Jordan 1 Retro UNC Pays Homage to Jordan's Storied Past

Since Nike first released the Air Jordan 1 in 1985, there have been hundreds of unique models. Many of these represent new advancements in the technology behind this successful sneaker, but Nike loves creating special models.

Some of these special releases are collaborations with high-profile artists or other clothing brands. Others, like Jordan 1 Retros UNC, celebrate the achievements of sports teams.

The Original Air Jordan 1

The original Air Jordan 1 dropped in 1985 to mixed reviews, with some critics curious about why Nike had chosen to tie their fortunes to an untested rookie. As Michael Jordan's career blew away record after record, these critics soon changed their minds. Air Jordan has followed in Jordan's footsteps, passing milestone after milestone with uncompromising excellence.

Sneaker technology is constantly evolving, and Nike has made sure its signature shoe remains relevant by tweaking its design. Starting with the Jordan 2, launched in 1987, Nike has released a new Air Jordan almost every year. Today, there are 35 different numbered versions of the shoe. As you can see from eBay's listings, some are slightly different while others radically reimagine the iconic Air Jordan profile.

The Jordan Retro 1

While its updates to the Jordan sneaker continued, Nike realized that nostalgia was a powerful motivator for consumers and collectors alike. In 1994, the footwear company released the first Jordan retro sneaker. This shoe called back to the first Air Jordan design with its classic red and white colorway, updated with modern touches and tweaks. Since then, Nike has kept up a steady stream of Jordan Retros for all of the brand’s most beloved models, including the Jordan 1 Retro, Jordan 4 Retro, and Jordan 11 Retro.

UNC Basketball and Nike

Although he's primarily remembered today for his time as a basketball legend with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan got his start playing in another part of the country. In the early 1980s, a young Jordan studied at the University of North Carolina. Jordan was also one of the star players of the school's NCAA basketball team, helping the Tar Heels clinch a national championship when he was just a freshman.

In recognition of Jordan's history with UNC, Nike has released several Air Jordan sneakers in the university's light blue and white colorway. The appreciation goes both ways, with the UNC basketball court featuring Air Jordan's iconic Jumpman logo on one of its nets. One of Nike's most popular UNC-branded Jordans is the Jordan Retro 1 UNC.

The Jordan 1 Retro UNC

The Jordan Retro 1 UNC is a high-top sneaker with a white base and Tar Heel blue panels. Like other Jordan 1 Retros, the UNC features the original Air Jordan logo on the heel and doesn't have a Jumpman. The sneaker also has a blue Swoosh and blue outsole. One of the Air Jordan colorways from way back in 1985, the retro version of this sneaker was released in 2015.