Behind the Design: Air Jordan 1 High 'UNC Reimagined'

Before the championships, the MVPs, and the global icon status, Michael Jordan was a Tar Heel. The Air Jordan 1 High 'UNC Reimagined', set to release on May 10, dives deep into Jordan's Tar Heel days and puts a new twist on that iconic university blue that has become a staple over the decades. With vintage-inspired materials and aged details, this updated classic pays tribute to Jordan’s time at the University of North Carolina, where the seeds of his legend were first planted.

History of the Air Jordan 1

Nike's first Creative Director, Peter Moore, was tasked with designing the Air Jordan 1. Michael Jordan wanted something different than the typical Nike and Converse basketball shoes already out. He didn’t want a shoe high off the court like Nike’s latest releases, which used their newest Air technology. After one specific design meeting with Jordan, Moore sketched the winged logo on a cocktail napkin during a flight back to the Nike HQ. This logo, featuring a basketball in the middle, became the hallmark of the Jordan 1. Returning to Nike HQ, Moore went to work and designed a silhouette that became timeless.

The Air Jordan would debut on April 1, 1985, at a retail price of $64.99. Nike aimed to sell 100,000 pairs in its first year and reach $3 million in revenue by year 4. Instead, Nike generated $55-$65 million in revenue during year one, with millions of pairs being sold. From then on, it was clear that Michael Jordan’s new signature line would change things forever. Although Jordan has openly stated his dislike for some of the colorways, he stuck with Moore’s vision, and the rest is history.

Behind the Design: Air Jordan 1 High 'UNC Reimagined'

The Air Jordan 1 High 'UNC Reimagined' captures the spirit of 1985 with a vintage lens. The upper features a mix of cracked white leather and soft University Blue overlays, giving the sneaker an intentionally worn-in, time-traveled look. A sail-colored midsole and yellowed tongue tag add to the aged aesthetic, while the classic Nike Air branding stays true to the original release. Every detail is crafted to evoke the feeling of pulling a decades-old pair from the archives—yet with the comfort and structure of modern-day craftsmanship. It’s a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation, paying homage to where MJ’s journey began while keeping the Air Jordan 1 relevant for the next generation.

The Air Jordan 1 High 'UNC Reimagined' is more than just another retro drop—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Jordan’s foundation, told through the lens of vintage design. As part of the growing Reimagined series, this release celebrates the legacy, evolution, and timelessness of the Tar Heel blue. Find your pair on KICKS CREW now.