Concept Lab // Air Jordan 1 High “Michigan”

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Nike’s College Colors Program changed the landscape of sneaker culture forever. It was originally designed to tap into school spirit, but in 1986, when their series of college-colored Dunks and matching apparel released to the market, fans finally got something that they could flex to show support outside of a jersey. Before that, sneaker releases were pretty basic; white, black or white and black, as the NBA had strict rules for on-court shoes. It was like nothing people had seen before, and the program helped introduce the Nike Dunk — and sneakers in general — beyond the world of basketball.

Arguably the most famous sneaker from the College Series of Dunks is the Michigan pair, which saw its last release back in 2015 and was recently tributed by Virgil Abloh in his trio of OFF-WHITE Dunk Lows. The colorway is so revered, yet it’s never graced its sister silhouette that released the same year — another sneaker that’s hold an elite status — the Air Jordan 1 High. Sure, it hit a mid-cut back in 2013, but the soles were yellow — not navy like the OG — and it’s a mid. They sold well, though, but we’re tipping not as well as these would.

Our concept rips the Dunk’s blocking one-for-one, including Amarillo leather uppers, overlayed by smooth navy leather, yellow nylon tongues, crisp white midsole, and navy laces, liners, and outsoles. An instant classic in the making.

Wanna see more of our sneaker concept work? You can check out every single one of them right here.