The black-and-red kicks that carried Michael Jordan through "The Shot" back in 1989 are lining up for another comeback next year, right after Thanksgiving. Jordan Brand has confirmed that the Air Jordan 4 "Bred" will release on November 27, 2026 — Black Friday — under style code IX8180-001.
The retro history of this colorway is arguably the cleanest storyline in the entire Jumpman lineup. Its first retro in 1999 faithfully restored the original "Black/Cement/Fire Red" formula, with "Nike Air" stitched on the heel — a version many sneakerheads still consider Jordan Brand's best-ever retro. It came back in 2008 through the Countdown Pack, paired with the Air Jordan 19, this time with a Jumpman heel logo and a chunkier build. The 2012 release kept the Jumpman heel branding, introducing the shoe to a new generation of collectors.
Nike Air Returned in 2019, Switched to Waxy Leather Last Year
The 2019 retro was the one that really sparked a frenzy — "Nike Air" made its way back onto the heel, and OG loyalists, new-gen fans, and resellers all crashed the same checkout page at once. The shoe sold out instantly, and resale prices have stayed high ever since. Around Valentine's Day last year, Jordan Brand dropped the "Reimagined" version, swapping the full suede upper for waxy leather in a structural update.
2026 Version Reportedly Bringing Back Black Suede
According to information currently circulating, the 2026 "Bred" is heading back to its roots: black suede upper, "Cement Grey" outsole, "Fire Red" accents, and "Nike Air" stitched back onto the heel. In other words, after last year's switch to waxy leather, it's returning to the original classic formula.
Official pricing and full retail details haven't been announced yet — stay tuned for further updates from Jordan Brand.
