You know that feeling when you see a pair of sneakers and instantly smell the popcorn in a 1990s NBA arena? That’s the jordan 13 black red black. It’s not just leather and foam. It’s a literal piece of history that Michael Jordan wore during his "Last Dance" season in 1998. Specifically, people usually call these the "Breds," and if you’ve been around the sneaker game for more than five minutes, you know that black and red is the holy grail of colorways.
It’s aggressive.
The design was inspired by a black panther. Tinker Hatfield, the legendary designer who basically built the Jordan brand’s visual identity, noticed that MJ moved like a predatory cat on the court. He’d stalk his prey, wait for a lapse in concentration, and then strike with terrifying speed. When Tinker told Michael about the panther inspiration, Michael was actually shocked because his secret nickname among close friends was "Black Cat."
That feline energy is baked into the DNA of the jordan 13 black red black. Look at the outsole. It looks like a massive paw. Then there’s that green hologram on the heel—the "cat eye"—that glows and shifts as you move. It’s weirdly beautiful and intimidating at the same time.
The Tech That Actually Matters
A lot of modern sneakers feel like walking on marshmallows, but the 13 is different. It’s got "snap." Under the hood, you’re looking at heel and forefoot Zoom Air units. These aren't the bulky Air Max bubbles you see on lifestyle shoes; they’re low-profile and incredibly responsive. Basically, the harder you push, the more they push back.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
The upper is a mix of materials that really shouldn't work together but somehow do perfectly. You have the quilted side panels—often featuring reflective 3M mesh on the OG-style black and red colorways—paired with premium suede and leather. When the light hits that 3M mesh in a dark room or under camera flashes, the whole shoe "pops." It’s a subtle flex.
Why the Phylon Midsole is a Love-Hate Relationship
Most people don't realize that the midsole is wrapped in suede. It looks incredible, but man, it's a nightmare to clean if you actually wear them in the rain. Because the jordan 13 black red black uses a Phylon carrier for the Zoom units, it provides a very stable base. Unlike the Jordan 11, which can feel a bit "sloshy" to some players, the 13 feels locked in. It’s a "big man’s" shoe that plays like a guard’s shoe.
Carbon fiber plates are standard now, but back in '98, the shank plate in the 13 was cutting-edge stuff. It prevents the shoe from twisting mid-stride. If you have flat feet, you might find the arch a bit aggressive, but for everyone else, it’s one of the most comfortable Jordans ever made. Honestly, it might be the most comfortable of the original 14.
Jordan 13 Black Red Black: The 1998 Playoffs Legacy
We have to talk about the 1998 playoffs. That season was a grind. The Bulls were tired, the front office was crumbling, and every away game felt like a war. MJ wore the jordan 13 black red black (the Breds) specifically for road games. There’s something poetic about a "Black Cat" entering an opponent's arena in all-black gear.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
The most famous moment? Probably the 1998 NBA Finals. While MJ eventually switched to the Jordan 14 (the "Last Shot") for the very end of the series, the 13 did the heavy lifting. In 2023, a pair of game-worn Jordan 13s from Game 2 of the 1998 Finals sold at Sotheby’s for a staggering $2.2 million. That set a record for the most expensive sneakers ever auctioned.
Think about that.
Two million dollars for some leather and rubber. It shows that the "Bred" 13 isn't just a shoe; it’s an artifact. It represents the peak of an era before the NBA became the high-scoring, three-point-heavy league it is today. Back then, it was about mid-range mastery and defensive grit. The 13 was the armor for that style of play.
Common Misconceptions and Resale Realities
People get confused about the "Dirty Bred" vs. the "Bred." Let’s clear that up. The traditional jordan 13 black red black has a red midsole and a black upper. The "Dirty Bred" flip-flops that, featuring a black midsole with red accents. They look similar from a distance, but to a collector, they’re worlds apart.
💡 You might also like: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
Another thing: the 3M mesh. Not every retro release of the black and red 13 has included the reflective material. The 2017 version brought it back, much to the relief of purists. If you’re hunting for a pair on eBay or GOAT, always check the flash photos. If the sides don't glow, you're looking at a different version or a very specific retro year that skipped the 3M.
What about the "Playoff" 13s?
Often, people search for the jordan 13 black red black and actually want the "Playoffs." Those are mostly black with white pods on the midsole and a yellow circle around the tongue logo. While they are also "black and red" technically, the true "Bred" is the one with the heavy red suede hits.
It’s also worth noting that the 13 runs pretty true to size (TTS). Some people with wide feet prefer going up half a size because the "paw" shape of the outsole narrows slightly at the toes. But generally, if you wear a 10 in a Jordan 1, you’re a 10 in a 13.
How to Spot a High-Quality Pair
If you’re buying in 2026, you’re likely looking at a retro release or a well-preserved deadstock pair. Here’s what you need to check:
- The Hologram: It should be clear, not foggy. You should see MJ and the number 23 distinctly as you tilt the shoe. Fake pairs usually have a dull, static-looking image.
- The Suede Texture: The red suede on the midsole and heel should be "shaggy" or have some movement when you rub your finger across it. If it feels like cheap felt or cardboard, walk away.
- The Stitching: The quilted side panels should have deep, consistent dimples.
- The Weight: These aren't light shoes. They have a certain heft because of the carbon fiber and dual Zoom units.
The jordan 13 black red black is a masterpiece of storytelling. It captures a specific moment in time—the end of a dynasty. Whether you're wearing them to the gym or just rocking them with jeans, they carry a weight of history that few other sneakers can match. They aren't just "retros." They’re a reminder of what it looks like to be at the top of your game while the world waits for you to fail.
To keep your pair in top shape, stop using generic wet wipes on the red suede. Use a dedicated suede brush and a dry eraser for the midsole. If you get the suede wet, it will bleed onto the white pods of the outsole, and that's a stain that almost never comes out. Keep them dry, keep them clean, and let the 3M do the talking when the sun goes down.
Actionable Maintenance and Buying Steps
- Check the Production Date: Look at the size tag inside the shoe. If the shoe is more than 10 years old, the glue might be dry. Be careful about wearing "deadstock" pairs from 2004 or 2011 without checking for sole separation first.
- Invest in a Suede Kit: Since the jordan 13 black red black relies heavily on that red suede, a $10 brush and eraser kit will save you hundreds in resale value.
- Storage Matters: Don't leave these in a hot garage. The heat destroys the bond between the suede-wrapped midsole and the rubber outsole. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Verify the 3M: Before buying from a secondary market, ask for a photo taken with a camera flash. The reflective mesh is the signature detail of the "Bred" 13, and you don't want to realize it's missing after you've paid.