A Newly Minted Air Jordan 1 “UNC” PE Emerges

Serious detailing adds to one of the most iconic AJ1s.

Matt Varga April 10, 2024

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At first glance, the PE pair that sample collector @englishsole posted yesterday might not stand out. After all, as one of the OG colorways for Mike’s first signature shoe, it’s constantly referenced and revitalized throughout the Jordan Brand catalog. However, this version, minted this year and given to current UNC athletes carries details that sets them far apart from mainline drops.

While “Powder Blue” is indelible in sneakerheads’ minds, those with a keen eye will spot a slight change in the palette featured here. The publicly released 2015 edition and its predecessors steered closer to Baby Blue, this version making the first time it’s a dead match for UNC’s signature shade. As you see at the top of this page, the collegiate argyle pattern on the insole is the true “special edition” touch. That section expands out the pattern seen on the side of the school’s basketball jerseys, continuing the ties to Mike’s Chapel Hill days.

Speaking of the 1980s, the cut of these shoes is also modified to closer match their OG run, carrying a higher collar and taller overall shape seen on “’85” Air Jordan 1 drops from the past few years. Were the ties to MJ’s alma mater unclear, the overlaid NC logo appears proudly on the tongue tag, doubling as a final indication of their ultra-exclusivity.

North Carolina’s March Madness run may have ended a bit before they hoped, but these shoes prove that no matter what happens, playing for Michael Jordan’s college team comes with some serious perks. Enjoy a full gallery of images below, containing plenty of angles of this Air Jordan 1 “UNC” PE.

For shoes making their way to the public, stay locked in to our Jordan Release Dates 2024 page, including this week’s Air Jordan 5 “Sail.”

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

: Air Jordan 1 PE @englishsole

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.