Sneakerheads are getting another shot at one of the most iconic colorways Jordan Brand has ever produced – the Air Jordan 13 “Chicago” is back! The shoe will be available on March 13th, 2026, through the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers. If you’ve been waiting for this release, your wait is almost over.
| 📌 Key Facts |
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| 🗓 Release date March 13th, 2026 💰 Retail price $210 adult / $160 grade school 🏀 Worn by Michael Jordan in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals 🔴 Brighter True Red suede vs 2017 version 👟 Improved OG shape closer to 1998 ⏳ First retro since 2017 📲 Available via Nike SNKRS and select retailers |
This 2026 retro stays faithful to the original 1998 release. A premium white leather upper covers most of the shoe, and “True Red” suede wraps around the base, heel, and midsole. Black accents appear on the outsole and Jumpman logo on the tongue. The signature green holographic cat’s eye at the collar ties the whole look together.
Longtime collectors will appreciate that the red shade is brighter than in past retros. Jordan Brand has reportedly improved the shape’s accuracy, making the silhouette more similar to the original 1998 design that purists have always preferred over the flatter 2017 version. Critics panned the 2017 version for its duller suede and synthetic tongue. This improvement suggests that Jordan Brand has listened to the community’s feedback.
The Air Jordan 13 was first released in 1997. It was the product of designer Tinker Hatfield’s vision to bring Michael Jordan’s “Black Cat” persona to life. Jordan earned that nickname because of his predatory precision on the court, how he’d read opponents, track their movement, and strike without warning. Hatfield translated those qualities into a shoe unlike anything Nike had released before: a paw-shaped outsole built for traction and floor contact; reflective mesh panels referencing the flecks of color in a panther’s fur; and a holographic eye that glows when light hits it.
The “Chicago” colorway, officially known as “True Red,” was the version MJ wore during the 1997–98 season, his final year with the Chicago Bulls and the culmination of the second three-peat. He wore the shoe when he made the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. That context matters. Many sneakers are described as historic. This one genuinely is.
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The “Chicago” 13 has been released four times: the original release in 1998, followed by retro releases in 2010, 2017, and now in 2026. The nine-year gap since the last retro release partly explains why this release feels significant. The Jordan Brand calendar has featured many repeats lately, with the same silhouettes on a tight rotation. Thus, a colorway that hasn’t surfaced in nearly a decade carries real weight.
The “Chicago” 13 kicks off what looks to be a strong year for the model. Jordan Brand also has the “Flint” 13 scheduled for April 2026. It is widely considered the most recognizable colorway in the shoe’s original lineup. Having two original 13 colorways in one year benefits collectors who have felt overlooked while the Jordan 1s and 4s absorbed most of the brand’s attention.
This is where things get less certain, and where you should manage your expectations. The Air Jordan 13 is a more niche model than the Jordan 1, 4, and 11. Jordan Brand treats these models as broad commercial releases with enormous production runs. More niche silhouettes tend to sell in smaller quantities, which often means that SNKRS raffles fill up quickly and retail pairs sell out in minutes.
It’s still unclear whether Jordan Brand will push this one wider or keep it relatively limited. Given the nine-year absence and built-up demand, strong restocks wouldn’t be surprising – but don’t count on it. If you want this pair, it’s best to have your SNKRS account ready with your payment information saved and your notifications turned on well before March 13th.
Adult sizes are priced at $210, and grade school sizes are priced at $160. Both will be sold through Nike SNKRS and at select Jordan Brand retailers. For a shoe with this kind of history and a nine-year gap between retros, $210 is reasonable, especially since resale prices for the 2017 version remain high.