Initial Impressions, Nike / Jordan, Sneakers

Jordan 1 Black Toe: Substance Over Hype

February 23, 2025February 22, 2025 by 100wears

Price: $180 [Below Retail on eBay]

Why Buy?

The Jordan 1 Black Toe Reimagined offers a classic colorway, and it’s easy to find most sizes well under retail.

Why Avoid?

The Jordan 1 Black Toe’s Reimagined changes make it less ideal if you’re looking to display them.

Specs

Model	Jordan 1 High
Height	High
Material	Leather / Rubber / EVA
Size	13
Weight	594 g / 1 lb 4.9 oz
Construction	Sewn Cup Sole
Country of Origin	China

History

When it comes to Jordan 1s, everyone loves the Chicago colorway. I mean, why wouldn’t you? However, the first colorway that was introduced to the world wasn’t that. Or the bred/banned colorway. It was the black toe.

Well, mostly.

While Nike promised Jordan his own line of sneakers, it wasn’t actually finished being designed when Jordan went on court. Famously, the banned sneaker wasn’t a Jordan 1 – it was an Air Ship in a Jordan-specific black and red colorway.

Of course, Nike and Jordan couldn’t let the truth get in the way of a good advertisement. They started getting Jordan out there with prototype models, including this famous photoshoot. At the time, the famous Jordan Wings logo wasn’t actually finished. Instead, they just plastered the text “AIR JORDAN” right on the side.

That brings us to the sneaker we’re looking at today. The Jordan 1 Black Toe “reimagined.” This time, the “reimagining” of the sneaker is to go back to that Air Jordan text on the side. A decision that appears to be controversial with a lot of folks out there.

So, is it true that there is something wrong with these sneakers? Or is it just that Jordan 1 hype has died and most people are not longer interested in them no matter what?

Let’s dive in and find out.

Looks

Box

Before we get into the sneaker itself, let’s start off with the box for the Jordan 1 Black Toe. Unlike most Jordan 1s, these come in a unique box. Just in case you were not aware of that original photo shoot mentioned above, Nike put the picture right on the top of the box.

Funnily enough, the box features two different wings logos. One on Jordan’s shirt in the picture and one under the lid. The special paper these come wrapped in also has the wings logo all over it.

I’m not sure if Jordan brand didn’t know what they were doing or were actively trying to troll the people complaining about the lack of logo. In any case, you can’t miss it.

Upper

The upper of the Jordan 1 Black Toe is classic 1980’s style. At a surface level, this colorway and color blocking has been with us for more than 40 years.

That means black leather on the toe guard, eyelets, and swoosh. Red leather on the heel cap and ankle panel, and white leather on the toe box and midfoot panel. You’ll also get black pleather along your ankle and either red or black laces. Nothing new there.

However, this version does make some changes.

First, there is the one everyone is talking about – the removal of the wings logo and the addition of the “AIR JORDAN” text. If I’m being subjective, this does look kind of silly. Like a high school project you realized wasn’t done as you were about to turn it in and you threw down a BS answer on the last question. That being said, unless you’re really into the slim joggers with high top look from 2013, your pants will probably cover this up.

Next there is an addition on the interior of the sneaker, opposite the AIR JORDAN text. Visible by black light, the sneaker reads “My Very Best – Micheal Jordan.” This is a reference to when Jordan signed a pair of black toes and gave him to a friend.

If you want your own real signature, you can buy this 5,200 dollar Wheaties box.

The other, and maybe most significant difference for collectors, is the tongue. Every other release of the Black Toe came with a white tongue. However, this pair features a black tongue – the color Jordan actually played in.

Mid and Outsole

The last change on this pair of Jordan 1 Black Toe reimagined is the color of the cup sole. The typically white section is a slightly cream color, designed to look aged. However, that is the only change. You’ll still find the textured side and even laces. You’ll also find the glue stains that are unfortunately all too common on Jordan 1s.

This color change isn’t my favorite. However, there is something to be said about not having a stark white midsole. Every bright white Jordan midsole I own shows every single spec of dirt. This will at least give you a bit of grace.

On the bottom, you have that classic Jordan 1 outsole pattern. Circular traction up front, square panels in the back. We all know it, we all love it. As with the originals, this comes in a bright red.

