A Union LA x Air Jordan 1 "UNC Royal" Sample Surfaces
There’s no word on if this pair will ever see a retail release — but it’s sure nice to look at.
Union LA and Jordan Brand are set to reprise their wildly successful duo of split-styled Air Jordan 1 collabs from 2018 with a new “Varsity Red” colorway that’s been rumored to touch down before the end of February, and ahead of that forthcoming release a never-before-seen fourth colorway has been revealed. The pair, which may be a sample, continues the combination of OG colorways that the partnership has become known for by blending elements of the Air Jordan 1 “UNC” and the Air Jordan 1 “Royal.”
Revealed via a photo from sneaker collector Matt “Shoe Hefner” Jae, the new style offers a familiar formula by placing black-and-blue “Royal” collar detailing above a white and powder blue upper, aged midsoles and a powder blue outsole. Unique details include a suede collar — a nod to OG 1985 Air Jordan 1s, as leather collars didn’t appear on the model until its first retro release in 1994 — bold stitching below the collar for a nod to the shoe’s Frankensteined design and a custom tongue tag.
At the time of writing, there’s no official word on if this collaboration will see a retail release or if it’s an early concept or sample. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it touch down at some point in 2025 as Jordan Brand celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1.
