Basketball was not the only culture affected by the Air Jordan I in 1985. As icons like Lance Mountain began skateboarding in the AJI, it became a part of skate culture. This year, the SB x AJI 'Defiant Is' pays homage to parallel cities in Jordan Brand and skateboarding history. 'LA to Chicago' brings together two cities who kicked off the origins of modern-day skateboarding and greatness while tying in iconic colour references.
The Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 Defiant “LA to Chicago” AKA “Court Purple” is one of two collaborative colorways released by Nike’s skateboarding division and Jordan Brand in 2019. The unique editions of the Jordan 1 have the leather on the upper painted in one color combination, while a second colorway is hidden underneath. The bottom layer can be revealed as the top layer of paint is worn away.