If you were around in the late 90s, you remember the vibe. Michael Jordan was basically a god, the Chicago Bulls were a dynasty on the brink of a breakup, and Tinker Hatfield was busy turning a sports car into a sneaker. That's the origin story of the jordan 14s red and white, a shoe that looks just as fast today as it did when it first hit the pavement in 1999.
Most people call them the "Candy Canes." Some call them the "Cherries." Honestly, it doesn't matter what nickname you use—if you see that crisp white leather paired with the aggressive varsity red "teeth" on the midsole, you know exactly what you’re looking at.
The Ferrari on Your Feet
Tinker Hatfield is a legend for a reason. He didn't just want to make another basketball shoe; he wanted to capture MJ’s obsession with high-end machinery. Specifically, the Ferrari 550 Maranello.
You can see the car's DNA everywhere. The Jumpman logo is tucked inside a yellow shield that looks suspiciously like the Ferrari crest. The side vents? Those are there to keep your feet cool, sure, but they’re also a direct nod to the cooling intakes on a supercar. Even the tire-tread pattern on the heel screams "Formula 1."
It’s a low-profile shoe. It sits close to the ground. In a world of chunky "dad shoes" and over-engineered knits, the jordan 14s red and white stands out because it looks like it’s moving 100 mph while it’s sitting in a box.
Why 14 is the Magic Number
There’s a little easter egg most casual fans miss. There are exactly 14 Jumpman logos on every pair.
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- One on each toe (2)
- The Ferrari-style shields (2)
- The heels (2)
- The insoles (2)
- The outsoles (2)
- The metal lace tips (4)
It’s a weirdly specific detail, but that’s the kind of obsession that went into the XIV.
The "Candy Cane" vs. The "Black Toe"
When people search for red and white Jordan 14s, they’re usually looking for one of two distinct vibes.
First, you’ve got the OG White/Varsity Red, first released in January 1999. This is the pure "Candy Cane." It’s mostly white leather with those iconic red accents and black details on the tongue and heel. It’s clean. It’s classic. It feels like a home jersey.
Then you have the "Black Toe" version. This one swaps the white leather at the front for a black suede or leather toe box. It’s a bit moodier, a bit more "Bulls-ish." While MJ famously wore the "Last Shot" (the black and red pair) to sink the Utah Jazz in the '98 Finals, he actually debuted an early prototype of the 14s during that same series. It’s part of the lore—Tinker told him not to wear them yet, but Michael being Michael, he couldn't wait.
Is the Comfort Actually Real?
Kinda.
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Look, compared to a modern-day running shoe with crazy foam, these are "stiff." But for a late-90s basketball shoe? They were revolutionary. They feature dual Zoom Air units—one in the heel and one in the forefoot. That gives you a very "responsive" feel. You aren't sinking into a cloud; you’re feeling the floor.
One thing to watch out for if you’re buying a pair from 2012 or 2019: the "teeth" on the midsole. Over time, the glue can weaken, especially if they’ve been sitting in a humid closet. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something every 14 collector deals with eventually. Also, that high tongue can sometimes rub against your ankle if you aren't wearing the right socks. Most of us just double up or wear mid-calfs to solve it.
How to Style Jordan 14s Red and White Today
Because these shoes are so sleek, they don't always play nice with super baggy jeans. They tend to look best with:
- Tapered joggers that show off the Ferrari shield.
- Slim-straight denim with a slight cuff.
- Athletic shorts (obviously), preferably in black or grey to let the red pop.
If you go full red-and-white tracksuit, you might look like you're trying too hard. Keep the rest of the fit neutral. Let the "Candy Canes" do the heavy lifting.
Finding a Pair in 2026
Since we haven't seen a massive "Candy Cane" restock lately, the resale market is your best bet.
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You’re looking at platforms like GOAT, StockX, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $450 depending on the condition and the year of the retro. The 2019 release is generally considered the best "recent" version because the leather quality was a significant step up from the 2012 run.
If you find a pair for under $150, be careful. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a rep or the soles are about to crumble.
Next Steps for Collectors
If you're serious about picking up a pair of jordan 14s red and white, start by checking the "Last Sold" prices on resale apps to get a baseline for your size. Before hitting "buy," always inspect the 23 branding on the heel; on fakes, the rubber ribbing is often poorly aligned or the font looks "off." Once you secure them, keep them in a cool, dry place—the 14s are notorious for midsole separation if they aren't stored correctly or worn occasionally to keep the glue active.