Andrew Pace
The UNC Tar Heels have a long and close relationship with Nike, with the team wearing Nike shoes and uniforms for the first time in 1993. The Jumpman logo, inspired by Michael Jordan, is even atop the tunnel the Tar Heels run through at Kenan Stadium. The Jordan Brand is a popular choice for UNC basketball players, with a range of styles and colors to choose from. UNC players are often seen wearing different models of Jordans, showcasing their unique style and personality. Custom UNC shoes are also available on platforms like Etsy, where sellers offer personalized and handmade designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike, Jordan |
| Colours | Pink, Dark Blue and Grey, White with Fluorescent Yellow Trim, Traditional White, Carolina Blue |
| Style | Zion 3, Luka 2, Tatum 1, Air Jordan XXIII |
| Customization | Custom Super Mario Nike Air Force 1 Shoes, HandPainted Game Nike AF1 Sneakers, Custom Kirby Nike Air Force 1, HandPainted Game Custom Nike AF1 Sneakers |
| Shipping | May take up to 14 days |
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What You'll Learn
UNC basketball shoes are Jordans
The University of North Carolina (UNC) basketball team has a long-standing relationship with Nike, which began in the fall of 1993. The team was one of the first schools to sign an athletic department-wide deal with the sportswear giant, ensuring shoes and uniforms for all of its teams.
As part of this deal, the Tar Heels, as the UNC basketball team is known, started wearing Nike Air Jordan shoes, also known as Jumpman, a separate brand that is a Nike subsidiary. The Jumpman logo is a silhouette of Michael Jordan, who played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984 and secured his place in college basketball history by scoring the winning shot in the 1982 championship game.
The Jordan Brand and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have a long history, with the team wearing the Jumpman logo on the court for many years. The brand has also created a multitude of special UNC colorways for the Tar Heels, giving players added confidence over the years.
The UNC x Jordan collaboration is, therefore, a significant one for both parties, with the university celebrating its association with one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and Jordan Brand further cementing its connection to the sport through its partnership with a leading college basketball team.
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UNC's long, close relationship with Nike
The University of North Carolina (UNC) and Nike have had a long and close relationship that began in 1993. UNC was one of the first schools to sign an athletic-department-wide deal with Nike, marking the company's entry into the business of college sports. The university's relationship with Nike extends beyond shoes, uniforms, and equipment.
Prior to its partnership with Nike, UNC's basketball team wore Converse sneakers. In April 1993, UNC won its third NCAA basketball championship, and second under coach Dean Smith, in its final game wearing Converse. By then, the university was already in talks with Nike, a worldwide athletic shoe and apparel giant. Smith had been loyal to Converse for decades, having his own personal deal with the company. However, he eventually relented due to two reasons: his seniors approved of a switch to Nike, and the deal with Nike would ensure shoes and uniforms for all of UNC's teams.
UNC's agreement with Nike includes various benefits and privileges for the company. Nike can request appearances by head coaches for photo shoots, internet chat sessions, celebrity events, and other public appearances. The company also receives VIP season tickets, sideline passes, and additional tickets for UNC football and men's basketball games. Additionally, Nike provides support for team tours, travel, and hosting regular-season tournaments. The athletics department received $1 million for signing the contract, which was used to improve the Smith Center. Nike also provides resources for an academic and athletics excellence fund, offering bonus payments to coaches based on the achievements of their student-athletes.
The partnership between UNC and Nike has been valued at $37.7 million. Nike provides the athletics department with shoes, uniforms, coaching gear, balls, and other equipment. The contract includes a commitment to fair labor practices, with Nike agreeing to produce licensed products made in factories under fair working conditions. The contract also emphasizes the promotion of human rights and social and environmental protections.
The Nike-inspired logo, the Jumpman, a Michael Jordan silhouette, is prominently featured at UNC's Kenan Stadium. The relationship between UNC and Nike has evolved over the years, with Nike's presence in college athletics becoming ubiquitous. The partnership has benefited UNC's varsity sports and provided financial support for academics and student scholarships.
