Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneakers: First look, design speculations, and everything we know so far

Jordan Brand and Union Los Angeles are reportedly set to drop the Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneakers.

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, the shoes are scheduled to be released on February 28, 2025, with a retail price point of around $200. Upon release, fans can find the pair exclusively on Union Los Angeles' official site. However, a wider release via the official website of Nike, the SNKRS app, and select Jordan Brand retailers is also expected.

Disclaimer: Details of the Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneakers are only speculated and are not yet confirmed by the brand. They are subject to change.

This collaboration between Jordan Brand and Union LA is expected to bring a fresh take to the beloved Air Jordan 1 silhouette. Union LA is a known name in streetwear. Their partnership with Jordan Brand dates back to 2018, when they released two Air Jordan 1 High OG models that stitched together different OG colorways. The Frankenstein-like construction, aged details, and premium materials made those pairs gain attention from sneakerheads worldwide.

Now in 2025, Union is reportedly back with this latest edition, the Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Varsity Red” or "I'm Back.". It is believed to continue its tradition of remixing OG Jordan colorways with a retro-inspired look.

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How might the Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneakers look?

The “I’m Back” Air Jordan 1 High has been featured with eye-catching color blocking and visible stitching, Sneaker Bar Detroit reports. The sneaker allegedly merges elements from two of the much-acclaimed Air Jordan 1 colorways, Chicago and Shadow, creating a hybrid look.

Its colorway is labeled Varsity Red/Black-Sail-Shadow Grey-Muslin, reports claim. Some of its other speculated features include:

Upper

• The lower half of the sneaker is dressed in the beloved Varsity Red, White, and Black hues of the Air Jordan 1 “Chicago,” a colorway often related to Michael Jordan’s early NBA days.
• The ankle collar of the Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” takes inspiration from the Air Jordan 1 “Shadow,” featuring a Shadow Grey tone that contrasts the rest of the upper.
• A University Blue stitch has been added that separates the two sections.

Additional speculated details

• The sneaker features a premium leather upper with a slightly aged appearance. It gives a nod to Union’s vintage-inspired design language.
• A muslin midsole gives off an intentionally worn-in look.
• The tongue tag has exposed seams and a paper-like finish.
• The insole reportedly includes illustrations that reference the shoe’s design process.

Lacing and customization

Union LA has a trend of offering extra lacing options. Hence, one can expect multiple lace colors, likely including black, red, and blue, to match the Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneaker’s color palette.

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Potential drawbacks

• Stitched-together design: While the alleged Frankenstein-like design of Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High “I’m Back” sneakers is intentional, some fans might prefer a more traditional Air Jordan 1 look. The visible blue stitching may not appeal to everyone.
• Limited availability: With an initial Union-exclusive release, securing a pair will likely be challenging, especially if no Nike SNKRS drop is confirmed.

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Keep an eye on the official pages for more updates.

Also Read: Nike reportedly set to launch Air Jordan 1 Mid "Cracked Leather" sneakers for Valentine's Day 2025