Sneaker culture is weird. One day everyone is obsessed with a shoe because it’s a "classic" from 1998, and the next, we’re all losing our minds over a colorway that Michael Jordan never even wore on an NBA court. That’s basically the deal with the black and purple air jordan 13. You might know it better as the "Court Purple."
It’s dark. It’s moody. It feels like something a villain would wear in a comic book, which is probably why it has stayed so relevant despite being a relatively "new" addition to the Jordan Brand lineup.
People love the 13s. Tinkered by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the silhouette was inspired by a black panther. You’ve got the holographic eye on the heel, the paw-like pods on the midsole, and that dimpled upper that looks like it belongs in a high-end furniture store. But when you wrap all that tech in black suede and hits of deep purple, something shifts. It stops being a performance basketball shoe and starts being a statement.
The Court Purple 13 Legacy: More Than Just a "Lakers" Colorway
Most people look at a purple Jordan and immediately think of Los Angeles. It makes sense. Magic, Kobe, LeBron—the lineage is there. But the black and purple air jordan 13 actually feels more like a nod to the Mike Bibby era or maybe the classic Kings jerseys of the early 2000s. Honestly? It doesn't even need a team association. It just looks expensive.
When the Court Purple 13 dropped in early 2022, the hype was subtle but heavy. It wasn't the chaotic, line-around-the-block energy of a Travis Scott collab, but it sold out instantly. Why? Because it’s wearable. You can beat these up and they still look decent. Unlike white leather 13s that crease and yellow if you so much as look at them wrong, the black microfiber and suede on this pair are surprisingly resilient.
Let's talk about the materials for a second. Jordan Brand has a history of being hit-or-miss with suede. Sometimes it’s "buttery" (a word sneakerheads use way too much), and sometimes it feels like cardboard. On the black and purple air jordan 13, they actually got it right. The reflective 3M mesh that usually sits on the side panels of the "Bred" or "Flint" 13s was swapped out here for a consistent black finish, allowing the purple suede on the midsole and heel to really pop.
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Why the Holographic Eye Still Matters
If you grew up in the 90s, that green cat-eye jewel was the coolest thing on the planet. It’s still cool. On this specific colorway, the green hologram creates a weirdly satisfying contrast with the purple. It’s like a neon sign in a dark alley.
I’ve seen some "experts" claim the hologram on newer retros isn't as clear as the 1998 originals. They aren't entirely wrong. The depth of the image—which features MJ and the number 23—can vary between batches. However, on the Court Purple release, the quality control was actually some of the best we've seen from the "Move to Zero" era of production.
Is It Actually Comfortable?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: It depends on your foot shape.
The 13 is widely considered one of the most comfortable early Jordans. It has a Zoom Air bag in the heel and another in the forefoot. That’s a double dose of responsiveness. When you step down, you feel it. It’s not "mushy" like Boost foam, but it’s firm and supportive.
If you have wide feet, the 13 is your best friend. The toe box is generous. Unlike the Jordan 4, which feels like a medieval torture device for your pinky toe after four hours, you can actually spend a whole day in the black and purple air jordan 13 without regretting your life choices.
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The carbon fiber shank plate in the middle of the sole is the real MVP, though. It prevents the shoe from twisting. It makes the platform stable. You feel "locked in," which is exactly what MJ needed when he was hitting those fadeaways in his final Chicago season.
Style Tips Most People Miss
People usually pair these with joggers. It’s the safe bet. But if you want to actually look like you know what you’re doing, try a wider-cut trouser that sits right at the top of the tongue. The 13 is a chunky shoe. If your pants are too skinny, you look like you’re wearing clown shoes. Balance the proportions.
- Avoid: All-purple outfits. You aren't Grimace.
- Try: Dark denim or charcoal work pants.
- The "Secret" Move: Swap the black laces for a deep purple set if you want to be loud, but honestly, the stock black laces keep the "stealth" vibe intact.
The Resale Market and Value
Check StockX or GOAT right now. You’ll notice something interesting. The black and purple air jordan 13 didn't skyrocket to $1,000 like some Off-White collab, but it has steadily climbed. It’s a "slow burner."
Usually, colorways that aren't "OG" (original colors worn by Jordan) take a few years to gain respect. Collectors eventually realize they missed out on a clean, versatile pair, and then the price starts ticking up $10 every few months. If you’re looking to buy a pair now, you’re likely paying a premium over the original $190 retail price, but it’s still cheaper than the "Playoff" or "Bred" versions.
There’s a misconception that non-OG colorways are "mids" or "lesser" Jordans. That's elitist nonsense. Some of the best 13s ever made—like the "Altitude" or the "Dirty Bred"—weren't around in '98. The Court Purple belongs in that same conversation. It’s a modern classic that respects the original blueprint.
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Spotting Fakes: Don't Get Scammed
Because this shoe is popular but not "stratospheric," the fake market is flooded with "B-grade" replicas.
First, look at the "dimples" on the side panels. On a real pair of black and purple air jordan 13s, those indentations are deep and consistent. On fakes, they often look shallow or unevenly spaced.
Second, smell them. I’m serious. Real Jordans have a specific, chemically-sweet glue smell. High-end fakes often smell like industrial gasoline or cheap spray paint. It sounds crazy until you’ve smelled enough boxes to know the difference.
Third, check the hologram. It should be crisp. If MJ looks like a blurry blob, or if the "23" doesn't shift clearly when you tilt the shoe, walk away.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a pair, do it right. Don't just buy the first used pair you see on a Facebook marketplace ad.
- Verify the Suede: Ask for a video of the seller running their finger across the purple suede. If the color doesn't "shift" (showing the nap of the material), it’s either a bad fake or the suede is "dead" from water damage.
- Size Down? Maybe: Most people go true-to-size (TTS) in the 13. However, if you like a one-to-one snug fit for basketball, you can go down half a size because the leather/suede stretches over time.
- Storage is Key: Suede is a magnet for dust. If you're going to keep these in your rotation, buy a brass suede brush and a water-repellent spray. Just make sure the spray is safe for dyed suede, or you'll turn your "Court Purple" into a "Sad Lavender."
- Check the Outsole: The "pods" on the bottom are notorious for losing their traction if they've been worn on concrete too much. Look for the "herringbone" pattern. If it’s smooth, those shoes are done for.
The black and purple air jordan 13 is essentially the perfect bridge between old-school performance and modern street style. It’s aggressive but sophisticated. It’s a shoe that says you know your history but you aren't stuck in it. Stick to reputable marketplaces, keep your suede brushed, and don't be afraid to actually wear them. Shoes are meant to hit the pavement, not just sit on a plastic shelf.