After tapping into our BLUP:GEN community, it looks like novelty is highly respected in the sneaker game. UNION has taken on some of the Jumpman’s most powerful silhouettes, and they’ve just unveiled their newest project: the Air Jordan 1 KO Low. BLUP:GEN shares their thoughts.

The Air Jordan 1 Low hybrid shoe features a full canvas upper, and an airy “White/Sail/University Gold/Neutral Grey” colour scheme. UNION tags that hang from the Swooshes also feature with exposed foam tongues, and hefty heel badges. Additionally, each pair is shipped in a distinctive box with a depiction of a substantial gold medallion on the lid. All set for a retail price of $150. 

What is BLUP:GEN thinking?

We asked a few members of our BLUP:GEN to give their thoughts on the new release – here’s what they are saying:

Cyntheiah likes the shoe, giving it a 7/10 since it’s a “classic look”, but feels they could have switched it up slightly since previous models have looked similar. Others say especially since it’s a UNION shoe, it’s a “low effort but not bad”, mirroring Cyntheiah’s thoughts too.

“Definitely could become a favourite but I just feel there’s not much innovation in design it’s the same as lot of ones they put out.”

CYNTHEIAH, 24 – BLUP:GEN

For UNION, it seems like a safe option.

This highlights the weight of reputation – simply the name behind the shoe can increase its popularity and buzz. As a well-trusted Jordan partner, UNION are known for being innovative and pushing boundaries – so playing it safe would not be aligned with the brand. So have they played it safe with this release?

However, the removable adjustable swooshes, offered in either grey or sky blue, would be the most intriguing detail. Anna-Marie (editor of BLUP and part of BLUP:GEN) gives it an 8.5/10 due to this key feature. “The neutral nude colour is one of my favourite colourways right now because they’re so easy to style with – and I love the idea of removing the swooshes but this [feature] may not be as obvious in the first few images unless you delve more into the shoe.”

“The neutral nude colour is one of my favourite colourways right now because they’re so easy to style with – and I love the idea of removing the swooshes”

ANNA-MARIE, 22 – BLUP:GEN

She continues, “I think this feature needs to be clearer if UNION are going to show its uniqueness – like perhaps sharing more video to highlight this feature – I think they would gauge more interest if they did this – in which they deserve because it’s a really nice shoe!”

Overall, BLUP:GEN love something different. Whilst risks are scary, they are worth taking (and showing clearly) if brands are to stay relevant and stand out amongst frequent sneaker drops every month.


BLUP:GEN IS STUDIO BLUP’S EXCLUSIVE NETWORK OF INFLUENTIAL CREATORS AND CREATIVE CURATORS, BUILT AS OUR WAY FOR BRANDS TO SPEAK TO A YOUNG CULTURAL AUDIENCE, GAIN REAL AUTHENTIC INSIGHTS AND CONNECT WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AND SOCIAL LANDSCAPE.

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