Summary

I can’t agree with the hate that the Jordan 1 Black Toe is getting online. Do the “reimagined” changes make it better?

No.

But none of these changes deserve to get attacked as hard as they have been. If you’re wearing these with pants, nobody will even be able to tell the difference.

As for how wearable they are, like most OG colorway Jordans that’s a bit of a mixed bag. Let’s be honest – a black and red shoe is not an easy thing to style. Bright red doesn’t go with any other color expect bright red, and dressing in a matchy-matchy outfit certainly isn’t my style.

I think most people will be wearing these for this history, not for the looks.

Fit & Comfort

Fit

The Jordan 1 Black Toe, like every standard OG high, fits narrow, but what most people would consider true to size. Indeed, for most sneakerheads, the standard fit is the Jordan 1, not the Brannock device stores use to measure your shoe size.

If you have never tried a Jordan 1 on before – first, just try one on in store before buying. They are easy to find these days at every Foot Locker of Champs. If you can’t do that, just know that they are not the most forgiving shoe if you mis-size.

The lack of padding means if you go too big your foot will slide around. And the high sidewalls mean if you go too small your dogs will be barking at the end of the day.

Still, the sausage-shaped last means that almost everyone will have a size that fits.

Comfort

The Jordan 1 turns 40 this year, and feels every bit of it.

Technically there is an air bubble in there, but if Jordan brand stopped putting it in there a decade ago I’m not sure anyone would notice. It feels like there is only a few millimeters of foam and rubber between you and the ground. Which is true for 2/3rds of the sneaker’s length.

The upper doesn’t help either. This leather is not particularly soft, and will crease fairly deeply. This will limit the ability of your foot to move around.

On the plus side, Jordan 1s tend to use a really nice foam padding around the ankle collar. If you’ve only worn other high retro models like the dunk or air ship, it is a nice change of pace.

If comfort is your top priority, these probably are not the sneakers for you.

Materials & Construction

Materials

The Jordan 1 High Black Toe Reimagined uses materials similar to any other standard Jordan 1.

The upper is made from real leather, though it does have a thick poly coat. That isn’t great for feel or durability, though to be fair that’s the only way you’ll be able to get these bright whites and reds. It’s not how I would do it, but I understand why.

This leather is backed by a poly fabric backing up front, and a tighter weave poly in the back. Behind the black fabric in the back is padding, ranging from around 1/16^th to 1/2 an inch thick. As far as padding goes in retro sneakers, this is among the best.

Underfoot is a cheap closed cell insole, which sits on top of a foam wedge with an encapsulated air unit.

The entire sneaker sits onto of a rubber cup sole. The rubber is thin, but should offer good durability for its thickness.

Construction

The Jordan 1 Black Toe Reimagined is made using a sewn cup sole construction. This style of construction is a bit older, but is common on retro sneakers from this time period.

To make a sneaker this way, first the upper is sewn. It is then glued to the rubber cup sole. Finally, a line of stitching is sewn along the top edge of the cup sole, connecting it to the upper.

This form of construction tends to be very durable. If the glue fails, the stitching helps keep everything together. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility a pure-cemented construction shoe does, and can be a bit more costly to make.

Pricing

The Jordan 1 Black Toe Reimaged launched at a price of $180. Though, Jordan brand originally planned to launch this shoe last year, and even shipped them to retailers. As is always the case, once the retailers have them, tons of pairs end up being back doored. With so many pairs out there, these were selling for under retail months before release.

If you do want to pick up a pair directly from a retailer and are OK paying retail, most places still have close to full size runs available several days after launch. If you wait, I’m sure you’ll find them on sale or at the outlets soon enough.

For those who don’t want to wait, most sizes are available on eBay for well under retail, even after shipping. Sizing is limited, but at time of writing this seller has them for $100 in a few men’s sizes.

Are the Jordan 1 Black Toe Worth It?

Alright, with all that said, are the Jordan 1 Black Toe worth it?

I don’t understand the hate that this sneaker gets. It’s a great colorway, and the differences won’t be noticeable when you actually wear them. Even better, it doesn’t have that faux-cracked leather that the Lost and Founds do. Honestly, after the White Cement 3’s, this might be my favorite reimagined of them all.

If you’re thinking of picking up a pair, I’d definitely recommend it.

With one caveat.