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A Standout Year for Air Jordan Releases

The year 2021 has already seen several iconic releases from Michael Jordan’s signature sneaker brand. While the global pandemic has slowed travel and in-person events, Jordan Brand has taken to the skies with a array of collaborations and retro colorways of its most beloved silhouettes. Fans both casual and die-hard continue flocking to each new drop, proving that Air Jordans remain among the most coveted sneakers in the game. Looking back at the first half of the year, several releases stand out as true highlights.

Union LA Remixes the Air Jordan 4
# “Tent and Trail” Pays Homage to the Outdoors

One of the first major drops of 2021 came from creative studio Union LA. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Union partnered with Jordan Brand on a special Air Jordan 4 project. Union is known for putting its signature spin on classic sneakers, and the “Tent and Trail” 4s were no exception. Drawing inspiration from 1980s and 1990s outdoor apparel, the sneakers blended rugged hiking aesthetics with Union’s streetwear flair.

The “Tent” colorway featured an army green suede and nylon mesh upper with contrasting yellow accents, a nod to vintage tents and equipment. Meant for more rugged terrain, it featured durable rubber outsoles. Its counterpart, the “Trail” colorway, took on earthier tones of tans and browns done up in premium suede and nubuck. Both versions incorporated Union’s unique twill side panel branding as well as reflective details and breathable mesh for comfort on the trail.

Though perhaps not meant for serious hiking, the “Tent and Trail” 4s proved a creative re-imagining of the classic Jordan shape through an outdoorsy lens. Union once again delivered a project that was daring in its design while paying homage to the rich history of the sneaker that inspired it. Fans were eager to experience the brand’s unique vision, helping the collabs sell out instantly.

“University Blue” Brings the Heat
# The Original AJ1 Colorway Proves its Timelessness

In January, Jordan Brand released its much-anticipated “University Blue” version of the inaugural Air Jordan 1. With its roots tracing back to MJ’s rookie season, this color blocking is one of the most recognizable and beloved. Clad in a mainly white leather upper accented by University blue detailing on the Swooshes, wing logo, and midsole, it is simply executed yet undeniably stylish.

Though positioned as a general release, excitement and demand for the “University Blue” 1s were off the charts. Sneakerheads new and seasoned rushed online and camped out at stores hoping to secure a pair. It sold out instantly due to the model’s nostalgic appeal to older collectors as well as Jordan Brand’s continued growth among younger audiences. The first AJ1 still holds icon status some 35 years later, and this celebratory colorway proved the original’s timeless design has lost none of its allure.

Some speculated the buzz could have been fueled further by the impending release of Space Jam: A New Legacy, with Michael B. Jordan taking over LeBron James’ role from the first film. However, the true hype stemmed from sneakerheads’ undying love for one of the pillars of sneaker culture that started it all back in 1985. With its simplicity and nostalgia hitting all the right notes, the “University Blue” 1 just might go down as one of the best sneaker releases of 2021.

A Ma Maniére Honors Jordan’s Impact
# Luxurious “Raised by Women” AJ3 Collab

Atlanta boutique A Ma Maniére has delivered standout collabs with Jordan Brand in the past and 2021 was no different. To honor Black History Month in February, the store partnered with Jordan on a special Air Jordan 3 project titled “Raised by Women.” This thoughtful collection paid tribute to the influential women who helped shape Michael Jordan—and by extension the Jordan Brand—into the powerful figures they are today.

Crafted from premium white leather and nubuck with tonal branding, the “Raised by Women” 3 exuded luxury and elegance meant to do these strong matriarchs justice. A Ma Maniére founder and creative director Jonny Duhaney conceived the colorway and campaign to respectfully acknowledge the impact of the pivotal women around MJ during his upbringing and basketball career, including his mother and grandmother.

The AJ3 is already an fan favorite silhouette for its innovative full-length visible Air unit, making it the perfect canvas. This luxe execution and meaningful concept elevated the sneaker from a simple retro to a piece highlighting Jordan’s success as intertwined with the strength of women. Both sneakerheads and supporters of Black History Month quickly scooped up the “Raised by Women” 3s to recognize those who helped shape not just the man but also the legacy of one of sports’ all-time greats.

Trophy Room Takes Inspiration from the “Chicago” Colorway
# MJ’s Son Debuts His Highly Anticipated AJ1

One of most talked about Jordan releases came courtesy of Trophy Room, the store founded by Michael Jordan’s son Marcus. For their first Air Jordan 1 collaboration in March, Trophy Room took inspiration from the original iconic “Chicago” color blocking featuring alternating panels of white, red, and black leather. However, Marcus opted to remix the scheme with unique touches befitting the Trophy Room aesthetic and theme.

The black and red colors dominated more prominently over the white, making for a much bolder, almost inverse take on the classic colorway. Premium materials like tumbled leather elevated the craftsmanship. Contrast stitching in white added dimension, while “XXXIII” hit the toe – a reference to MJ’s jersey number. Metallic gold hardware, top-stitched Swooshes, and Marcus’ signature stamped on the heel fanned speculations of whose Friends and Family pair it truly was meant to be.

The exclusivity amplified hype to unprecedented levels, with resellers asking up to $10,000 per shoe as fans frantically sought a pair. While controversy surrounded bots and backdoor dealings, the release spotlighted Marcus’ vision and Trophy Room’s emerging presence within the industry. For better or worse, it stands as one of 2021’s most talked about and lucrative Jordan drops so far.

Travis Scott Electrifies the Air Jordan 6
# Cactus Jack Brings a New Level of Energy

Chart-topping artist Travis Scott continues breaking records with every Jordan collab drop. In April, he tapped the legendary Air Jordan 6 silhouette for his buzzworthy “British Khaki” colorway. Constructed from premium nubuck and suede with a khaki hue, it perfectly embodied Scott’s laidback fashion aesthetic.

But what truly ignited hype were the glow-in-the-dark details – a signature flourish that has become synonymous with Scott’s Jordan designs. The midsoles, lace loops, and heel stitching all emitted a neon glow when charged under UV or natural light. It brought an edgy new dimension that excited sneakerheads and fans of La Flame’s genre-bending music alike.

Meanwhile, the stash pocket on the heel was redesigned with an all-over Cactus Jack logo embroidered motif. It tied the sneaker directly to Scott’s creative vision while retaining elements core to the AJ6’s identity. Between the revolutionary glow aspects and coveted tie-up with today’s biggest pop culture figure, the “British Khaki” 6s electrified the sneaker world as one of 2021’s standout moments thus far.