NIKE SB x AIR JORDAN 1 – 15.3.14

If you weren’t skateboarding in the 1980s, the connection between one of the most significant pieces of basketball footwear and the skateboarding world might seem bizarre. But look back through the archives of skate history and you’ll soon come across the Jordan 1 being worn by some of the best skaters of all-time.

The often-referenced photo of Stacy Peralta’s Bones Brigade simultaneously handplanting at the Chin ramp says it all: if you had the funds, the Nike Jordan was a quality skate shoe. So although this release seemingly came from nowhere, the NIKE SB JORDAN 1 is definitely a worthy addition to the NIKE SB range.

The outside elements stay strictly within the Bones Brigade camp, as Nike have involved Craig Stecyk (whose artistic contributions to the early Powell Peralta ads and videos are legendary) for the first of the series. What first appears to be a relatively subdued colourway offers a slick iridescent upper upon closer look, referencing bronze casting and looking much like an insect wing case. Stecyk’s familiar ‘vato’ style typography spans the width of the heel panel, with an ‘AJ One SB’ inscription that also appears on the insole. A high top always offers decent ankle support, so to apply this style to skate footwear is a no-brainer. The premium leather and Air cushioning is the icing on the cake.

OG Bones Brigader, Lance Mountain (who is as respected for his creativity as much as his skating), will contribute his skills to a second edition later in the year. If they’re anything like his previous collaborations, they’ll be just as desirable as this first installment.

The NIKE SB x AIR JORDAN 1 designed by Craig Stecyk is scheduled to drop on SATURDAY 15.3.14 with the confirmed list of UK stockists that can be found via the link-through to the RELEASE PAGE below.

By @chrisaylen