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One of the most prolific BMXers of all time, Nigel Sylvester, just dropped what many will argue is the sneaker of the year with his first collaboration on the Air Jordan 4 in the Brick by Brick colorway. However, the Nigel and Jordan Brand duo have more up their sleeve as Sylvester’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High PE from 2022 is finally getting a public release… albeit in low-top form.
If the pair looks familiar, it’s because you’ve seen Nigel apply similar details to his original collaboration with Jordan Brand on the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG from 2018. Worn-in and scuffed paneling near the toe mimics the scuffs found on Nigel’s pairs of Jordans. Specifically, the wear from his pair of Jordan 1 High Shadows was recreated, with the scuffs and imperfections resulting from the fact that Nigel doesn’t use brakes on his bike.
The color palette aligns with the PE version of Sylvester’s AJ 1 High, taking on a black tumbled leather finish across most of the upper. Cream accents land on the Swoosh, lace set, tongue, and Wings logo. Like Nigel’s original Jordan 1 collab, a mini Swoosh is applied to the toe, the logos on the midfoot and heel feature 3M details and extra outlining, and the inside contains Jordan Biking Co. branding. Below, the pair is complete with a cream rubber midsole and a pre-dirtied red rubber outsole.
One interesting thing to note is that Nigel’s first AJ 1 Low release is on the new AJ 1 Low OG version, which reshapes and adjusts the sneaker's look. Here, we see an extra eyestay added to the lacing setup, a larger Swoosh on the midfoot, and a shape closer to the original ‘85 version of the model.
Later, Nigel shared an Instagram post detailing the design inspiration of his latest project with Jordan Brand. The tracing around the lateral Swoosh, which is removed in favor of a graphic, represents Nigel's attempt at drawing the Swoosh back on. This same motif is found on the heel tab with the wings logo. Inside, the sockliner features "Jordan Biking Est. 2017" to nod to the year Nigel started designing his first AJ1 project. Special packaging features a white cardboard box with "Bike" text instead of the traditional Nike logo, while the inside lid contains a graphic of an actual bike.
The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time will release August 16, 2025, through Nike, Nigel Sylvester’s website, and select Jordan Brand retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $160. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
