Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Banned' 2011 | Size 10.5

In 2011, Nike released the Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Banned’ in commemoration of the color scheme that the NBA ‘threw out of the game’. Dressed in the iconic black and red colorway of the original Banned Nike Air Ships, the pair was completed with details that commemorated the colorway’s storied history.

Featuring X’s on the heels and interior lining, ‘Imagine if…?’ motifs on the box and interior tongue, and the re-introduction of the Nike Air on the exterior tongue tag, the pair also includes commemorative insoles and the date of the ban stamped on the interior lining. Released at Nike Factory stores, all 2011 Banned Jordan 1’s are B-Grade stamped. 

The Nike Air Jordan 1 is one of the most iconic designs in the history of both streetwear and basketball and is a key part of the origin of the Air Jordan brand for Nike. Designed by Peter Moore, the Air Jordan 1s were worn by Michael Jordan in 1984 and 1985, as well as modified versions in 1986 (after a broken foot Michael endured). 

In 1984, Nike gave Michael Jordan his own signature line of shoes and clothes, which was pivotal in Michael agreeing to sign with Nike. It was the first time the brand did anything like this, and it paved the way for many of the player collaborations we now see. The term “Air Jordan” was coined by Michael Jordan’s agent David Falk. David apparently came up with the name because Nike shoes had air in the soles and because, of course, Michael Jordan played basketball in the air.

In terms of the shoe itself, the original Air Jordan 1s were so popular and successful that Nike continued to make new signature Air Jordans each season. This tradition continued beyond Michael’s retirement, and Nike is currently on the Air Jordan 37. From the day it launched, Air Jordans have always represented the pinnacle of sneaker design. The shoes are unmatched when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, materials, innovation, performance and of course style.