The Air Jordan 1 Low Cleat ‘UNC’ PE Is End Zone-Worthy

The UNC colourway has become a hallowed combo for sneakerheads since its inception back in the 1980s. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina (UNC), the scheme has been synonymous with Jordan’s legendary Tar Heels legacy, with His Airness famously hitting the championship-clinching jumper during his freshman season.

The University of North Carolina will not be forgetting this hoops history anytime soon, and the UNC football squad are preparing their new player edition cleats to celebrate the fresh college football season (set to kick off in a few short weeks). The official Instagram account for the UNC football team have now shared images of an upcoming Air Jordan 1 ‘UNC’ cleat, and the model comes imbued with the hallmark ‘University Blue’ hue. Down by the heels, the cleat exudes a vintage aesthetic, with pre-worn and distressed treatments adding character to the design. It’s set to be another big year for Jordan college football cleats, as the Jumpman continue to work with several universities on exclusive models. The brand first broadened their partnership to include football in 2017. It’s also not the only model we’ve seen teased of late. A few weeks ago, we also got a look at an Air Jordan 3 ‘UNC’ cleat, which comes emblazoned with the legendary elephant print along the mudguards.

Unfortunately, you’re going to have to make the squad to lace these. But luckily, there’s plenty of other options for sneakerheads on the football field. For more on cleats, make sure to check out our in-depth history unpacking their influence from the field to the street – albeit across the pond!