This Rare Air Jordan Sneaker Was Made for Michael Jordan’s Alma Mater
The “UNC Reimagined” Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG will finally arrive at retailers Saturday, but there’s another recently surfaced Tar Heels-themed Air Jordan that certainly won’t be found in stores.
A new Air Jordan 9 “UNC” PE was shared by collector English Sole. Issued to University of North Carolina athletes during the 2024-25 season, it’s believed that only 50 pairs of this particular player exclusive were produced. Built in a white leather with a mix of blue tones, the team-issued colorway is reminiscent of a mix of the Air Jordan 9’s “Powder Blue” and “Pearl Blue” colorways.
The toothy midsole of the model is colored in a navy shade, while the patent leather mudguard shifts to a more traditional Carolina blue shade. The mix of blues is also used on branding throughout the shoe, and a custom “UNC” tongue tag makes the Tar Heels connection official. Somewhat surprisingly, there are no other visible North Carolina logos on the shoe.
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While there’s little likelihood of this “UNC” PE being released, there are opportunities for fans to pick up similar looks now. The aforementioned “Powder Blue” style was last released in 2024 and currently has an under-retail average price on the resale market, while the “Pearl Blue” pair, last released in 2019, commands a heftier price tag.
The Air Jordan 9 was first released in 1993 during Michael Jordan’s first retirement from the NBA. Jordan wore cleated versions of the model on the baseball field, appeared in “Space Jam” while wearing the shoe’s white, black and red colorway and later, wore the “Cool Gray” makeup as a member of the Washington Wizards.
As for the “UNC Reimagined” Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG, the vintage-inspired colorway will be released Saturday from SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers for $180 in adult sizes. The style will also be available in big kids ($140), little kids ($85) and toddler ($70) sizing.
