Sneaker culture is weirdly obsessed with the "triple black" look, but honestly, most of them are just lazy. You've seen it a thousand times—a brand takes a classic silhouette, dips it in a vat of ink, calls it a day, and charges you an extra twenty bucks for the "stealth" aesthetic. But the Jordan 8 Black Cat is different. It’s not just a monochromatic mess. When it dropped back in early 2017, specifically on January 14, it felt like Jordan Brand actually sat down and thought about the textures of the shoe rather than just the color.
The Jordan 8 is a chunky beast. It’s heavy. It has those famous cross-straps that look like something out of a 90s sci-fi movie. If you’ve ever worn a pair, you know they’re basically tanks for your feet. In the "Black Cat" colorway, that bulkiness finally makes sense. It looks mean. It looks like something Batman would lace up if he gave up the boots.
Most people think "Black Cat" is just a catchy marketing name, but it actually traces back to Michael Jordan’s nickname among his peers in the league. Tinker Hatfield, the legendary designer behind most of the GOAT’s best shoes, used that feline agility and stealthy predator vibe as the blueprint for several models. While the Jordan 13 is the one most famously tied to the panther inspiration with its "cat eye" hologram, the Jordan 8 Black Cat captures the darker, grittier side of that persona.
Why the Jordan 8 Black Cat Materials Matter More Than the Color
If you look at this shoe from ten feet away, it’s a black blob. Get closer. The magic is in the mix.
Jordan Brand didn't just use one type of leather here. They went with a high-grade nubuck and paired it with some pretty interesting micro-perforations. These tiny holes aren't just there for breathability—let’s be real, the Jordan 8 is a sauna for your toes regardless—but they add a visual depth that prevents the shoe from looking flat.
Then there’s the heel.
On the original Jordan 8 "Bugs Bunny" or "Aqua" colorways, the mudguard features these wild, abstract 90s graphics. For the Black Cat version, they kept that pattern but rendered it in different shades of dark charcoal and black. It’s subtle. It’s the kind of thing you only notice when the light hits it right. That’s the difference between a "triple black" shoe and a "Black Cat" shoe. One is a lack of color; the other is a study in shadow.
You also have the chenille tongue patch. This is a staple of the 8. It’s that fuzzy, carpet-like logo. On this pair, it’s blacked out, which makes the different textures of the fabric stand out even more against the smooth leather of the straps.
The Love-Hate Relationship with the Cross-Straps
You either love the straps or you think they’re the most annoying thing ever invented. There is no middle ground.
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Originally, these were designed to provide maximum lockdown. In 1993, MJ was coming off a back-to-back-to-back championship run, and his feet were taking a beating. He needed support. The straps pull the foot down into the footbed, making the Jordan 8 Black Cat one of the most stable shoes in the entire retro lineup.
But there’s a catch.
They are a pain to put on. If you’re the kind of person who likes to slip your shoes on and walk out the door in three seconds, the Jordan 8 will test your patience. You have to undo the Velcro, loosen the laces, slide your foot in, tighten the laces, and then precision-align the straps. It’s a whole ritual.
Some collectors leave the straps unfastened for a "lifestyle" look, but on the Black Cat, that looks a bit sloppy because of the all-black colorway. It looks best when everything is locked down and tight. It gives the shoe a streamlined silhouette that helps hide some of its inherent "dad shoe" bulk.
What People Get Wrong About the 2017 Release
A lot of "sneakerheads" dismissed this pair when it first hit shelves. They called it "bricks." In the resale world, a brick is a shoe that doesn't sell for a profit immediately. Back in 2017, you could find these sitting on shelves at Foot Locker for weeks.
People were distracted. They wanted the flashy stuff—the collaborations, the bright reds, the "Off-White" vibes that were starting to take over the culture.
But check the market now.
Value has slowly crept up. Why? Because people realized that the Jordan 8 Black Cat is one of the most wearable Jordans ever made. You can wear them with jeans. You can wear them with joggers. You can probably wear them with a suit if you’re bold enough (though maybe don’t do that at a wedding). They don’t scream for attention. They just look solid.
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There's also the "durability" factor. Unlike white Jordans that look trashed after one rainy day or a spilled drink, these things are invincible. The nubuck is tough. The black midsole doesn't show scuffs. If you’re looking for a daily driver that will last you five years of heavy wear, this is the one.
