Jordan 10s Red and Blue: The Stories Behind the Mismatched Pairs and City Classics

Jordan 10s Red and Blue: The Stories Behind the Mismatched Pairs and City Classics

If you’ve been hunting for a pair of Jordan 10s red and blue, you already know the struggle. It isn't just one shoe. Depending on who you ask, you’re either looking for a tribute to a high school superstar, a nod to a city flag, or a weirdly cool hybrid designed by Tinker Hatfield himself.

The Air Jordan 10 is the ultimate "transition" shoe in MJ's history. It’s the one with the milestones on the bottom. It's the one he barely wore because he was too busy playing baseball—until he wasn't. But the red and blue versions? Those came much later, and they’ve got way more personality than the OG steels.

The Russell Westbrook "Class of 2006"

Honestly, this is probably the exact shoe you have in mind. Released in June 2018, the Russell Westbrook Class of 2006 is the most famous iteration of the Jordan 10s red and blue. It’s loud. It’s mismatched.

Basically, the left shoe and the right shoe don’t look the same. One side features University Red accents, while the other side hits you with Hyper Royal. It’s a direct tribute to Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California, where Russ actually played before he became "The Brodie."

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  • Release Date: June 30, 2018
  • Retail Price: $190
  • The Vibe: Split-color design on a white leather base.
  • Details: You'll find "Class of 2006" printed on the left insole and the RW logo on the right.

Most people get this shoe confused with a "USA" or "Olympic" colorway because of the red, white, and blue, but it’s 100% about Westbrook's roots. It was actually the first time Jordan Brand ever used a split-color design on the 10 silhouette.

The 2016 Chicago City Pack (Flag Colors)

Then there’s the 2016 "City Pack" Chicago. Now, the original 1995 City Pack had the famous red and black Chicago 10s. But for the 2016 retro, Nike decided to do something different. They looked at the Chicago city flag instead of the Bulls jersey.

The result? A white leather upper with "Bright Crimson" and "University Blue" accents. It sounds like it might clash, but on feet, it’s surprisingly clean. It captures that specific sky-blue and red star aesthetic you see all over the Windy City. If you're a Chicago native, this is usually the pair you’re after.

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The Tinker Hatfield "Racer Blue"

Wait, there's a third one. Sorta.

In late 2018, Jordan Brand dropped the Jordan 10 Retro Tinker. This one is primarily "Racer Blue," but it features "Team Orange" accents. Now, depending on the lighting (or how much you want it to be), that orange can look pretty red-adjacent.

This shoe was part of a pack where Tinker Hatfield took his favorite non-Jordan designs and mashed them with MJ’s signature line. This specific 10 was inspired by the 1994 Nike Air Huarache Light. It’s a deeper blue than the Westbrook pair, but it carries that same high-energy, multi-color feel that defined the mid-90s.

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Why collectors still care about the 10

The 10 is a weird sneaker. It’s the only one that lists Michael Jordan's achievements on the outsole. 85 Rookie of the Year. 86 63 Points. 87 Scoring Title. It’s a literal resume.

When you add the red and blue colorways, you’re taking a shoe that was meant to be a retirement tribute and turning it into something modern. The Westbrook pair, especially, has held its value well because it’s so distinct. You can’t mistake those for anything else when you’re walking down the street.

Buying Tips and Sizing

If you’re looking to pick up a pair of Jordan 10s red and blue in 2026, here’s the reality: you’re going to the secondary market. StockX, GOAT, and eBay are your best bets.

  1. Sizing: Most Jordan 10s run true to size (TTS). However, the inner bootie construction makes them feel a bit snugger than a Jordan 1. If you have wide feet, maybe go up half a size.
  2. Condition Check: The white leather on the Westbrook and Chicago pairs is prone to "yellowing" on the outsoles over time. Ask for photos of the bottoms.
  3. Price Point: Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 for a deadstock (brand new) pair of the Westbrooks. The Chicago "Flag" 10s are usually a bit more affordable, often sitting in the $200-$300 range.

The Jordan 10 might not get the same hype as the 1 or the 4, but it’s a sleeper classic. Whether you want the mismatched high school vibes or the Chicago flag tribute, these red and blue iterations are the best way to stand out without wearing the same "Bred" colorway as everyone else in the room.

Your next move is to verify the production date on the size tag if you're buying used. Sneakers over 8-10 years old can sometimes have midsole issues, though the Jordan 10's solid Phylon midsole is generally more durable than the polyurethane used in the Jordan 3 or 4. Check for any "separation" between the upper and the sole before you pull the trigger.