so if you're between sizes, definitely go up the half size.