In 1996, Michael Jordan jetted off to Asia and paid his first visit to Japan with Nike to participate in the brand’s “Nike Hoop Heroes” event. One core memory from that initiative with that MJ played 1-on-1 with a young boy that was rocking a UNC uniform, and so this upcoming Air Jordan 1 Low SE “Tokyo Vintage” installment is inspired by this moment.
During the on-court matchup, the 6’6 guard was rocking a pair of Air Jordan 12s that were equipped with lizard skin, and so this element is translated on the Swooshes of this new AJ 1. Buttery suede makes up the perforated toe boxes and the quarter panels while a cool shade of blue outfits forefoot overlays to express a subtle touch of UNC-inspired flair. Extra details to point out on the upper include the ball-and-wings logos on the heels that have been filled in with a golden yellow hue along with the tongues which expose their interior foam. Down below, the midsoles have been given a pre-aged yellow exterior which further speaks to the shoes’ “Tokyo Vintage” nickname.
If you’re interested in copping, retailers like atmos Japan are slated to drop these on March 25 for $120 USD.
Elsewhere in sneakers, peep a closer look at an A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1 “Hand Wash Cold” sample.
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