Union LA’s Upcoming Air Jordan 1 Collaboration Includes Footscape Woven Elements

In late March, it was reported that Union LA would have another Air Jordan 1 collaboration in the works, with August being the intended month of release. Furthermore, we learned that they’d look nothing like their initial vintage-inspired design from the 2018, and this first look solidifies that claim halfway.

A first look at the upcoming Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan 1 shows that a considerable portion of the design is indeed very similar to that first design. Chris Gibbs’ vision of combining two pairs into one shoe via a Frankenstein-esque haphazard stitching at the ankle is realized once again as a bright turquoise threading is seen just under the Jordan wings logo and the UN/LA flap as well as across the tongue. The yellowed interior of the upper panels are also consistent with the OG pairs, while the “BBS” embroidered at the heel is a nod to Gibbs’ wife Beth and her Bephie’s Beauty Supply brand.

Where this 2023 design truly stands out is the implementation of a thick woven panel around the mudguard — an obvious nod to the Air Footscape Woven. The lifestyle shoe that debuted in the late 2000s (one that is poised for a bit of a comeback this year) was an evolution of the Air Footscape, a running shoe known for its asymmetrical lacing structure. But infusing it with an Air Jordan 1 is something nobody expected, which makes this collaboration all the more exciting. While we do applaud the creativity of the concept, that alone was enough to hold up as the centerpiece of the collaboration and the use of the previous idea doesn’t seem all that necessary.

More images of the Union Air Jordan 1 for 2023 are bound to surface, with more colorways possibly coming as well, so stay tuned for updates as we learn more.

Photos: xcsnkr
Photos: iamricosuav