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Popular Jordan Brand styles
Jordan Brand styles have evolved from being athletic footwear to becoming a symbol of style and culture. Here are some of the most popular Jordan Brand styles:
Air Jordan 1
The Air Jordan 1 is a classic and was first released in 1985. It is still popular today and has become a must-have for collectors, street ballers, and basketball fans. The shoe gained popularity when Michael Jordan was fined $5,000 each time he wore the model on the court due to the NBA's strict uniform policy. The shoe features an iconic colour scheme, comfortable cushioning, and an upgraded CMFT model for everyday wear.
Air Jordan II
The Air Jordan II, released in 1986, is often underrated but played a pivotal role in bridging the worlds of sportswear and high fashion. It minimised the Nike branding and wrapped its silhouette in luxurious materials like faux lizard skin and brogue-ish perforations.
Air Jordan XI
The Air Jordan XI is considered the pinnacle of Michael Jordan's sneaker line in the '90s. It combines neck-snapping style with elite performance, featuring gleaming, tuxedo-like patent leather that has become a favourite among collectors.
Jordan Jumpman Pro
The Jordan Jumpman Pro, first released in 1997, was the inaugural release under the newly established Jordan Brand. It features an iconic court-inspired design, heritage materials, and an Air-Sole unit in the heel for better cushioning and traction.
Jordan 3 Retro OG
The Jordan 3 Retro OG was released in 2018, marking a return to the original 'Nike Air' branding on the Black Cement colourway. This was a significant release as it brought back the classic branding that hadn't been seen since 2001.
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Custom UNC shoes
The University of North Carolina (UNC) has a long and close relationship with Nike. UNC was one of the first schools to sign an athletic department-wide deal with the sportswear giant. As a result, the Nike swoosh is now ubiquitous across UNC sports teams, including the Tar Heels basketball team.
In addition to these custom shoes, UNC fans can also purchase official Jordan North Carolina shoes. The UNC Health Foundation has also organised a painting event where children designed shoes for the Tar Heels basketball team to wear, in collaboration with Shoes4Hope and the UNC basketball team, to raise awareness of the need for better research and care for young cancer patients.
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UNC's first deal with Nike
The University of North Carolina (UNC) has had a long and close relationship with Nike. UNC was one of the first schools to sign an athletic-department-wide deal with Nike, which was also the company's first foray into college sports.
Before the fall of 1993, UNC's basketball team wore Nike shoes and uniforms for the first time. The university was already in talks with Nike after winning its third NCAA basketball championship in April 1993, when the team was still wearing Converse-brand sneakers. The switch to Nike was influenced by two main reasons: the approval of the senior players, and the assurance that Nike would provide shoes and uniforms for all of UNC's teams.
The first Nike contract for UNC included 200 pairs of basketball shoes for the 1993-94 season and 500 pairs of football shoes for the 1994-95 season. This marked the beginning of a trend towards college athletics commercialization, with the Nike swoosh becoming ubiquitous in UNC athletics. Over time, every UNC sport and all 28 of its teams, ranging from fencing to football, would be outfitted in uniforms and equipment bearing the iconic swoosh logo.
The relationship between UNC and Nike has continued to evolve, with the university signing a 10-year extension worth an average of $6.27 million per year in 2018. This extension elevated UNC's position in the most valuable college apparel deals, highlighting the significant value of their partnership with Nike.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of UNC basketball shoes varies depending on the style and the seller. Etsy, for example, offers custom UNC shoes with prices varying from seller to seller.
UNC basketball shoes are those worn by the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team. The team has a long, close relationship with Nike and the Jordan Brand, with Michael Jordan playing for the Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984.
UNC basketball shoes can be purchased from various retailers, including Nike, Jordan Brand, and Etsy.
Yes, UNC basketball shoes can be customized. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of custom UNC shoe designs, including hand-painted options and those with personalized text and fonts.
