The Legendary Union Air Jordan 1 Unites Fashion and Heritage
Let's rewind to late March when the buzz about Union LA's new rendezvous with the Air Jordan 1 started. August was the secret handshake for the big reveal. But hold on, this time around, they weren't sticking to the vintage vibes from their 2018 collab.
Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan 1 sneak peek, a good chunk of the design gives a nod to its OG ancestor, in a "two worlds collide" move dreamed up by Chris Gibbs. He stitches these bad boys together in a Frankenstein-esque ankle artistry, now refreshed in a vivid turquoise streak. Peek under those Jordan wings and the UN/LA flap, and the tongue's got that same lively thread party going on. Remember the worn charm of the OG panels? Yeah, that's back too, rocking the yellowed look. And oh, don't miss the "BBS" embroidery on the heel—it's a sweet nod to Gibbs' other half and her Bephie's Beauty Supply.
Picture a vibrant turquoise threading sneaking its way beneath the iconic Jordan wings logo, chilling under the UN/LA flap, and jazzing up the tongue. The upper panels are rocking that classic worn-in charm, giving you all the nostalgia feels. And of course, the "BBS" embroidery on the heel? That's like a secret love note to Gibbs' wife and her Bephie's Beauty Supply legacy.
The mudguard flaunts a bold woven panel, a nod to the legendary Air Footscape Woven. Back in the late 2000s, the Footscape was all about that asymmetrical lacing swag. Fast forward to today, and guess what? It's doing a mashup dance with the mighty Air Jordan 1! We're all for the creative greatness in this collab, but honestly, the old concept could've held its own without needing to double up.
Where can I get a pair of Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan 1?
1) The retail route:
Most sneakerheads hope to buy the Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan at retail price (£180), which releases on Nike's SNKRS app. Due to their popularity, bots and resellers may grab most pairs, leaving many empty-handed. It's worth trying to sign up for a retail pair, but it's not an option after the official release date (August 24 2023).
2) Purchasing from a reseller at a premium:
Popular alternatives to buy AJ1 Retro High OG 'UNC Toe' include online marketplaces like Stockx, Depop and Grailed. However, these sites have drawbacks, such as the high prices that are set by sellers and the risk of receiving fake sneakers. Recently, StockX faced a lawsuit from Nike for selling counterfeit shoes, causing concerns about the reliability of online sneaker marketplaces.
3) An affordable option you’ll be comfortable in actually wearing:
An increasingly popular option for grabbing a pair of Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan sneakers is to buy a UA (Unauthorized Authentic) version. While some sneakerheads may turn their nose up at this idea, UA sneakers are almost identical to the original product, with some even being made in the same factories. They provide a cost-effective solution for those who missed out on the release, as they are priced similarly to retail and can actually be worn without the fear of damaging a valuable collector's item. However, it is important to purchase UAs from a reliable source to avoid getting average-quality reps. Our personal experience has shown that Drip Locker offers the best quality and customer service compared to other online options. We regularly wear shoes from them around the office and recommend them to our sneakerhead friends.
If you decide to purchase from them, make sure to use code “DRIPBIBLE” for 10% off your order: