Jordan Brand gifted former employee Garren Strong an Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 that honored the late hip-hop legend Nipsey Hussle.

From his upbringing to his playing days at the University of Oregon, Garren Strong has had major sneaker influences prior to transitioning into a marketing role and beyond at Nike, eventually being able to work with Jordan Brand on the Air Jordan 1 lineup. After leaving Nike Inc. in June 2020 following a decade-long career, Jordan Brand gifted Strong a 1-of-1 sample of the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 in a Chicago-like colorway that took major inspiration from the late-great Nipsey Hussle and his debut album “Victory Lap.”

Taking on the higher cut and leather quality from the original 1985 release of the Air Jordan 1 High, the sample comes covered in all-white leather across its overlays and underlays with text covering the former of the two in a colorblocking similar to the classic Chicago colorway. Red text with lyrics from “Victory Lap” take over the mudguard, eyestays, collar, and heel overlays. Where you’d normally find a black collar and Swoosh you find more white leather with black text scribbled across and black laces that contain “Victory Lap” text near the aglets. On the insole, the phrase "The Marathon Continues" is written in a bred combo and nods to Nipsey's storefront/brand "Marathon." The classic hangtag depicting tech specs for the sneaker is also included and features the famous Jumpman photo of MJ soaring over the Chicago skyline in a pair of “Black Toe” AJ 1 Highs. Underfoot, an aged sail midsole gets paired with a red rubber outsole and completes the look.

Garren Strong’s 1-of-1 Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 Victory Lap will remain exclusive to the former Jordan Brand employee. For detailed images of the sneaker check below and keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Images via Garren Strong