From MSCHF’s Big Red Boots, to LOEWE’s Grass Sneakers, the new footwear drops don’t cease to amaze us. While the brands are competing who will make the most bizzare design, Air Jordan is staying true to classics. With a few retros reportedly returning this March, one of the highly anticipated models is definitely the Air Jordan 5 ‘UNC’. The University of North Carolina inspired colorway features a leather upper with an all-over UNC blue elephant print.
SNEAKERS
The understated Jordan 5 High silhouette is the perfect blank canvas for the new and exciting color palettes as well as a new retro colorways. While Jordan Brand very often takes the inspiration from the crucial moments in MJ’s career, some of the most retroed colorways are the ones inspired by his alma mater – the University of North Carolina. If you’re in the mood for UNC shoes, this is the model for you.
History
Since his game-winning shot that brought championship glory to North Carolina, Michael Jordan has been at the forefront of basketball consciousness. He took to the court in 1985 wearing the original Air Jordan I, simultaneously breaking league rules and his opponents’ will, while capturing the imaginations of fans worldwide. – says Nike’s press release. While the first models were released in the ’80, the Air Jordan 5 originally released in 1990, and it has been initially made in four colorways – white/black, black/metallic, white/fire red and white/grape.
The silhouette was designed by sneaker genius Tinker Hatfield, inspired by the aggressive look of the World War 2 Mustang fighter jet. It featured a reflective 3M tongue, mesh netting on the tongue and side panels as well as a unique set of lace locks. When the original model released in February 1990, it retailed for $125. Since then, the Air Jordan 5 has seen more than 40 releases, including low tops, hybrids and numerous extremely hyped collaborations. Besides being endorsed by basketball legend Michael Jordan, the model gained a huge popularity in the ’90 when Will Smith wore it in the The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air show.
Design
The highly anticipated Air Jordan 5 Retro ‘UNC’ model features a familiar pastel blue colorway inspired by the University of North Carolina, MJ’s alma mater. Its upper is made in a nubuck leather in University Blue color, featuring the tonal TPU eyelets, ventilated quarter-panel netting and a woven jock tag at the heel. It is decorated with an embroidered Jumpman logo on the tongue, which comes in a reflective silver finish, perfect for the low-light conditions. It is accented by a “Team Jordan” woven label on the back.
Year after year, season after season, the AJ5 has been at the heart of your favourite ‘fits. Now, the beloved Tinker Hatfield design is back with a collegiate colourway that celebrates MJ’s early days.
– from Nike.
The extremely lightweight cushioning comes as a black polyurethane midsole, accented with the signature shark teeth details and an Air-sole unit in the heel. It is finished with a translucent herringbone-traction outsole that provides optimal grip.
Price and Release Date
After the first images leaked back in May last year, now we have the official release date and images, courtesy of Nike. According to the official press release, the model will available on March 4th at 3:00 AM for a retail price of $225 USD via Nike and select retailers, such as GOAT and Flight Club on March 5th.
Specifications
Release Date 03-05-2023
SKU DV1310 401
Designer Tinker Hatfield
Nickname UNC
Colorway University Blue/Black/White
Main Color Blue
Upper Material Nubuck
Technology Air
Category Lifestyle
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