DTLR - The Lifestyle

Say Hello to the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue”

2023-07-17T12:07:36-04:00

Everyone loves baby-blue sneakers, especially Jordan Brand. Recently, the sportswear giant released the “UNC” Air Jordan 2 Retro Low. And later this month, we’ll be getting a University of North Carolina–inspired Air Jordan 1 Retro High to go along with it.

Dubbed the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue” or “UNC Toe,” this latest colorway is a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jordan's alma mater, The University of North Carolina. The sneaker boasts a stylish combination of white, black, and "University Blue" leather on its upper. Its colorblocking is reminiscent of the fan-favorite "Bred Toe" Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG.

The tongues proudly display Nike Air tabs, while the lateral ankle collars feature the silhouette’s signature embossed Wings logos. The upper is attached to white rubber midsole units, which house the sneaker’s hidden Air cushioning. “University Blue” rubber outsoles complete the design.

Looking to grab a pair? The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue” will be available July 22 on DTLR.com and DTLR stores in full-family sizing.

Nod to Brand Heritage in the Air Jordan Retro 4 'University Blue'

2021-04-26T00:00:00-04:00

While we’ll never hear “From Wilmington, North Carolina number 23…” from the PA inside the Dean Smith Center at the University of North Carolina, there’s no doubt that the popularity of an Air Jordan model colored in University Blue will ever die. The latest model to receive the all-over University Blue treatment happens to be one of the most popular models in the Jordan franchise, the Air Jordan 4. Go ahead and get in line because these will be HOT.

Behind the Design

Premium suede, highlighted in University Blue, covers most of the uppers on this popular model. The netting along with the laces, tongue, and sock liner are all also University Blue. While this might sound like overkill, it works beautifully on this pair. The lace holders are Black and give the uppers just a touch of contrast. Cement-toned and Black-speckled midsoles, heal, and rubber lace holder provide a great balance to the otherwise single-colored colorway. The tongue features an oversized tag that resembles that of a collegiate basketball jersey. While some enthusiasts didn’t care for the tongue tag out of the gate, it seems to have grown on everyone as a classy touch.

This retro will be an instant classic and a must-have in every serious sneakerhead’s collection. Make sure you mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 28th as these are not normal Saturday drop.

They’ll release in a full family size run with the men’s pairs retailing for an even $200. Be sure to follow our social and check out the blog for the latest raffle and release updates.

Set to Drop: Air Jordan 1 High OG University Blue

2021-04-03T00:00:00-04:00

The Air Jordan spring lineup swings into full force with the release of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue”. Arguably, the University Blue 1’s are one of the most highly anticipated releases of the season, and here’s a good reason why. The pair matches the classic design of the Air Jordan 1 with Jordan’s Alma Mater color palette.

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “University Blue” is so well done that when I sat down to write this article, I simply stared at the high-resolution images wondering “where do I even start”. The smooth suede of the lace holders, forefoot, ankle collar overlay and heal colored in University Blue just draw you into their goodness. The use of rich tumbled leather in White for the toe box and mid panel provide a nice contrast to the University Blue. The same goes for the tumbled leather Black Nike Swoosh and ankle collar - they both add just enough dark contrast without taking away from the Blue tones of the sneaker. To finish off the look, all of this goodness sits atop a White midsole and University Blue sole.

I really can’t personally tell you the last time a sneaker colorway was this well done - however, it could be that I’m a huge Blue fan or that I live 30 minutes from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Regardless of the reason, these Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG University Blues are not going to last long this Saturday, March 6th. In fact, I’ve already seen tweets from OG collectors asking anyone and everyone for a hand in grabbing their pair. Do not sleep on this release as they are a must-have for the collection. Be sure to follow our social accounts and refresh the blog for all release and raffle info. Good luck out there!

The Air Jordan 1 "University Blue" is available March 6, 2021, and retail for $170 USD both in stores and online at DTLR.com

Set to Drop: Air Jordan 9 Retro University Blue

2020-04-12T00:00:00-04:00

The University Blue Air Jordan 9 Retros are next up for release in an already solid Holiday 2020 lineup. Fun fact about the Air Jordan 9 - it’s the first model released while Michael wasn’t playing for the Chicago Bulls. In fact, the 9’s released during the year in which Jordan decided to retire from basketball and try his hand at pro baseball. While Jordan may not have worn these on the hardwoods, the 9’s still saw the court as PEs for other players such as Penny Hardaway which were similar in look to the pair releasing on December 5th.

This “UNC themed” Air Jordan 9 Retro follows the more traditional and OG colorway. The uppers are comprised of White leather featuring the classic perforated panels that give the 9’s a unique design. The Black felt overlay that runs the entire length of the shoe and up the heel to the collar along with the Black midsole provides a nice contrast to the White leather. University Blue is actually used sparingly throughout the shoe and can only be found on the tongue, heel, midsole, and bottom.

While these Air Jordan 9 Retros may be simple, they certainly are clean and versatile. For complete store location and release information, be sure to keep tabs on our social media pages and bookmark our site.