The ever-growing demand of Black Cat Jordans will come to a head later this year as Jordan Brand has a series of footwear releases inspired by Michael Jordan’s prowling alter ego. The Air Jordan 5 “Black Cat” will be arriving before 2024’s end, as will the Halloween-themed Air Jordan 1 Low with glow-in-the-dark eyes (the latter causing quite a stir in the sneaker-verse).

Despite how popular the look is, the history of all-black Air Jordans is rather short. The first ever “Black Cat” Air Jordan shoe didn’t release until 2006, and they’ve been few and far in-between. That’s not to say that Jordan Brand hasn’t done more all-black shoes — they just don’t exactly fall under that animalistic category. But seeing how the public receives them, it’s about time the Jumpman loosens the belt strings a bit and lets it all out (you’ll see some in our Jordan Release Dates page).

Without further ado, we present a look back at the “Black Cat” Air Jordans of past, present, and near future.

Present Day Releases

1. Air Jordan 1 Low “Halloween” (2024) – Expected to arrive later this year during the Halloween season, this Air Jordan 1 Low features approaches the moniker literally with a hairy exterior, fangs, and glow-in-the-dark eyes.

2. Jordan Spiz’ike Low “Black Cat” (2024) – Officially releasing on Nike.com earlier this Summer, the Jordan Spiz’ike Low experienced its biggest hit to date thanks to this all-black take on the legendary director’s low-top model. Pairs have completely sold out as of now.

3. Air Jordan 4 RM (2024) – Falling in line with the Spiz’ike Low is the Air Jordan 4 RM, a popular model that isn’t officially part of the Air Jordan legacy. Still, the monochromatic black with the touch of white on the Nike Air branding on the heel have rendered these one of the more anticipated colorways of the off-shoot model.

4. Air Jordan 5 “Black Cat” (2024) – Undeniably one of Holiday 2024’s Air Jordan releases is the Air Jordan 5 “Black Cat”, which is currently expected to launch on December 7th, 2024. A first look has yet to be revealed, but on paper, this release carries on the “Black Cat” saga with pride. Mock-up pictured.

The Originators

5. Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” (2006, 2020) – The first-ever “Black Cat” colorway of an Air Jordan came long after Michael Jordan’s retirement, In 2006, the Air Jordan 4 came back in full swing in several original and Retro colorways; the all-black version became one of the most sought-after Air Jordans in the secondary market, commanding above $1,000.

In 2020, Jordan Brand brought the Black Cat Jordans 4s back to stores. They sold out immediately, and pairs once again demand well above the MSRP. If Nike, Inc. has plans to deflate the resale market, bringing back the Black Cat 4s would be a highly popular move.

6. Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” (2007) – A year later, Jordan Brand brought the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” to life. Dropping alongside an all-white “Pure Money” colorway, this Air Jordan 3 has built its own considerable legend. The good news? They’re coming back in 2025.

6. Air Jordan 6 “Black Cat” (2016) – To close out 2016, Jordan Brand released an Air Jordan 6 officially dubbed the “Black Cat”. However, these didn’t strike the right notes due to the all-leather, perfortaed upper and the white accents on the midsole.

7. Air Jordan 13 “Black Cat” (2018) – The only other sneaker on this list worthy of the “Black Cat” is this 2018 release of the Air Jordan 13. When concepting the Air Jordan 13 Tinker Hatfield likened Michael Jordan to the prowling feline; little did he know that “Black Cat” had been a nickname for MJ before his college days.

The sole of the Air Jordan 13 is directly inspired by the paws of a black panther cat, while the round jewel at the heel represents the eye.

Other All-Black Variations

8. Olivia Kim x Air Jordan 4 “No Cover” (2019) – Nike, Inc. collaborated with Olivia Kim of Nordstrom fame on a capsule of footwear. She selected the Air Jordan 4 and infused a theme of NYC nightlife. The black pony hair represented exotic materials seen in clubs, but it turned out to be the perfect yet unintentional homage to the original Black Cat 4s.

9. Air Jordan 11 “Cap & Gown” (2018) – Air Jordan 11s were becoming more frequent in formal settings such as school proms and even graduations. Jordan Brand looked to reward the academic achievers with a special release inspired by caps and gown worn on the final ceremony of school. It also satiated the appetites of Jordan fanatics waiting for all-black AJ11s.

10. Air Jordan 12 “The Master” (2016) – Never full appearing in an all-black colorway, the Air Jordan 12 came awfully close in 2016 with “The Master”, a colorway that referenced an Air Jordan ad campaign from 1997. It featured metallic gold eyelets and white accents on the mid-foot piece as well as the outsole traction. Jordan fans would have to wait another day for a true “Black Cat” style Air Jordan 12.

11. Air Jordan 12 “Winter” (2018) – We’ve all relied on beat Air Jordan 12s to trudge through snow. Jordan Brand cashed in on this demographic of Jordan fanatics inhabiting colder climate cities, delivering an all-black Air Jordan 12 with winter-ready upgrades.

12. Air Jordan 1 High CO.JP (2001) – Perhaps the earliest all-black Air Jordan release ever, this Japan-exclusive featured the 1985 silhouette dressed in a full black leather upper with metallic silver Wings on the collar.

13. Air Jordan 10 “Stealth” (2005) – As part of Jordan Brand’s 10th Anniversary celebration of the Air Jordan 10 in 2005, an all-black colorway in leather and suede was unleashed with the only contrast arriving in the checkerboard pattern on the interior lining.