Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 12)

In an effort to emphasize the concept of quality over quantity, I’ve started refining the kind of footwear on my wishlist. Instead of purchasing more pairs of lower quality sneakers which I’m not entirely interested in, I’m making sure I won’t regret the purchases I’m making. Recently, I was able to add the highly-coveted and exclusive Air Jordan 1 collaboration with Los Angeles-based streetwear company Union in the “Black Toe” colorway to my collection, which I will be featuring in this post. Let’s jump into it.

If you’ve read the previous installments from this series, you know that the Air Jordan 1 High Retro is my favorite sneaker silhouette of all time. Whether it’s the original colorways which released when Michael Jordan was active in the 1985 season or new collaborative offerings, I’m a sucker for this shoe. In recent years, Jordan Brand has teamed up with the likes of Off-White, Travis Scott, Union, and Dior to create some of the most hyped sneakers in a long time. While incorporating the essential characteristics of this instantly-recognizable silhouette, this Union collaboration also utilizes minor design changes which just makes this pair pop.

This sneaker combines classic colorways elegantly, pairing the original “Natural Grey” upper and tongue with the “Black Toe” heel and toebox. A stitched and exposed tongue gives this pair a rugged and vintage vibe, which is accentuated by a soft yellow midsole, similar to that of the Travis Scott Air Jordan 1. Blue and yellow accents throughout this pair makes them even more noticeable and unique. I would sub in the alternate yellow laces if it weren’t for the amazing default pair which splits halfway down the middle, pairing black and cream together beautifully. This is how collaborations should be done: unique and experimental while maintaining what made the silhouette a classic in the first place.

Taking a different approach to buying sneakers has been very fulfilling and satisfying so far. Prioritizing quality over quantity is a practice which I’m trying to apply to every aspect of my life, not just the sneakers on my feet. But either way, most sneakerheads respect the Air Jordan 1 High X Union for the amazing collaboration that they are. Me included. What do you think of these? Let me know. Thanks for reading.