FN’s August cover star, Nigel Sylvester, is gearing up to launch his fourth sneaker collaboration with Jordan Brand, one that represents not only the way his shoes are designed, but how far his partnership with the brand has come.
The “Better With Time” Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG has been in the works for quite some time. The black-based colorway was originally teased in 2022 as a friends-and-family follow-up to the BMX pro’s first Air Jordan 1 High collaboration. After years of speculation, the theme will finally see a public release, albeit with a few modifications from the high-top version.
Sylvester’s new Air Jordan 1 Low Better With Time features a similar pre-distressed treatment that was seen on his first collaboration with the brand. Inspired by the way his sneakers wear down while riding his bike, the shoes feature tastefully placed scuffs and creamy, pre-yellowed accents across the black-based leather upper.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (pair).
Nike
Other unique details include custom “Bike Air” branding on the tongue and insole, reflective tracings around the lateral Swoosh and heel logos along with a mini Swoosh logo switched at the toe. The shoe’s pre-weathered aesthetic is carried over to its packaging, which features subtle yellowing and simulated scuff marks.
“[The new sneaker] is something that people have been asking for for years now, so I’m happy that we’re finally delivering on that and get to dive back into this AJ1 story that started my journey with Jordan Brand,” Sylvester told FN in a July interview.
The Better With Time Air Jordan 1 Low is only the latest in what has been a banner year for Sylvester. In March, he and Jordan Brand launched the Air Jordan 4 Brick by Brick collaboration, a style which many in the industry are calling a top contender for the best sneaker of the year.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (tongue detail).
Nike
Further adding to the anticipation, Sylvester embarked Friday on a three-city Go Ride event which held community rides in New York City, Miami and Mexico City over the course of the weekend.
The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time collaboration will be released Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. from Nike’s Snkrs app for a retail price of $165. The style has a SKU of IB8958-001 and can also be found from select Jordan Brand retailers globally.
Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (lateral).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (medial).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (top).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (heel).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (sole).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (detail).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (heel detail).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (Jordan Biking Co. print).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (reflective detail).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (insole).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (shoebox).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (open shoebox).
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Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG Better With Time IB8958-001 (shoelaces).
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