Nike has always had a long-standing interest in Japanese culture, often integrating traditional techniques and customs into their sneaker designs — just look at the Air Jordan 1 CO.JP and the Air Jordan 5 T23 ‘Tokyo’. Of course, Jordan Brand has really embraced this cultural exchange, demonstrated in their latest drop, the Air Jordan 1 Low Sashiko, featuring the iconic Sashiko-style stitching.
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This design seems to be inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which values the beauty found in imperfections. The Air Jordan 1 Low Sashiko exhibits signs of distress and wear, providing it with a vintage and worn-out appearance — which is a controversial choice considering that not everyone is into the aged sneaker look.
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The Air Jordan 1 Low “Sashiko” features distressed denim uppers with a free-flowing raw stitched pattern in white, creating a sharp contrast with the aged brown midsole. The white canvas underlay gives off a spring and summer-like vibe, while the black Nike Swoosh on the lateral and medial walls adds a touch of contrast to the design. The beige collar and Sail laces add to the overall aesthetic, creating a cohesive and trendy look. Completing the shoe is a black rubber outsole, cream-coloured laces, and cork insoles featuring a mishmash of graphics underneath.
If you’re intrigued by the Air Jordan 1 Low Sashiko, the retailer imagery offers a closer look for a better perspective. A release is imminent, so stay alert for further updates.
