Andrew Rizzo A low-top take on a controversial 2011 release, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Banned” drops May 2nd via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Full family sizing will be available, priced at $145 for adults. See our Where to Buy section just ahead for purchase links, followed by detailed images and a deeper backstory behind the pair.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Banned"
US 05/02/2026 Saturday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nike SNKRS | Standard | Check Site |
| Foot Locker | Standard | Check Site |
| Champs | Standard | Check Site |
| SNIPES US | Standard | Check Site |
| Sneaker Politics | Standard | Check Site |
| JD Sports US | Standard | Check Site |
| Finish Line | Standard | Check Site |
| Nikestore | Standard | Check Site |
| Nordstrom | Standard | Check Site |
| TAKOUT NY | Standard | Check Site |
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Like many Jordans, the story here traces back to the mid-‘80s. On October 18th, 1984, Michael Jordan wore black and red Nike sneakers during an NBA game, a violation of the league’s dress code punishable by a $5,000 fine per occurrence. The sneaker in question? The Nike Air Ship. But with the soon-to-be revolutionary Air Jordan 1 waiting in the wings, Nike saw an opportunity to lean into the rule-breaking. While the Air Ship was the actual offender, the Air Jordan 1 went on to hijack the narrative, marketed as the shoe so dope it was “banned” from the game. The stunt is believed to have cost Nike a total of $100,000, a small price to pay considering the Jordan 1 generated $126 million in 1985 alone.
In 2011, that foundational piece of Jordan Brand history served as inspiration for a black and red (“Bred”) Air Jordan 1 High release, complete with X’s on the heel, special packaging, and unique markings on the insoles and collar lining. One misstep, though: the collar listed October 1985 instead of 1984, when the “banned” story actually began. As a result, the sneaker never saw a traditional flagship store release, instead quietly landing at outlets without advance notice. That unforced error became part of its lore, capturing a pre-SNKRS era of unpredictable drops and true hunt energy that many argue is missing today.
The Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Banned” carries over the same design hallmarks, only this time with the correct date in place. Full family sizing releases May 2nd, 2026 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, priced at $145 for adults. Scroll back up to our Where to Buy section for purchase links and hit our Jordan releases page for more.
