Sneaker culture is obsessed with stories. We love the "Bred" because Jordan got fined for wearing it—except he didn't, it was actually the Air Ship—and we love the "Chicago" because it’s the blueprint. But then there’s the black and metallic gold Jordan 1. It’s different. It doesn't have the grit of a 1985 game-worn pair or the playground vibe of a Union LA collaboration. Instead, it feels like luxury. It’s loud. It’s the kind of shoe that makes people stare at your feet in line at a grocery store, which is exactly why it’s stayed relevant through several different iterations over the last two decades.
Honestly, the history here is a bit of a mess if you aren't paying attention. Most people think of the 2020 Patent Leather release when they hear "Black and Gold," but the roots go way deeper than that. We're talking about a lineage that stretches back to 1985 and a set of mythical "Friends and Family" pairs that most of us will never even see in person, let alone own.
The Myth of the 1985 Original
Let's get the facts straight. Back in '85, Nike produced the Air Jordan 1 in a dizzying array of colors. Most were the team-based palettes we know and love: red, white, black, blue. But rumors have persisted for years about a black and gold version produced in incredibly small quantities, possibly specifically for the Italian market or as a gift for Nike executives.
Whether those 1985 pairs are a true retail "original" or just a legendary sample, they set the stage. They proved that the Jordan 1 didn't just have to be a basketball shoe. It could be a piece of high fashion.
Fast forward to 2003. This was the year Nike decided to bring the concept to the masses, sort of. They released a mid-top version in patent leather. It was polarizing. At the time, sneakerheads were purists. They wanted high-tops. They wanted "OG" color blocking. But that 2003 release, with its jeweled "Wings" logo and glossy finish, became a cult classic. It paved the way for the 2013 high-top, which featured a slightly more subtle gold leather. That pair is now a grail for many, often fetching four figures on secondary markets like StockX or GOAT.
The 2020 Patent Leather Era: Love it or Hate it?
If you see someone wearing a black and metallic gold Jordan 1 today, it’s almost certainly the 2020 release. This was a bold move by Jordan Brand. They went full patent leather. Everything shines. It’s basically a tuxedo for your feet.
Some people hate patent leather on a Jordan 1. They say it creases too easily. They say it looks "cheap" or "plastic-y."
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I disagree.
The 2020 version is a masterclass in visual balance. Because the entire shoe is black and gold, the shine of the patent leather acts as the "third color." It catches the light and creates shadows that give the shoe depth. If this were matte leather, it might look a bit flat. The gold stitching—an underrated detail—adds a layer of craftsmanship that you don't always see on standard GR (General Release) pairs.
Why this colorway works where others fail
- The Contrast: Gold on black is the ultimate "expensive" look. It’s the Rolex of sneaker colorways.
- Versatility: You can't wear a "Shattered Backboard" to a wedding. Well, you can, but you shouldn't. You could pull off the black and gold patent 1s with a suit.
- Legacy: It feels connected to the "Top 3" and "Gold Top 3" pairs from Union and ComplexCon, which are some of the most sought-after shoes in existence.
The Practical Reality of Owning Metallic Gold Jordans
Let’s talk about the actual experience of owning these. It isn't all hype and compliments. There are trade-offs.
Patent leather is notorious for "clicking." You know that sound? When you walk and the material flexes, it sometimes makes a faint popping or clicking noise. It goes away as you break them in, but for the first five wears, you might feel like a walking metronome.
Then there’s the cleaning.
Standard leather absorbs some dirt and hides scuffs. Patent leather shows everything. One smudge and the whole "luxury" vibe is ruined. However, the upside is that you can basically clean them with a damp cloth and some Windex. No, seriously. Most sneaker restorers, including the pros at Reshoevn8r, suggest a gentle touch because you aren't scrubbing dirt out of pores; you’re just wiping it off a non-porous surface.
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Styling: How Not to Look Like a New Year's Eve Party
The biggest mistake people make with the black and metallic gold Jordan 1 is trying to match it too much. If you wear a black and gold hoodie, black and gold joggers, and these shoes, you look like a character from a mid-2000s music video. Not in a good way.
The shoes are the statement. Let them do the work.
I’ve seen these look incredible with a very simple outfit: dark indigo selvedge denim and a high-quality grey or black heavy-weight tee. The muted colors of the clothes allow the metallic gold to pop without feeling like you're trying too hard. If you're going for a "street" look, try them with cargo pants in an earthy tone like olive or charcoal. The industrial vibe of the cargos balances out the flashy nature of the gold.
Real Talk on Resale and Investment
Is this shoe an investment? In the current market, it's complicated.
Between 2019 and 2021, every Jordan 1 was a gold mine. Prices would double overnight. Today, things have cooled off. The 2020 Black and Gold pair is currently hovering around a very reasonable price point. For a collector, this is great news. It means you can actually buy a pair to wear without feeling like you're burning money.
But if you're looking for a "flip," this might not be it. The market has moved toward more "wearable" neutrals—think the "Mocha" or the "Neutral Grey." The gold 1s are for the bold. They are for the person who wants to be noticed. Because of that, the demand is steady but not frenetic.
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Actionable Tips for New Buyers
If you’re hunting for a pair of black and metallic gold Jordan 1s, here is exactly how you should approach it to ensure you don’t get burned.
First, check the wings logo. On the patent leather 2020 version, the wings logo is embossed deeply. If it looks shallow or blurry, stay away. The "gold" on fakes is often too "yellow" or "orange." Real metallic gold has a cooler, more brassy tone under certain lights.
Second, consider the "Mid" alternative. If the high-tops are out of your price range, or if you just don't like the "shiny" look, Nike frequently drops mid-top versions that use matte gold synthetic leather. They are much more affordable and, honestly, more comfortable for daily wear because the materials are softer.
Third, buy your true size. Patent leather does not stretch. At all. With a standard leather Jordan 1, you can sometimes squeeze into a half-size down and wait for the leather to break in. If you do that with these, you will be in pain. The plastic-like coating on the leather provides zero give.
Finally, embrace the creases. You cannot prevent creases on patent leather. They will happen. Instead of buying those plastic "crease protectors" that make the shoe feel like a torture device, just wear them. The creases actually help dull the "new shoe" shine just enough to make them look like they belong on a human being rather than a trophy shelf.
The black and metallic gold Jordan 1 is a polarizing masterpiece. It represents a specific era of Jordan Brand's willingness to experiment with materials that traditionally didn't belong on the court. Whether you're chasing the legendary 1985 ghosts or just want a pair of kicks that look good with a leather jacket, this colorway remains a foundational piece of sneaker history. Get a pair, keep a microfiber cloth in your pocket, and don't be afraid to let them shine.