Aleali May x Jordan sneakers

ALEALI MAY X JORDAN BRAND: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SNEAKERS

ALEALI MAY X JORDAN BRAND: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SNEAKERS

by Sam Le Roy
5min
Aleali May x Jordan sneakers
Aleali May x Jordan ©

Aleali May’s sneaker portfolio is nothing short of stellar; single-handedly shifting cultural norms as the second ever female Jordan collaborator – and without a doubt the most prevalent, now 4 shoes in with a lot more confirmed for the future – with a slew of gender-neutral colorways. The stylist has put her signature onto the Air Jordan 1 three times, a feat very few can boast, as well as the VI, XIV and now, the IV. Take a look at her entire repertoire below.

AIR JORDAN 1 “SATIN SHADOW”

Aleali May entered the sneaker world back in 2017 as Jordan Brand’s second ever (the first being Vashtie) collaborator, and the first to have an Air Jordan 1. Her take on the classic “Shadow” colorway saw her apply a variety of materials in replacement of the traditional smooth leather. Cord, chenille and satin panelling cover the sneaker representing a number of personal things: corduroy as an homage to her father’s swap meet-purchased house shoes while the silk and chenille patches channel her home team – the LA Kings – and their classic starter jackets. 

 

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A post shared by Aleali (uh•lay•lee) (@alealimay)

AIR JORDAN 1 “VIOTECH”

One year after her debut collaboration, Aleali took on the AJ1 once again, this time commemorating a 2002 Nike Dunk Low Pro “Viotech” with eclectically-colored suede panelling throughout. Red and blue on the toe are an immediate callback to the now-hallowed sneaker, while the lighter, pastel hues elsewhere on the sneaker are of Aleali’s direction. As a finishing touch, a removable faux hair tongue cover came as standard. 

The pair arrived alongside a similarly detailed Air Jordan 10 collaboration with WNBA superstar Maya Moore in an inclusive celebration of women in sneakers.

 

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A post shared by Aleali (uh•lay•lee) (@alealimay)

AIR JORDAN VI “MILLENNIAL PINK”

Moving away from the Air Jordan 1 for the first time, Aleali decorated the Air Jordan 6 – which has ascended to new heights since, following a Travis Scott collaboration and much more – in a “Millennial Pink” rendition. Contrasting the tonal pink leather is a “Bright Crimson” detailing on Jumpman logos as well as the midsole.

 

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A post shared by Aleali (uh•lay•lee) (@alealimay)

AIR JORDAN 1 CMFT “CALIFIA”

Aleali’s third (and latest) take on the Air Jordan 1 came by way of a slightly modified “CMFT” iteration featuring a higher cut ankle, extra tongue padding and revised panelling throughout. All while dressed in a blue/green colorway akin to that of the Dallas Mavericks uniform (Luka > Trae btw). 

Silk and leather work so well together here, and accompanied by an apparel collection channeling inspiration from Aleali’s years with her high school drill team it’s one of her most comprehensive (and obtainable) collaborations yet. The chenille patch and “A” stamp on the tongue makes the whole shoe so, so good.

 

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A post shared by Aleali (uh•lay•lee) (@alealimay)

AIR JORDAN XIV LOW

Unreleased as of right now, Aleali’s most outlandish project yet arrives by way of an Air Jordan 14 – one of the least appreciated Jordan models – in a subtle, tasteful colorway featuring cream leather and mint green/gold detailing reaching up from beneath the midsole. PJ Tucker took the pair on court in typical fashion, showing off high heat in warmups. 

AIR JORDAN IV 

Unveiled only yesterday through instagram leaks (and Aleali’s own account as a teaser way back on Veteran’s day in 2020) is an Air Jordan 4 collaboration featuring an all-over militaristic camouflage and accompanying velcro patches. The pair comes as an ode to Aleali’s father who served in the US Army from 1990-2013, with the 4th Infantry Division’s combat service ID badge appearing on the tongue. 

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