Featured Grail: Union x Air Jordan 1 High Black Toe & Storm Blue (2018)

Grail Context

In 2018, Union Los Angeles redefined what a retro collaboration could be. Rather than redesigning the Air Jordan 1 from scratch, Union’s Chris Gibbs deconstructed it and stitched together two original colorways into hybrids known as the Black Toe and Storm Blue Union 1s.

Both pairs instantly became modern grails because they captured something rare by making a classic and heavily retro'd silhouette something that felt new again while also seeming old. The exposed zig-zag stitching, mismatched collar panels, pre-yellowed midsoles, and vintage hangtags created the illusion of a forgotten sample from 1985.

Release History

The Union x Jordan 1 collection released in November 2018 via Union’s website and a limited in-store drop in Los Angeles. Retail was $190. Distribution was extremely tight, with most pairs allocated through Union’s own channels rather than broad Nike distribution.

The concept merged original 1985 color blocking from two models into one:
- Black Toe base + Neutral Grey collar
- Storm Blue base + Varsity Red collar

Both colorways featured:
- Exposed yellow zig-zag stitching at the collar seam
- Vintage-style Nike Air tongue tags
- Slightly pre-aged midsoles
- Special packaging and extra laces that popped

Unlike some modern collaborations, there has been no retro or restock. The 2018 pairs remain the only official release of the Black Toe and Storm Blue color ways. There have been more recent releases that haven't really reached grail status like the Jordan 1 Union LA Bephies Beauty Supply Summer of ‘96 and the Jordan 1 Union LA Chicago Shadow, which is a bit surprising being that it's based on the extremely popular Chicago color way. The versions that also released this weekend in the collaboration with Fragment in the Jordan 1 Fragment x Union LA Varsity Red Sport Royal, Jordan 1 Fragment x Union LA Sport Royal, and Jordan 1 Fragment x Union LA White Black all seem like they have a chance to be grails based on the triple collaboration factor, limited nature, and lines around LA to acquire them.

Market Profile

Since launch, both colorways have remained firmly in grail pricing tiers. Both pairs are often in the $1,000–$2,500+ range depending on size and condition.

Both pairs also saw immediate resale spikes after release and have shown long-term value stability rather than volatility. The Black Toe historically has commanded a premium due to broader wearability and Chicago-adjacent appeal, but recently in some sizes the Storm Blue is higher.

Rarity & Provenance

Exact production numbers were never publicly disclosed, but supply was limited enough that most buyers struck out at release. The drop became infamous for website crashes and checkout chaos which was a common popular sneaker occurrence in 2018 that remains a problem 8 years later.

Culturally, these pairs were quickly adopted by tastemakers. Figures such as Travis Scott, Drake, and fashion insiders were seen wearing them early, reinforcing their status beyond sneaker circles. Unlike louder collaborations, Union 1s earned credibility in both streetwear and high-fashion environments.

Scarcity today is driven less by production limits and more by strong hands. Most owners are collectors who understand what they hold. Pairs do not flood the market.

Style Perspective

The brilliance of the Union 1 lies in restraint. Both colorways feel vintage and layered without being loud. The Black Toe leans classic and versatile. It pairs effortlessly with neutral fits, denim, and modern streetwear staples. It’s the easier daily wear of the two.

The Storm Blue offers more color contrast and slightly stronger OG energy. It appeals to collectors who favor original 1985 aesthetics.

As a set, they represent one of the strongest Jordan collaborations of the last decade. They feel historical rather than trendy which is exactly why they’ve aged so well and have inspired more collaborations to be made.

Editorial Take

With a new Union collaboration arriving this weekend, it’s worth remembering: the 2018 Union 1s succeeded because they respected history instead of chasing hype. That restraint is what turned them into modern grails.

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