Sneaker culture has a short memory. People chase the "next big thing" every Saturday morning, but some pairs just refuse to fade into the background. The Jordan 14 Black Ferrari is one of those rare shoes. It didn’t just drop; it sort of redefined what a "lifestyle" Jordan could actually be. Released back in 2014, specifically on December 4th, it arrived at a time when Jordan Brand was experimenting heavily with premium materials. They weren't just making basketball shoes anymore. They were making luxury statements.
If you look at the lines of the 14, you see the car. It’s not subtle. Tinker Hatfield famously pulled inspiration from Michael Jordan's love for the Ferrari 550 Maranello. But while most colorways lean into the sporty side of that inspiration, the Black Ferrari version went full "black-tie event." It swapped out the traditional leather or durabuck for a one-piece quilted suede upper on the lateral side. Honestly, it feels more like a high-end Italian loafer than something you'd wear to catch a run at the local park.
The Design Shift That Confused (and Captivated) Collectors
Most Jordan 14s have those distinct "teeth" on the midsole. You know the ones—they usually contrast with the rest of the shoe. On the Jordan 14 Black Ferrari, everything is murdered out. Black on black on black. But then you hit the details. The shank plate isn't just plastic; it's a legitimate carbon fiber finish. It catches the light in a way that makes the shoe look expensive. Because it was. At a retail price of $200 back in 2014, it was sitting at the top of the price bracket for retros.
What really makes this pair stand out is the asymmetry. The lateral side (the outside) features that beautiful quilted suede, reminiscent of the interior upholstery of a luxury supercar. Then you flip it over to the medial side (the inside), and it’s smooth suede. It’s a weird choice. It shouldn't work. Yet, somehow, it creates this depth that standard leather just can't touch.
Carbon Fiber and Chrome Details
Let’s talk about the "Chrome" hits. The midfoot shank and the bumper on the heel provide the only real break from the darkness. It’s a very specific type of matte finish. Some people hated it when the first leaked images surfaced on forums like NikeTalk. They thought it looked "too busy" or "too far from the OG." But once people got them in hand? The sentiment shifted fast. The weight of the shoe felt substantial. It didn't feel like a hollowed-out retro.
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The shield logo on the ankle is another nod to the Ferrari prancing horse. In this specific colorway, the yellow in the shield pops like a neon sign against a midnight sky. It’s the only hit of vibrant color on the entire silhouette, save for the tiny red accents on the heel and tongue. It’s calculated.
Why the Jordan 14 Black Ferrari Matters for Resale and History
If you're looking for a pair today, you’re going to be looking at the secondary market. StockX, GOAT, eBay—the usual suspects. Prices fluctuate, but they’ve stayed remarkably steady for a non-OG colorway. Why? Because Jordan Brand hasn't really revisited this specific "One-Piece" construction very often. It's a technical nightmare to manufacture compared to standard paneled uppers.
The Jordan 14 Black Ferrari also occupies a weird spot in the timeline. It dropped right before the massive "Remastered" campaign of 2015. Usually, shoes from 2013 and 2014 get a bad rap for quality control issues. But the Black Ferrari was an exception. It was treated like a "Lab" series release even though it wasn't officially part of that collection.
- The Suede Issue: If you own these, you know the struggle. This isn't the type of suede you can wear in the rain. One drop of water and that quilted texture is basically ruined.
- The Fit: They run narrow. The one-piece upper doesn't have much give. If you have wide feet, you’re basically forced to go up half a size, or prepare for some serious pinching around the pinky toe.
- The Sole: It’s a Ferrari-inspired tread. It grips well, but the rubber compound on this specific release was a bit firmer than the "Indiglo" or "Last Shot" retros.
Comparing the "Black" to the "Red" Ferrari 14s
You can't talk about the black pair without mentioning the red one. The Red Ferrari 14 dropped earlier in 2014 and featured a full red suede upper. It was loud. It was flashy. It was very "Challenge Red." While the red pair gets more attention in "Top 10" lists, the Jordan 14 Black Ferrari is the connoisseur's choice.
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The black version is wearable. You can actually put these on with a pair of tapered denim or even trousers and not look like you're trying too hard to be a hypebeast. It’s a "grown-up" sneaker. The lack of heavy branding helps. Unless you know what a 14 is, you might just think it’s a high-end fashion boot from a distance. That's the magic of it.
Common Misconceptions About This Release
A lot of people think the Black Ferrari was a limited "Tier Zero" release. It wasn't. It was a "General Release," but a "limited" one in the sense that not every Foot Locker in the country got a full size run. It was a "Quickstrike" light. Another common myth is that the midsole is real carbon fiber. It's not. It's a very high-quality TPU with a carbon fiber print, though it's much more convincing than the cheap stickers used on lower-end models.
Then there's the "sewing" debate. I've seen people claim the quilting is just embossed. If you actually look at the stitching under a magnifying glass, you can see the thread. It’s real embroidery. That’s why the price was $200. You were paying for the labor of that quilted side panel.
Caring for Your Pair in 2026
If you’re pulling a pair out of "deadstock" storage now, be careful. The glue on mid-2010s Jordans is starting to reach its mid-life crisis. The Jordan 14 Black Ferrari has a wrap-around midsole that is notorious for "sole separation" if stored in high humidity.
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- Check the Bond: Gently press the edges of the midsole to see if there's any gapping.
- Suede Brush Only: Never use a wet cleaner on the quilted side. Use a brass-bristle brush for the smooth medial side and a soft nylon brush for the quilted lateral side.
- Desiccant Bags: If you're storing them, use silica packets, but don't overdo it. You don't want the leather parts to dry out and crack.
Authenticating a Jordan 14 Black Ferrari
Counterfeits of this shoe exist, though they aren't as common as Fakes for the 1s or 4s. The biggest giveaway is the quilting. On fakes, the diamonds are often irregular sizes or the stitching is messy. On an authentic Jordan 14 Black Ferrari, the lines are incredibly crisp.
The "jumping man" on the toe should be perfectly centered. If it looks like it’s leaning or the embroidery is "fuzzy," walk away. Also, check the carbon fiber print on the shank. Real pairs have a multi-dimensional look to the print. Fakes usually look flat and grey.
What to Do if You Want a Pair Now
Buying a decade-old shoe is a risk, but for the 14, it's usually a safe bet because the foam doesn't crumble like the Air Max or Jordan 3/4/5/6 series. The 14 uses a Phylon midsole that stays structurally sound for a long time.
Start by checking reputable resale platforms but pay close attention to the "Used" section. Sometimes you can find a pair that's been worn once or twice for significantly less than a "New" pair, and because the materials are so durable, they look brand new after a quick brush. Avoid "VNDS" (Very Near Dead Stock) listings that don't show the bottom of the soles; you want to make sure the traction pods aren't starting to yellow or peel.
If you're a serious collector, look for the original box with the "Black/White-Vibrant Yellow-Anthracite" color code. It’s a piece of Jordan Brand history that perfectly captures that brief window where the brand was obsessed with being a "luxury" house. It’s subtle, it’s sleek, and it still looks like it’s going 200 mph while standing still.
To keep your pair in top shape, invest in a dedicated suede protector spray—specifically one that is fluorocarbon-free to avoid staining the deep black pigment. Always store them with cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape of that one-piece upper, as it can sag over time if left unsupported. If you notice any slight lifting of the midsole, a small amount of Barge Infinity Cement can fix it, but if you aren't experienced with sneaker restoration, it's better to take them to a professional.