Jordan 1 University Blue: Models, Sizing and Second-Hand Prices

The Jordan 1 university blue is a light, sky-toned colorway most people link to the 2019 Retro High OG "University Blue", a white, black and powder blue pair that echoes the North Carolina look. Several other Jordan 1 pairs use the same blue, so the name alone does not tell you which one you are looking at.

Below, the versions that matter, what they cost on the used market, and how to avoid a bad pair.

Which Jordan 1 University Blue models exist?

The 2019 High OG is the reference. It has a white leather base, black Swoosh and a university blue collar and toe overlay. It retailed at around $170 and was the first Jordan 1 many buyers wanted after the Travis Scott releases.

Other pairs use the same shade.

• Jordan 1 Mid "University Blue", easier to find and usually cheaper
• Jordan 1 Low "UNC" variations, with blue Swooshes on white or suede
• Jordan 1 High "UNC Toe" (2022), with a blue toe cap and a black heel
• Travis Scott x Jordan 1 Low, which leans toward a muted mocha and blue mix

The 2015 "Powder Blue" and the older 1985 pairs are cousins, but their blue is slightly grayer. Collectors do tell them apart.

What is "university blue" as a color?

It is a pale, clear blue, close to Pantone 292. The shade comes from the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan's college team, and it is the reason a "UNC" tag shows up on so many listings. Nike also uses it on Dunks, Air Max and apparel, so the term spreads well beyond one sneaker.

On a shoe, the blue should look bright but never neon. A pair that leans teal or looks washed out in photos deserves a closer look.

Second-hand prices in 2026

Prices move with condition and size. As a rough guide, a worn Mid sits around $70 to $110. A clean 2019 High OG in size 9 to 10 US usually lands between $200 and $300, and deadstock pairs with the box can pass $350.

Small and very large sizes behave differently. Sizes under 7 US and over 13 US are often cheaper, simply because fewer people want them.

What lowers the price

Yellowed soles, creased toe boxes, cracked leather on the collar and a missing box each take off roughly $20 to $50. Heavy sole separation can halve the value.

How to spot a fake Jordan 1 university blue

Start with the shape. Real pairs have a clean, slightly sloped collar and a Wings logo that is deeply stamped, not printed on the surface. Fakes often have a bulky toe box that looks flat from the front.

Then check the details:

• Stitching should be even, with no loose threads near the Swoosh
• The blue should match between the collar, toe and tongue label
• The box label needs the correct style code, 555088-134 for the 2019 High OG
• The smell matters too. Strong glue odor is a warning sign

Ask for photos of the insole, the tongue tag and the inside size label, in daylight. A seller who refuses is giving you your answer.

Sizing and fit

The Jordan 1 High runs true to size for most feet, though it feels narrow across the forefoot. If your feet are wide, go up half a size. The Mid and Low fit a little looser around the ankle.

The leather is stiff at first. Expect about one to two weeks of wear before it softens.

Outfits that work with this colorway

The pale blue calls for simple pieces. Washed gray or black denim does the job, and a plain white or navy tee keeps attention on the shoes. A boxy Off-White tee shirt in black picks up the black Swoosh nicely, while Dsquared2 jeans with a faded wash suit the lighter tones of the sole and leather.

If you want a contrast, a chunky runner such as the Air Max Plus TN has a very different silhouette, and some people rotate both rather than mixing them in one outfit.

Caring for light blue leather

Light panels show dirt fast. Wipe them after each wear with a damp cloth, and use a soft brush with a mild cleaner about once a month. Avoid the washing machine, which warps the structure and weakens the glue.

Store the pair away from direct sun. UV light turns white soles yellow within a year or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Jordan 1 university blue the same as the UNC?

They share the same color story, but the pairs differ. "UNC" often refers to the blue and white look in general, while "University Blue" is the name of the 2019 High OG and the Mid version. Check the style code to be sure.

Is the Jordan 1 university blue a good resale pair?

It holds value better than most General Release pairs, especially the 2019 High OG. Prices have been stable for several years, with moderate swings. Do not expect big profits, only a fair return on a clean pair.

Does the Jordan 1 university blue run small?

No, it fits true to size for a standard foot. Wide feet should take half a size up. Mid versions feel slightly roomier.

How can I tell the 2019 version from a later one?

Look at the box label and the production date inside the tongue. The 2019 pair uses code 555088-134 and has a white base with a full blue collar. Later UNC Toe releases have a black heel and a different overlay.