Comparing the Black Cat to the Chrome 8s
Usually, when someone says they want a black Jordan 8, they’re thinking of the "Chromes." Those dropped originally in 2003 and then again in 2015. They have silver accents on the straps and a slightly different vibe.
The Jordan 8 Black Cat is stealthier.
The Chromes have that metallic pop which makes them feel more like a "special occasion" shoe. The Black Cat feels more like a uniform. It’s more industrial. Also, the Black Cat version usually features the circular "23" branding on the straps in a way that feels more integrated into the design rather than standing out as a focal point.
Another huge difference? The outsole.
The Black Cat features a mostly solid black outsole with just a hint of white and grey on the circular traction pods. It’s a very "night ops" aesthetic. The Chromes have more contrast. Honestly, if you want something that looks aggressive, the Black Cat wins every single time.
How to Actually Style These Without Looking Like a Security Guard
This is the biggest risk. Wear too much baggy black clothing with the Jordan 8 Black Cat, and people are going to ask you to check their IDs at the door.
The key is contrast.
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- Denim is your friend. A pair of slim-fit (not skinny) light wash or medium wash denim breaks up the darkness of the shoe. It lets the texture of the nubuck stand out.
- Avoid the "Suit" look. If you wear these with black slacks and a black polo, you’ve gone too far.
- Flannels and Hoodies. This is a fall/winter shoe. Lean into that. An oversized flannel with some earth tones (olive, burgundy, tan) complements the black perfectly.
- Socks matter. Since the shoe is so high-cut, you won't see much of the sock, but if you're wearing cropped pants, go with a grey or patterned sock to provide a "break" between the pant leg and the shoe.
Maintenance and the "Nubuck Curse"
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: nubuck.
The Jordan 8 Black Cat uses a lot of it. Nubuck is basically the high-maintenance cousin of suede. It’s beautiful, but it hates water. If you get these soaked and don't dry them properly, the material can get "stiff" or lose its rich black color, turning a weird ashy grey.
Invest in a brass brush.
Seriously. Every few wears, give them a quick dry brush to keep the nap of the material looking fresh. If they start looking "ashy," you can use a bit of mink oil or a dedicated nubuck restorer, but go easy. You don't want to over-saturate them and turn them into shiny leather.
Also, watch out for the midsole paint. Jordan 8s are notorious for paint cracking after a few years because the foam is relatively soft. The Black Cat fares better than most because the paint is—you guessed it—black. Even if it cracks, it’s almost impossible to see unless you’re holding them up to your face.
Final Verdict: Is it a Must-Have?
Look, the Jordan 8 isn't for everyone. It's heavy. It’s hot. It’s a lot of shoe.
But if you appreciate the history of the 1993 season—the year MJ completed the first three-peat before his first retirement—then the 8 is a mandatory piece of the puzzle. The Jordan 8 Black Cat takes that historical significance and wraps it in a package that actually works in the real world.
It’s not a trophy shoe for a glass box. It’s a shoe for walking, for the street, and for people who don't feel the need to have a giant neon sign on their feet. It’s the "if you know, you know" sneaker.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Buyers
If you’re convinced you need a pair of these in your rotation, don't just rush onto an auction site and overpay.
- Check the "Ashiness": When looking at used pairs on sites like GOAT or eBay, look at the photos of the toe box. If the black looks faded or grey, the previous owner didn't use a protector spray. You can fix it, but you should pay less for it.
- Go Half a Size Up: Most people find the Jordan 8 to be a bit narrow because of the internal sleeve and the straps. If you have wide feet, definitely go up half a size.
- Verify the Straps: Make sure the Velcro on the straps is still "sticky." On older used pairs, the Velcro can get clogged with lint or hair, making the straps flop around while you walk. It’s a nightmare to fix.
- Inspect the "23" Branding: On the Jordan 8 Black Cat, the 23 on the straps should be crisp. If it looks blurry or the edges are bleeding, it might be a low-quality replica.
- The Box Check: The 2017 release came in the standard black and gold Jordan box. If someone is trying to sell you these in a "retro" 90s box, something is wrong.
Ultimately, this shoe is a sleeper hit. It’s rugged, it’s historical, and it’s one of the few Jordans that actually looks better with a little bit of wear and tear. Grab a brush, find a clean pair, and don't worry about the hype—these are classics in their own right.