Jordan Brand continues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Air Jordan 1 by teaming back up with one of its most popular collaborators in an attempt to reach back for past glory, as the latest Union x Air Jordan 1 collab, dubbed the “Chicago Shadow,” drops on Thursday at 11 a.m. ET on Union’s website for a retail price of $200.
Of course, as I noted above, Union is no stranger to collaborating on the Air Jordan 1. Their 2018 Storm Blue collab remains one of the most popular Jordan 1s in recent memory, selling for an average price of $1,221 on 194 sales, which is good for a price premium of 332 percent. The led to a whole series of Union Jordan collabs, including on the Air Jordan 1 KO, the Air Jordan 2 and the Air Jordan 4. None have hit quite as hard as the Storm Blue Air Jordan 1s, but when rumors begin to swirl about potential Union x Jordan collabs there is still plenty of excitement.
Of course, we’re also at a different moment with the Air Jordan 1, as well. The heat has certainly cooled on the legendary model after Jordan Brand perhaps oversaturated the market following its pandemic-era peak. Colorways that would have instantly sold out and resold for big money on the resell market now regularly sit on store shelves, although it should be noted that the extremely limited Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Bred seems to have done reasonably well, selling for an average price of $574 on 234 sales on StockX.
This new Union x Air Jordan 1 collab is already on StockX as well, and is currently selling for an average price of $811 on 279 sales, which is pretty notable. That suggests this is the Union collab Jordan fans have been waiting for, and given the color blocking the two sides have chosen, it’s not hard to see why. The classic Air Jordan 1 upper combines the very popular “Chicago” colorway with the top collar portion of the “Shadow” colorway, making for a visually pleasing combination of classic Bulls red, white and black colors with a collar combination of black and grey, which fits really well. Of course, the “Chicago Shadow” has all the usual Union design elements, including the yellow “UN/LA” tag, the unfinished tongue with the foam exposed, and stitching (this time in Carolina blue), as well as several sets of laces (yellow, black and grey). The upper is complemented by an aged sail midsole as well as a red outsole, while the tongue is a combination of sail with a black top portion at the point where the Union stitching makes its appearance.
Union will also be releasing a clothing capsule to match, including hoodies and T-shirts.
Even with the cooling of the Air Jordan 1, the signs all point to this being an extremely popular release. The “Chicago Shadow” will likely land on a bunch of Sneaker of the Year lists, so its easy to see this being a quick sellout with high prices on the sneaker aftermarket. Best of luck to all looking to pick up a pair!
Union x Air Jordan 1 “Chicago Shadow” Release Details
| Sneaker | Release Date | Retail Price |
| Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Chicago Shadow“ | February 27 | $200 |
To see more of this month’s releases, check out our release date calendar.
