“What if” designs have been taking over the Instagram feeds of custom sneaker artists, sparking curiosity and anticipation. These creative artists often ponder: “What if” a collaboration experimented with other colours or explored different materials? But perhaps the most exciting change of all: “What if” the design adopted an entirely new silhouette, say one that has been iconic since 1985? Inevitably, every collaboration and colourway eventually finds itself reborn on the revered Air Jordan 1 silhouette by way of custom designs. A perfect example of this reimagining is the Kaws x Air Jordan 1 custom sneakers by John Trottier.
It all started in 2017 when Jordan Brand partnered with Brooklyn-based street artist KAWS, also known as Brian Donnelly (who, by the way, is a former Disney illustrator), to reimagine the Air Jordan 4 Retro. The resulting sneaker became an instant sensation among sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
The hype surrounding this release was so overwhelming that fans even hacked into Donnelly’s website trying to secure a pair, a true testament to the design’s allure. Meanwhile, a raffle in London had to be shut down by police to avoid a potential riot. The reason? The design was just that compelling! The sneaker was, and remains, an exceptional display of minimalism and flair.
This iconic shoe features premium grey suede across the upper, adorned with Mickey Mouse-like hands from KAWS “Companion” creation stitched into the layout. By removing the traditional plastic accents, the design ensures that the focus remains on the unique hand-stitched details. Key features like the artist’s signature “XX” symbol on the heel tab and glow-in-the-dark outsoles rounded off the look, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and playfulness. It’s not hard to see why the sneaker has attracted so much attention and demand.
While the pair was initially priced at $350 USD when they were first released, their resale value has dramatically increased, fetching upwards of $2,384 USD on resale sites. Yup, these are still super popular! Yet sneaker artist John Trottier dares to imagine “What if” this amazing design used the Air Jordan 1 silhouette instead, and the result is just as glorious.
Trottier’s concept retains the iconic elements of its muse but translates it to fit the AJ1 silhouette, allowing the design to feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
You’ll still find the sneaker adorned in luxurious grey suede, with charming little fists etched into the upper. True to form, KAWS’ distinctive “XX” emblem graces the heel; however, it’s now elegantly positioned on the lateral sides of the shoe rather than on the AJ4s plastic heel tabs.
Where this design does diverge is in the sole unit. It features a grey midsole (notably sans suede) and a glow-in-the-dark outsole with an incredibly striking teal tint. This teal shade pairs so perfectly with the grey upper that it almost makes you wish it was a permanent feature in the original collaboration, not just visible when the lights go out.
The kicks are complete with a set of light grey laces that offer a subtle yet appealing contrast against the darker grey upper. Though this iteration doesn’t introduce major alterations other than a silhouette swap and perhaps a slight colour tweak, it still somehow feels novel. It’s a pair we truly wish had debuted alongside the original release.
So, if you’ve also been wondering, “what if” the Kaws design was created with the AJ1, and you’ve been hoping to get your hands on just such a pair, there is a tiny glimmer of hope. While the custom artist, Trottier, hasn’t officially put these sneakers on the market, you should try sending him a direct message or e-mail to see if he might craft a custom pair for you. Given the buzz these kicks have garnered on social media, we wouldn’t be surprised if he considers releasing a limited quantity of these for keen buyers.
In the meantime, why not explore this Air Jordan 1 concept inspired by the upcoming J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Rio”? And don’t forget to stay connected with us here at Sneaker Fortress for more custom creations and concepts inspired by your favourite sneaker drops.
Would the KAWS X Air Jordan design gain the same level of adoration if it were crafted on the 1s instead of the 4s? Share your opinions in the comments below!
