Air Jordan 1 — Home — What’s Cool?

Fall is finally upon us, which means that the Earth tones, boots, and Fall aesthetics from my wardrobe are finally in full swing again. This year has been packed full of exciting sneaker releases, collaborations, and high-end designer sales, some of which I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on. Fortunately, I am once again able to write another installment of my favorite series here on this blog with part 14 of Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series.

Pair 1 (Upper Left): Saint Laurent Paris Wyatt in Brown Suede

The Saint Laurent Paris Wyatt has cemented itself as one of the most recognizable and iconic silhouettes in all of high-end menswear. Its signature heel and cowboy-like strap take this pair’s playfulness to the next level in the brown suede colorway, as opposed to my black leather pair’s elegance and presence. SLP’s craftsmanship is top-notch, and after many wears, the Wyatt’s sole is still holding up strongly. I was lucky to grab a pair from SSENSE on an over 50% off sale, which is essential given this boot’s retail price. Even though I will be wearing these year-round, and their deep brown color and buttery suede were built for the Autumn season.

Pair 2 (Lower Left): Air Jordan 1 High Retro ‘85 “Neutral Gray”

The Air Jordan 1 High is easily my favorite sneaker of all time. The “Neutral Gray” colorway, after its initial release in 1985, was brought back for the first time in 36 years this year and came fully adorned with the original detailings that made the first pair so special. A slightly higher-than-usual heel cut, a soft suede swoosh, and an ever-so-slightly blue tint to the sneaker’s tongue are impressive details that complement this shoe’s simple and clean design.

Pair 3 (Upper Right): Air Jordan 3 Retro X A Ma Maniére “Raised By Women”

Of all the sneakers I’ve added to my collection in recent years, the Air Jordan 3 Retro X A Ma Maniére “Raised By Women” is one of my favorites. Jordan Brand’s collaboration with Atlanta streetwear staple A Ma Maniére brings out the best from the Air Jordan 3. Thick suede elegantly replaces the iconic elephant print found on most threes, while aged and vintage-looking color tones add to this sneaker’s vibe. An homage to the women that raised him, this shoe is a powerful statement from its designer. This is easily the sneaker of the year.

Pair 4 (Lower Right): New Balance 550 X Aimé Leon Dore “Evergreen”

Speaking of collaborations, New Balance recently teamed back up with New York streetwear brand Aimé Leon Dore for the re-release of the 550. This vintage basketball silhouette checks all of the boxes for what makes sneakers popular in 2021: It is slightly chunky, features various materials, and features neutral colors that go with everything. I picked up the green pair, but wouldn’t be against also adding the gray ones eventually, as well. The cream lace swap just puts these over the top.

Although I’ve been writing a lot about music on this page recently, sneakers are still my favorite hobby and interest. I’m lucky to rock many of my dream shoes and pick up a lot of the best releases in any given month, and this year has been especially rewarding in that sense. What’s your favorite pair featured here?

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.