Side Kicks Streetwear • Global Release Guide
Updated: 8 March 2026
Overview
The Air Jordan 13 returns in one of its most iconic colourways for Spring 2026. Known as the “True Red” or “Chicago”, this legendary pair was famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1997-98 NBA season, the same championship run that later became immortalised in The Last Dance.
First released in 1998, the Air Jordan 13 “True Red” has become one of the most recognisable colourways in the Jordan archive. The combination of crisp white leather and bold red suede mirrors the Chicago Bulls uniforms from MJ’s final season with the team, cementing the pair as a true piece of basketball history.
For 2026, Jordan Brand brings the model back with a shape that stays faithful to the original release while maintaining the premium build that defines the Air Jordan line. If you missed previous retros in 2010 or 2017, this release will be another opportunity to secure one of the most important AJ13 colourways ever made.
Air Jordan 13 True Red TLDR
- Release date: March 13 2026
- Model: Air Jordan 13 Retro
- Colourway: True Red / Chicago
- Style code: 414571-102
- Retail price: £185
- Availability: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
Design and details
The Air Jordan 13 remains one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the Jordan lineup. Inspired by a panther’s movement, designer Tinker Hatfield built the shoe around speed, stealth and responsiveness. This influence appears throughout the design, from the paw-like outsole to the famous holographic “cat eye” on the heel.
The 2026 “True Red” edition keeps the classic structure intact. A white leather upper forms the base of the sneaker, featuring the AJ13’s signature quilted dimples across the side panels. Red suede wraps around the mudguard and midsole, delivering the bold contrast that made the original release so memorable.
Details such as the green holographic eye, black Jumpman branding on the tongue and the carbon fibre shank plate underneath remain unchanged from the original design. The Phylon midsole houses Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel, providing the responsive cushioning that defined Jordan performance footwear during the late 1990s.
The Chicago Bulls era connection
Few sneakers are as closely tied to a specific moment in basketball history as the Air Jordan 13 “True Red”. Michael Jordan frequently wore this colourway throughout the 1997-98 NBA season, the final championship run of the Chicago Bulls dynasty.
That season, later documented in the Netflix series The Last Dance, cemented MJ’s legacy as the greatest basketball player of all time. Because the “True Red” was one of the pairs he regularly laced up during that historic campaign, it sits among the most culturally significant Air Jordans ever produced.
Air Jordan 13 True Red images
Credit: Offspring
Where to buy the Air Jordan 13 True Red
The Air Jordan 13 “True Red” is scheduled to release on March 13 2026 via the Nike SNKRS app and select Jordan Brand retailers worldwide. The pair will arrive in full family sizing with a retail price of £185 for adult pairs.
As one of the most recognised Jordan retros tied directly to Michael Jordan’s playing career, demand for this release is expected to be extremely high. If you are planning to secure a pair, make sure to monitor retailer raffles and release reminders ahead of launch day.
FAQ
When does the Air Jordan 13 True Red release?
The Air Jordan 13 “True Red” is scheduled to release on March 13 2026 via Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers.
How much will the Air Jordan 13 True Red cost?
Retail pricing for the Air Jordan 13 “True Red” is set at £185 for adult pairs.
Is the True Red an original Air Jordan 13 colourway?
Yes. The colourway originally released in 1998 and was worn by Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ 1997–98 NBA season.
How many times has the Air Jordan 13 True Red released?
The colourway released originally in 1998, then retroed in 2010 and 2017 before returning again in 2026.
