First Look: Michael Jordan’s Original North Carolina-Inspired Air Jordan 1 Is Coming Back With a Vintage Edge
Update: Feb. 3, 2025 at 2:55 p.m. ET:
It’s been nearly six months since reports first surfaced of a vintage-inspired Air Jordan 1 High “UNC Reimagined” release and now, the first in-hand look at the upcoming sneaker has surfaced.
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As expected, the University of North Carolina-themed sneaker features a faux-vintage treatment similar to what was seen on 2022’s Air Jordan 1 “Lost and Found” release, which came in the sneaker’s iconic “Chicago” colorway.
Like the ’22 release, this upcoming Air Jordan 1 features a textured ankle collar which gives it the appearance and feel of a vintage pair that’s been cracked and weathered over time. Adding to the aged aesthetic is a pre-yellowed rubber midsole and a soiled outsole.
Along with this first look comes an updated release date. The sneaker is expected to launch May 10 in full-family sizing with a retail price of $180 for adults.
What We Originally Reported on July 14, 2024
Adding to the flood of recently leaked Air Jordan release information is the reported return of an original 1985 colorway of Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker.
Early reports indicate that the Air Jordan 1 High “UNC” will be returning in 2025. Sometimes referred to as the “Carolina Blue,” “University Blue” or “Dark Powder Blue” colorway, the pair gets inspiration from Jordan’s alma mater college, the University of North Carolina. Although he wore Converse sneakers on court while attending the school, this style was part of the Air Jordan 1’s original ’85 run, making it an indelible part of the brand’s legacy.
In addition to details which include an official colorway of “Dark Powder Blue/Dark Powder Blue-Sail” and a style code of DZ5485-402, reports have also surfaced that the pair will feature a vintage-inspired pre-aged “Reimagined” twist. This concept was first featured on 2022’s Air Jordan 1 High “Lost and Found,” which included yellowed accents and a patinaed heel collar reminiscent of what an ’85 pair would look like in today’s era. It’s not yet confirmed if the upcoming “UNC Reimagined” iteration will follow this exact theme, but it’s expected to boast similar detailing.
Like many of the original ’85 Air Jordan 1s, the “UNC” colorway uses simple two-town color blocking with white and light blue leathers. Aside from its first release (pictured here), the style has only been released in its original form once. That retro happened in 2015, and the color scheme was used once again in 2018 on a Virgil Abloh-designed Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High collaboration. Both of those pairs are highly sought after today, so readers can assume that the expected ’25 release will be met with comparable fanfare.
Other upcoming Jordan leaks of note include the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Aqua” and the Air Jordan 12 Retro “Melo,” both of which are slated to be released next year.
Although the brand has yet to confirm the Air Jordan 1 High “UNC Reimagined,” leakers such as @zsneakerheadz are reporting a summer ’25 launch. This post will be updated as more news surrounding the release is announced.
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