Air Jordan 11 Low 'University Blue': The UNC Low Returns

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 'University Blue' (style code FV5104-100) marks the return of a classic low-top colourway in 2026: a white upper, a University Blue patent leather mudguard and an icy translucent outsole. It released on 18 April 2026, nine years after its last retro, and it carries a direct line back to Michael Jordan's college days at the University of North Carolina.

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 'University Blue' is live now in the Air Jordan 11 range at PUSHAS, and every pair is authenticated by hand.

The design story: Chapel Hill in a low-top

University Blue is the light, sky-toned blue that belongs to North Carolina, the school where Jordan played his college basketball in Chapel Hill. On the Air Jordan 11 Low it works especially well. The white base keeps the shoe bright and summery, the blue patent leather gives it a hard, glossy edge, and black accents tie the palette together. The official colourway is listed as White/Black/University Blue.

That balance is why collectors often call this pair the 'UNC' 11 Low. It reads as a tribute rather than a team shoe, with the colour doing all the work.

Materials and details

The feature that defines every Air Jordan 11 is the patent leather mudguard, and here it comes in University Blue. Nike describes it as a contoured mudguard that wraps the entire shoe, which is what gives the 11 its unbroken, sculpted profile from toe to heel. Against the white upper, the gloss stands out.

Underfoot, the icy translucent outsole is the other signature. The clear, frosted rubber lets the blue above it stand out even more. Nike also lists a full-length Air-Sole unit for lightweight cushioning and a rubber outsole for durable traction. Black accents keep the look crisp rather than pastel.

History and lineage

The Air Jordan 11 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and first appeared in 1995. Michael Jordan debuted the shoe in the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic, wearing the white and black 'Concord' colourway. The original high-top paired its patent leather with a carbon fibre plate, a construction that set the template the 11 still follows.

The low-top version came later. The first Air Jordan 11 Low arrived in 2001, and this exact palette was part of that debut, released then as 'Columbia Blue'. The colourway returned in 2017 under the 'University Blue' name, and the 2026 edition marks its third appearance. For anyone who missed the earlier runs, this is the first chance in nearly a decade to wear it new.

If you want the wider story of how blue has shaped the 11, our piece on the Air Jordan 11 'Gamma Blue' traces another chapter of the model's colour history.

How it fits and wears

Most wearers report that the Air Jordan 11 Low fits true to size, so your usual Jordan size is the place to start. The cut-down collar makes the Low easier to slip into and more comfortable out of the box than the high-top. A gentle wipe of the patent leather after each wear keeps the shine clean.

How to style it

The University Blue 11 Low is a warm-weather shoe at heart. It looks sharpest with shorts, cropped chinos or relaxed denim that stops at the ankle so the full mudguard shows. White or grey tees, a light blue overshirt or a navy knit pick up the palette without matching it exactly. For something dressier, pair it with tailored cream trousers and a plain polo, and the patent leather holds its own.

Who it is built for

If you want	Built for	Wear it with
A summer Jordan with history	Collectors who missed the 2017 retro	Shorts and a white tee
A nod to Jordan's college years	Fans of the North Carolina story	Light denim and a navy knit
Patent leather shine in a low cut	Everyday wear with a dressier edge	Cream trousers and a polo
A clean, bright rotation piece	Anyone building a blue-toned rotation	Cropped chinos and a light overshirt

Live now at PUSHAS

Stock as of 28 September 2026. 15 US men's sizes are live, from US M 7 to US M 15. Every pair is authenticated by hand, so you can shop with confidence. The live listing shows the current price. Find your size on the Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 'University Blue' page.

Not sure which size to choose across different Jordan models? The Air Jordan size guide walks through fit model by model, and the full Air Jordan collection has the rest of the range.

FAQ

Does the Air Jordan 11 Low University Blue fit true to size?

Most wearers report that the Air Jordan 11 Low fits true to size. The low collar makes it easier to put on than the high-top.

When did the Air Jordan 11 Low University Blue 2026 release?

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low 'University Blue', style code FV5104-100, released on 18 April 2026.

Why is the Air Jordan 11 Low called University Blue or UNC?

University Blue is the colour of the University of North Carolina, where Michael Jordan played college basketball in Chapel Hill. The palette first appeared in 2001 as 'Columbia Blue' and returned in 2017 as 'University Blue'.

What is the Air Jordan 11 Low University Blue made of?

It pairs a white upper with a University Blue patent leather mudguard that wraps the entire shoe, a full-length Air-Sole unit and an icy translucent rubber outsole.

How do you style the Air Jordan 11 Low University Blue?

It works best with shorts, cropped chinos or ankle-length denim that show the full mudguard, paired with white, grey or navy tops. Cream trousers and a polo give it a dressier finish.