5 Reasons Why The Air Jordan 1 Union 'Storm Blue' Is Still The GOAT Sneaker (And Its 2025 Legacy)

Released in 2018, the Union LA x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG 'Storm Blue' is not just a sneaker; it is a pivotal moment in sneaker history. This collaboration, alongside its 'Black Toe' counterpart, redefined what a collaboration could be, blending iconic Air Jordan 1 colorways into a deconstructed, 'Frankenstein' masterpiece. As of December 2025, years after its initial drop, the 'Storm Blue' remains one of the most coveted, expensive, and influential sneakers on the secondary market, a true testament to the vision of Union LA owner Chris Gibbs.

The enduring legacy of the 'Storm Blue' is particularly relevant now, as the sneaker world eagerly awaits new Union LA x Air Jordan 1 projects, including the rumored 2025 'Chicago Shadow' and the 2026 Fragment collaboration. To understand the hype for the future, you must first understand the legend of the original. Here is a deep dive into why the BV1300-146 'Storm Blue' is still considered the greatest Union Jordan release.

The Design Blueprint: A 'Frankenstein' Masterpiece

The core genius of the Union Air Jordan 1 'Storm Blue' lies in its audacious, yet perfectly executed, design concept: splicing two original 1985 Air Jordan 1 colorways into a single shoe. This wasn't just a new colorway; it was a conceptual art piece on a basketball silhouette.

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Union LA owner Chris Gibbs drew inspiration from the idea of finding and wearing a vintage, mismatched pair of sneakers that had been repaired or customized.

• The Fusion: The 'Storm Blue' colorway specifically combines the main body of the original 'Storm Blue' Air Jordan 1 with the collar and ankle section of the classic 'Bred' (or 'Black/Varsity Red') colorway.
• The Exposed Stitching: The most recognizable feature is the visible, zig-zag University Blue stitching that literally binds the two sections of the shoe together. This detail—a deliberate nod to a makeshift, handcrafted repair—is what gives the sneaker its unique, deconstructed aesthetic and is a critical point for any 'legit check.'
• Vintage Aesthetic: Completing the look is the pre-yellowed midsole and tongue tag, which immediately gives the shoe a vintage, worn-in feel, making it look like a treasured relic pulled straight from an 80s archive.

This "docked high-cut silhouette" was a bold risk that paid off, establishing Union as a premier collaborator capable of reinterpreting an icon without disrespecting its heritage.

5 Reasons The 'Storm Blue' Remains Untouchable

While the 'Black Toe' version often gets slightly more attention, the 'Storm Blue' is arguably the more unique and visually striking of the original two. Its enduring popularity is cemented by several key factors.

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1. The Unprecedented Resale Value and Rarity

Despite releasing years ago with a modest retail price of $190, the Union LA 'Storm Blue' remains one of the most expensive non-OG Air Jordan 1s on the secondary market. Its scarcity, combined with its legendary status, drives the price premium.

• Current Market Status: As of late 2025, the average sale price for the 'Storm Blue' is consistently in the four-figure range, often exceeding $1,300, depending on the size and condition.
• Price Premium: The sneaker maintains an astronomical price premium, showcasing its investment-grade quality among collectors.
• Limited Availability: Initial distribution was extremely limited, with the 'Storm Blue' being particularly difficult to acquire, often only available through Union LA itself, fueling its mystique and value.

2. Chris Gibbs’ Vision and Storytelling

Every element of the design tells a story rooted in the culture of Los Angeles and Chris Gibbs' personal history. The attention to detail on the leather quality and the overall construction was paramount, ensuring the shoe would "wear well" and "fit well," reflecting a deep respect for the original silhouette.

Gibbs' approach was not just about color blocking; it was about capturing the essence of '80s Black and Latino style, where customization and making old things new were common. This authentic, personal narrative elevated the shoe from a simple collaboration to a cultural artifact.

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3. The Iconic UN/LA Woven Tag

A subtle yet crucial branding element is the small yellow woven tag stitched beneath the classic Wings logo. This UN/LA woven label instantly identifies the shoe as a Union collaboration. While other collabs have used variations of this tag, its debut on the 2018 Air Jordan 1s solidified it as a stamp of unparalleled quality and design innovation, a detail that is now instantly recognizable worldwide.

4. Setting the Template for Future Collaborations

The 'Storm Blue' didn't just succeed; it created a new template for sneaker collaborations. Its deconstructed, vintage-inspired fusion approach was entirely new for Nike and Jordan Brand. This groundbreaking design paved the way for every subsequent Union project, from the Jordan 4 to the Air Jordan 2, and most importantly, the highly anticipated upcoming Jordan 1 releases.

The 'Storm Blue' Legacy: Paving the Way for 2025 & 2026

The enduring influence of the 2018 'Storm Blue' is most evident in the buzz surrounding the next generation of Union Air Jordan 1s. The original collaboration serves as the benchmark against which all future releases are measured, proving its cultural staying power.

Upcoming Union LA x Air Jordan 1 Releases

The new releases draw directly from the 'Storm Blue' blueprint, incorporating the mismatched, spliced design elements and the vintage aesthetic.

Union LA x Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Chicago Shadow' (2025)

This highly anticipated release is set to continue the 'Frankenstein' theme, reportedly blending elements of the iconic 'Chicago' and 'Shadow Grey' colorways. Specific details include a pre-yellowed midsole and the signature exposed stitching, ensuring it maintains the handcrafted, makeshift vibe of the 2018 originals. The expected release date is around February 2025.

Fragment x Union x Air Jordan 1 High OG (2026)

Looking further ahead, the sneaker community is already buzzing about a potential three-way collaboration that would combine the design forces of Union LA, Fragment Design (Hiroshi Fujiwara), and Jordan Brand. This release, rumored for February 2026, would represent a monumental moment, fusing three of the most influential entities in sneaker culture, all thanks to the foundation laid by the original 'Storm Blue' concept.

In addition to the high-top collaborations, Jordan Brand is also set to release a non-Union Air Jordan 1 Low OG 'Storm Blue' in September 2025, further proving the timeless appeal of the original 'Storm Blue' color palette.

Final Verdict: The Legend Endures

The Air Jordan 1 Union 'Storm Blue' is more than a sneaker; it’s a collector's trophy, a masterclass in collaboration, and a piece of wearable art. Its design, which dared to cut and splice an icon, remains fresh and relevant today. For serious sneaker enthusiasts and collectors, the 2018 'Storm Blue' (BV1300-146) is the definitive grail, a foundational piece whose influence will be felt in every Union LA release for years to come. Its high resale value is simply a reflection of its untouchable status as a modern-day legend.