Jordan 1 SE Low Racer Blue

The Air Jordan University Blue Sneakers: Vintage Design Enhanced

The Air Jordan line of sneakers has been popular with sneaker fans for almost 40 years, which is why Nike frequently releases variants that add new folds to their aesthetic. The University or Racer blue variants add a colorful aesthetic to the sneakers and also have several suede design aspects that add a sense of class to the shoes.

As with most modern sneakers, these low-top racer shoes have tiny holes along the uppers around the toe box portion. When you’re exercising, there’s a tendency for sweat to form around the front section of the foot. This excess moisture can have two negative results: the growth of bacteria and discomfort. The bacteria that might form is where that smelly sneaker odor comes from, so you want to prevent colonies from forming. The perforations do this by allowing air to flow in and out of the shoe. When air is allowed to come in, it wicks away moisture through evaporation. Since bacteria need moisture to colonize, this prevents these kinds of colonies from forming. Additionally, drier feet also will help your feet stay more comfortable as you exercise.

Unlike the original Jordans, which debuted in 1985 and were composed of just leather and rubber, these Jordan 1 Low Black/Blue/Light Blue/White use several materials to create the iconic look. The first thing you might notice is that most of the uppers and overlay of this sneaker comprise suede. This creates a matte appearance that is also easy to maintain. There are still some leather elements; the University Blue line has leather sections above the toe box, which are colored white. Additionally, the traditional Nike Swoosh and the collar section are also made of leather.

One of the dominant themes that Nike used in these Jordans is a multicolored palette. Throughout the shoe, there are multiple shades of blue as well as both black and white. This creates a unique look that combines well with a few shoe-specific design notes. Here are a few to consider:

• Dual-toned stitched mid-foot sections – While these look somewhat like straps, these are just two stitched subsections of the shoe that hold lace eyelets. These are very interesting because one is a royal blue while the other is sky blue in coloration. Both of these create a contrast with the black laces that come with the sneakers.
• Rear Air Jordan logo – While most Nike Air Jordans have the stitched or printed Jumpman logo, not all say “Air Jordan.” On the rear of these sneakers, you’ll find a fully stitched and stylized logo that features wings and the words “Air Jordan.” This section is stitched directly into the suede rear heel section of the shoe.
• Royal blue sole – The sneakers have a blue-colored sole with a segmented design that helps the shoe grip surfaces like sidewalks or hardwood. The coloration is unique for an active shoe, and the design also helps the shoe perform in a wide variety of situations where you might need to occasionally pivot on the heel or the toe.
• Extra-padded collar – The collar of these is positioned low on the shoe, which is expected of a low-top sneaker. There is extra padding here, which helps increase the comfort of everyday wear. This also makes it more comfortable when you may need to bend at the ankle during a pivot.

The Air unit in Air Jordan and Nike sneakers is a small gas pocket positioned along a shoe's heel. The technology originates from NASA and its former aerospace engineer, Marion Franklin Rudy. The technology provides extra springiness without adding excess weight to the shoe. The pocket is filled with nitrogen gas, which compresses as you land to help reduce the impact of the landing. While the technology is present in these, unlike other models of the Air Jordan series, you cannot see the bubble in these Air Jordan 1 low ice blue sneakers.

To increase springiness, these Jordans use a foam midsole that is sandwiched between the upper and outsole. With one of these, the midsole conforms to the foot's contours with use so that everyday wear is made more comfortable. This is done without sacrificing the impact absorption of the foam. This also protects the feet from feeling hard or jagged objects.