The mere mention of Union offering a new take on its Air Jordan 1 High collaboration from 2018 has been enough to inspire buzz well ahead of a February 2025 releasee date, and that excitement is only going to increase now that the sneaker has been seen for the first time.
Photos of Union’s 2025 Air Jordan 1 High reveal just how the collaboration will mash up the model’s original “Chicago” and “Shadow” colorways from 1985. As seen in images from the Instagram user @sharkicks1, who obtained a pair of the sneakers early, the majority of the Air Jordan 1 is dressed in the red, white and black arrangement frequently worn by Michael Jordan from 1985 to 1986. The collar the adopts the color-blocking of “Shadow,” a grey and black colorway from the seminal sneakers’ original run but that was not worn by Jordan on the court because of uniform regulations.
Black suede and grey leather form the collar, and blue stitching emphasizes the Frankenstein-like idea of cobbling two shoes together. Just like Union’s two Air Jordan 1 Highs from 2018, a “UN/LA” yellow hangtag is affixed to the collar’s lateral side, and the laces are split into two distinct sections through a switch from cream to black. The midsole also takes on an off-white aged look rather than appearing in pristine white, and the insole features the same blueprint-style graphic from its predecessors.
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While Union, an influential streetwear boutique that began in New York City and has long since been stationed in Los Angeles, has been collaborating with Nike since 2005, its first Jordan Brand collaboration didn’t come until 2018. For its debut, Union mashed up the Air Jordan 1’s original “Black Toe” and “Natural Grey” colorways, as well as “Kentucky” and “Bred.” Those two sneakers remain the most coveted of its Air Jordan collaborations now that the list has grown, even well ahead of the Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir” and “Guava Ice” that could be considered the next runners up.
Prior to today’s leak, Union’s forthcoming Air Jordan 1 mash-up had only been shown through speculative mock-ups, which incorrectly rendered the stitching in yellow.
Union’s next Air Jordan 1 High, which we can call “Chicago Shadow’ for now, will release February 12, likely through the Snkrs app and Union’s website. (The two releases could be spread across two dates, however.) Pricing is set at $200.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
