Whenever the word collaboration is ever mentioned in relation to Nike, without fail, union is one of the first to come to mind. The reason for this? The many iconic sneakers that came about as a result of these two brands coming together throughout the years. Let’s take a closer look at some of these sneakers by Madkicks, shall we?
Blast from the Past
Union is an incredibly reputable boutique in LA. Its charm? It is a cultural hub for everything streetwear, art, and music. Hence, you’ll see many collaborations with brands from different backgrounds, and aesthetics, such as Clarks Wallabees, Undefeated, and J. Crew. However, it is Union’s collaboration with Nike UAE that’s paved the way for unmatched innovation and creativity in streetwear. Between Nike’s supreme craftsmanship and technology and Union’s blend of fashion and functionality, their collaboration is always a recipe for success that has made for some of the most sought-after sneakers to hit the market to date.
Their story began in 2005, when Nike decided to expand their global reach by collaborating with some streetwear brands. Amongst the many successful releases, it was the Nike X Unions reimagination of the Air Force 180 in the vibrant “clerks perk” colorway that took center stage for its creative design – and from then on, the rest was history! Since that release, many collaborations between the two brands have ensued. However, it was only in 2020 that we got a taste of Union’s artistry in relation to Jordan Brand’s third silhouette, the Air Jordan 4, and we can’t believe it didn’t come any sooner!
Union x Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir” & “Guava Ice”
“Off Noir” and “Guava Ice,” the first colorways birthed by this iconic collaboration, were an immediate hit upon their release; the former was a regular release, while the latter was exclusive to Union’s boutique. Although both sneakers follow the same theme, they give off two completely different vibes: Off Noir is completely encompassed in darkness, while Guava Ice is as light as day. These two are the ultimate contrasting sneakers to add to your collection!
The silhouette of the Air Jordan 4 was tactfully selected for this specific design due to its versatility when it comes to design reiterations. Hence, a perforated, stitched tongue was introduced as one of the key features of this new design. The upper of the “Off Noir” colorway features a mix of mesh and suede dressed in black and blue. Additionally, red hues can be found across this sneaker, which artistically breaks its uniformity. Similarly, the “Guava Ice” colorway follows the same theme, but with an eye-catching pink and blue cast across the upper this time. The best part? Both sneakers include a yellowed sole, as opposed to the traditional white one. This artistic choice is a clear nod to the classic, retro Jordan designs that we all know and love. With all of its eccentricities, this sneaker is a cultural reset, to say the least. If you’re into the hard-to-find vintage aesthetic in today’s sneaker market, then these sneakers are definitely for you!
Union X Air Jordan 4 “Taupe Haze” & “Desert Moss”
Following the success of the 2020 release, Union and Jordan Brand came together yet again for another awe-inspiring release. This time it was in celebration of Union’s 30th anniversary! The theme of this collection is “Tent or Trail,” which pays homage to the 80s and early 90s trend of outdoor clothing and gear amongst city kids. The colorways “Taupe Haze” and “Desert Moss” clearly take inspiration from cramping equipment; hence, you’ll find that earthy tones completely dominate this collection as opposed to the dark and bright colors of the previous drop.
When it comes to the design, you’ll discover that there are many parallels to the legendary 2020 Union x Air Jordan 4 release. For instance, the beloved iconic stitched tongue and plastic translucent wings were brought back once again! As for the palette, the upper of “Desert Moss” is dominated by muted yellow and purple hues, while pops of bright blue can be traced all across the lower eyelets and heel counter. “Taupe Haze,” the former’s sibling, is almost completely dressed in gray with bright green and blue hues across the eyelets/ heels and the interior lining/ tongues, respectively. Whether you’re an 80s kid, a vintage lover, or a sneaker enthusiast, this collection is definitely the perfect fit for you!
Where to Shop
We can’t wait to see what these two geniuses have in store for the upcoming years. For now, we can take the time to truly appreciate the preeminence of the 2020 and 2021 releases. You can head on to Mad Kicks’ online store to browse our selection of tough-to-find Union X Air Jordan 4 releases.
