With the vintage-inspired sneaker trend still chugging along, Jordan Brand has a new interpretation of Michael Jordan’s collegiate-colored original sneaker set to be released soon.
The launch of the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined” is just under a month away, with the “Dark Powder Blue/Dark Powder Blue/Sail” style set to hit stores in May. One of several original 1985 Air Jordan 1 colorways, the Tar Heels-themed look wasn’t worn by Jordan on the court, but its connection to his alma mater — and a rise in popularity of similar “University Blue” sneakers — has made it increasingly coveted over the years.
Related Stories
The “UNC” Air Jordan 1 features a full leather upper in a two-tone color blocking. While Jordan Brand has issued numerous UNC-inspired offshoot colorways, this specific style has only been rereleased once in its original form. Its last and only retro came in October 2015. The style was later used as the base for Virgil Abloh’s Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High collaboration in June 2018.
You May Also Like
This year’s version of the classic colorway comes with a few key changes. The shoe’s midsole has been given a pre-yellowed finish to mimic the appearance of oxidation. Its white leather underlays feature a subtle cracked texture, while the white portions of the heel have been given an even more dramatic vintage treatment. The idea is that the aesthetic resembles an original ’85 pair that’s been unearthed from storage, much like 2022’s “Chicago Lost & Found” release. And while the pre-aged look may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this could be as close as fans get to the “UNC” look for years to come.
The Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined” will be released on May 10 from SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers. Its retail price is set at $180 and the sneaker has a SKU of DZ5485-402.