In 2018, Chris Gibbs’ Union Los Angeles worked on its first Jordan Brand collaboration, sparking what has become one of the most popular partners for JB. This partnership began with two reworked Air Jordan 1 Highs, one in Storm Blue and the other in Black Toe, featuring added stitching details, split color designs, and exaggerated branding details. Today, both colorways fetch astronomical prices on the aftermarket, as StockX has them averaging over $1,000 per sale. However, after collabs on the Jordan 4, Jordan 2, AJKO, and a return to the AJ1 (albeit with woven details), Union is returning to the original design formula of its Air Jordan 1 High collab from 2018.
As with the two previous pairs of Union x Air Jordan 1 Highs, the pair comes split between two iconic colorways. Chicago-style colors and colorblocking are found on the bottom half of the sneaker, with varsity red tumbled leather hitting the mudguard, eyestays, and heel overlay. White tumbled leather graces the toebox and midfoot panel.
However, once you head over to the collar, you’ll see black and shadow grey hues, identical to the collar found in the original Shadow colorway of the AJ1. This collar comes “attached” via blue stitching details, with the same detail found on the two-tone black and sail tongue, leading to the sneaker appearing to be sewn together from two colorways. The Jordan Wings logo on the lateral collar is larger than the standard size found on traditional AJ 1 Highs, and Union adds a UN/LA yellow tag to this overlay.
Inside, the insole features a drawn graphic that depicts the changes made to the sneaker. The sail rubber midsole finishes the design and is paired with a varsity red rubber outsole.
The Union LA x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Chicago Shadow will release on February 27, 2025, through Union online. A SNKRS release will follow on March 18. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $200. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Union LA x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Chicago Shadow
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com