Air Jordan 1 High OG x UNION x Bephies Beauty Supply Summer '96

LA-based retailer Union has been part of the streetwear scene for time, or as the brand puts it, “Keepin’ you fly since 1989”. For most, the retailer burst onto the scene with a collaboration with Jordan Brand, releasing an Air Jordan 1 High capsule in 2018 that would take the footwear industry by storm. Since then, the brand has dropped a number of hot collaborations with the Jumpman, such as the Air Jordan 4 capsule that arrived with a foldable tongue. That being said, none have replicated the level of hype that was stirred up by the AJ1s, so could this Woven “Sail” edition reach those peaks once again?

The in-hand photos reveal that the Air Jordan 1 High OG is the silhouette of choice yet again, the colourway resembling the OG “Neutral Grey” make-up that debuted in ‘85. The stitched ankle collar returns but doesn’t Frankenstein two different colourways together, instead placing the focus on the pair’s new features. The savvy sneakerhead out there will recognise the interesting woven pattern that rides along the sidewall isn’t new at all, yet borrowed from the Nike Air Footscape Woven. Probably one of the brand’s most unconventional designs, the AFW was created by Tory Orzeck in 1996 and gained a huge cult following in Japan. For the first time ever, the woven detailing has been transferred onto the upper of the Air Jordan 1, inspired by woven textiles that consistently crop up as part of the couple's memories of their Afro-Caribbean background.

The rest of the shoe features regular hits of branding such as the Nike Air tongue label and Union LA yellow tab. The Air Footscape seems to be a gaining way for a serious rollout in 2023, as the Swoosh is set to release retro versions of the Air Footscape Woven “Cow”, along with a hot collaboration with sacai that was spotted during Paris Fashion Week SS23.

Hitting retailer raffles and the Nike SNKRS app on the 26th of August, you can rest assured that demand for the Air Jordan 1 x UNION x Bephies Beauty Supply "Summer '96" will be high. As sneakerheads across the world slowly warm to this new take on the iconic Air Jordan 1 High, you won't want to miss out on having this pair in your collection. For more information on how to grab yourself a pair, keep it locked to The Sole Supplier!

For sizing information check out our Nike Air Jordan 1 size guide.