Collaborations in the sneaker industry have become commonplace, unlike previous decades where you’d be lucky to see a handful throughout the year. This means companies like Jordan Brand have to expand past their typical Undefeated or Travis Scott collaborations to tell stories and highlight those in the industry outside of the US. While we’ve seen Chinese and EU-based collaborators get a shot at adding their unique style to models, Africa is a region JB hasn’t directly collaborated with - until now. Linking up with one of South Africa’s most well-known retailers, Shelflife, Jordan Brand is making history with the Shelflife x Air Jordan 2 Retro Low and its accompanying apparel capsule.
Inspiration for this colorway comes from Shelflife’s graffiti and street art origins as the insole and packaging feature graffiti-style artwork while the sneaker itself comes in a white, sail, light bone, and bright mandarin color combo. Premium suede sits on the base of the sneaker around the forefoot and while the mudguard and heel overlay features leather panels, all of which come in shades of white. Atop the tongue, the Jordan Wings logo comes in bright mandarin as does the split-branded insoles. On the reverse of the tongue, “Team Only” comes split between the left and right sneaker while the graphic of signatures and autographs on the insole brings to life the retailer's ubuntu (translating to “I am because we are”) spirit. Underfoot, a cream AJ 2 midsole is paired with a white and orange rubber outsole.
Apparel for the historic collaboration will include pieces like hoodies, shorts, t-shirts, and more, all of which come with mixes of neutral and vibrant shades. The phrase “Team Only” is prominently featured with an orange-based Jumpman Flight logo taking center stage on the shirts and hoodies. Shelflife itself comes embroidered on pieces in their typical graffiti-style font while the reverse of the apparel features nods to South Africa and the retailer.
The Shelflife x Air Jordan 2 Retro Low Collection will release on October 21st, 2022 through Shelflife, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers online and in-store. For the sneakers, the pair will retail for $200 and be available in men’s sizing while clothing prices are TBA as of this writing. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the release of this historic collaboration and more news in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Shelflife x Air Jordan 2 Retro Low
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