Exploring the Best “UNC” Jordans (Including the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”)

6th May 2025 EDT RELEASES

Exploring the Best “UNC” Jordans (Including the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”)

Everything you need to know about the colorway inspired by Michael Jordan's alma mater.

Many of the Air Jordan line’s colorways and motifs have been inspired by even the most minute details of Michael Jordan’s life and career. The Jumpman logo, for example, was based on a photograph taken before the 1984 Olympics; his “Black Cat” nickname and persona, the design of the Air Jordan 13; and his very own Ferrari 550 Maranello, the lux look of the 14.

The image that inspired the Jumpman logo: Michael Jordan was photographed by Jacobus “Co” Rentmeester in 1984 for a *special issue of LIFE magazine focused on athletes competing in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Therefore, the “UNC” colorway, based on an essential chapter in his lore, is a quintessential Air Jordan colorway. Furthermore, with the imminent release of the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”, now is as good a time as any to revisit the colorway’s history and how it became a Jordan Brand hallmark.

*The shoot occurred at the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill. Rentmeester directed the young Jordan to perform a ballet-inspired leap with legs splayed, rather than a typical basketball jump, creating the iconic airborne pose. The image was part of a photo essay highlighting American Olympians and captured Jordan before his NBA debut.

(Image via Common Hype)

Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”

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Introduction to the Air Jordan 1 “UNC”

The Air Jordan 1 “UNC” was initially released in 1985 as part of the vanguard of Air Jordan 1 colorways. Officially called “Dark Powder Blue”, it was one of about 15 original colorways, alongside legendary ones like “Bred”, “Chicago”, and “Royal”.

Inspiration and Color Palette

As you’d know by now, the “UNC” colorway was inspired by Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The blue and white palette reflects the Tar Heels’ team colors, where Jordan played college basketball and made a name for himself with standout moments like his championship-winning shot against Georgetown in 1982.

The championship-winning shot against Georgetown in 1982 (Image via Sports History Weekly)

Jordan has expressed a strong personal connection and gratitude to UNC, frequently returning to the university and supporting its basketball program. Although he never wore the original “UNC” AJ1 on the NBA court—reserving that honor for the “Chicago”—the “UNC” colorway quickly became highly sought after due to its symbolic link to Jordan’s roots.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High “UNC” (2015)

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Other “UNC” Jordans

The “UNC” colorway has been revisited many times over the decades, including retros in 2003 and 2015. It has also been featured in collaborations such as Virgil Abloh’s Off-White edition, further cementing its cultural cachet.

Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “UNC” (White/Dark Powder Blue)

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Beyond the 1s, the colorway has appeared on other Air Jordan models, including a unique pair of Air Jordan 2s worn by Jordan in 1987 and newer releases like the Air Jordan 5 and Air Jordan 2 Low “UNC” in 2023. The “UNC Toe” variant, blending the UNC blue with the familiar “Bred Toe” blocking, has also become popular.

Air Jordan 5 Retro SE “University Blue”

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Air Jordan 2 Retro Low “University Blue”

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Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “UNC Toe”

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Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC to Chicago”

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Air Jordan 3 Retro “UNC” (2020)

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Air Jordan 6 “UNC”

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Anyhoo, whichever Air Jordan model is your favorite, they all trace their roots back to the Air Jordan 1. Once again, the spotlight shines on the most iconic sneaker ever. Once more, presented in the “UNC” colorway, revisited, retrofitted, and… Reimagined.

About the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined”

The Jordan 1 “UNC Reimagined” employs vintage-inspired motifs. Cracked white leather on the toe box, quarter, and collar is paired with Dark Powder Blue overlays, slightly faded to evoke a naturally aged look. The midsole and outsole have a pre-yellowed, worn finish, imbuing the pair with a nostalgic appeal while maintaining the classic UNC blue and white palette.

In addition to its premium make, the AJ1 “UNC Reimagined” retains its original details, like the Nike Air branding on the tongue and the Jordan Wings logo. The pair will also be housed in packaging congruent with the theme, featuring a distressed box design reminiscent of the 2022 “Lost and Found” series.

Release Details

Scheduled for release on 10 May 2025, the Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC Reimagined” will retail for US$180 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers worldwide. The release continues Jordan Brand’s “Reimagined” series, which reinterprets classic Jordan Brand silhouettes with an aged aesthetic similar to the 2022 “Chicago Reimagined” release.

“UNC Reimagined” Sizing

Like other prior AJ1 colorways in the series, the “UNC Reimagined” generally fits true to size, matching most wearers’ regular Nike or Jordan Brand sizing. Its leather upper stretches and molds to the foot over time, while the roomier toe box allows natural toe movement. The high-top collar offers solid ankle support.

For the best fit, measure your feet in the afternoon while wearing the socks you plan to use. If you have wide feet or wear thicker socks, consider going half a size up. Still, whenever possible, it’s recommended to try the shoes on or purchase from retailers with flexible return policies to ensure the perfect fit.

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