Jordan 1
Air Jordan 1 Low SB x Eric Koston ‘Midnight Navy’ Review: Skate-Ready Heritage With Retro Appeal
Introduction
When Nike SB and Jordan Brand link up, magic happens—and the Air Jordan 1 Low SB x Eric Koston ‘Midnight Navy’ is no exception. Inspired by classic Jordan colorways and reengineered for skateboarding functionality, this shoe merges heritage basketball DNA with street performance.
Skater Eric Koston brings his influence to this retro-meets-modern design, taking the iconic Air Jordan 1 Low silhouette and giving it a board-ready spin. Whether you’re hitting the skate park, strolling city streets, or adding to your sneaker collection, the ‘Midnight Navy’ delivers style, function, and story.
Design: Classic Meets Contemporary
The color palette may look familiar to Jordan fans—it’s heavily inspired by the 2001 Japan-exclusive Air Jordan 1 High ‘Midnight Navy’, known for its cool white/navy/silver blend. But this version brings it low, smooth, and SB-specific.
Standout Design Features:
- Smooth white leather upper for clean contrast
- Midnight Navy overlays in suede for premium texture
- Metallic silver Swoosh adds a bold pop
- Red “Nike SB” branding on the tongue nods to the skateboarding twist
- Eric Koston signature on the inside tongue tag
- Classic Jordan Wings logo on the heel tab
It’s a faithful homage to Jordan heritage with a touch of modern skate style.
Materials and Build Quality
As a performance-focused sneaker, this model doesn’t just look good—it’s also made to withstand the wear and tear of skating.
Material Breakdown:
- Leather base + suede overlays for a durable, layered feel
- Zoom Air insole unit provides responsive cushioning
- Reinforced toe box and outsole edge for kickflip protection
- Rubber outsole with circular traction for multi-surface grip
Every inch of this shoe is engineered with both style and function in mind.
Fit and Comfort
This isn’t just a good-looking sneaker—it’s comfortable enough for all-day wear, whether skating or walking.
Fit Notes:
- Runs true to size
- Zoom Air insole offers responsive, bouncy cushioning
- Padded collar and tongue provide ankle support without stiffness
- Slightly wider forefoot for skate mobility and board feel
It’s one of the more comfortable AJ1 Lows, thanks to its Nike SB modifications.
On-Board Performance
While many Jordans today are lifestyle staples, this one is built with actual skaters in mind.
Skate Performance Highlights:
- Flexible outsole allows natural foot movement
- Zoom Air unit absorbs landings and impacts
- Grippy traction perfect for flicks, pivots, and ollies
- Reinforced sidewalls for durability during repeated tricks
This shoe delivers on and off the board, making it a rare true dual-purpose sneaker.
Styling Tips
The Midnight Navy colorway is versatile but premium, giving off both skater and retro hooper energy. Here’s how to rock it:
- Pair with loose cargo pants and a graphic tee for skatecore
- Dress it up slightly with tapered jeans and a crewneck
- For a nostalgic streetwear look, wear with oversized basketball shorts and long socks
- Add silver or navy accessories to tie in the metallic Swoosh
It’s a sneaker that bridges cultures—skate, basketball, and fashion.
Who Should Cop the Koston AJ1 SB?
This shoe is a must for:
- Skaters seeking a durable, board-ready sneaker
- Sneaker collectors who love collabs with cultural weight
- Fans of stylish sneakers with unique colorways and storylines
- Jordan heads wanting a fresh twist on a familiar silhouette
- Anyone who missed out on the 2001 ‘Midnight Navy’ High and wants a wearable tribute
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique collab with skate legend Eric Koston | May not appeal to purists seeking OG Jordan colorways |
| Skate-ready Zoom Air cushioning and suede durability | Suede overlays may be harder to clean |
| Metallic silver Swoosh adds premium appeal | Limited availability in some regions |
| Balanced design—classic Jordan + Nike SB innovation | Resale prices can be high depending on size |
Compared to Other Jordan x SB Releases
| Model | Vibe | Compared to ‘Midnight Navy’ |
|---|---|---|
| Air Jordan 1 Low SB ‘UNC’ | Light and summery | ‘Midnight Navy’ is more versatile and subdued |
| AJ1 Low SB ‘Desert Ore’ | Neutral earth tones | ‘Midnight Navy’ pops more and is rooted in retro vibe |
| AJ1 SB High ‘LA to Chicago’ | Bold and layered | ‘Midnight Navy’ is cleaner and more classic |
This colorway stands out for its wearability and heritage value.
Where to Buy
If you’re looking to add the Air Jordan 1 Low SB x Eric Koston ‘Midnight Navy’ (CJ7891-400) to your rotation, check out:
- TheenStyle – A trusted source for authentic Nike shoes and limited collabs
- StockX – Track real-time pricing and shop by condition
- GOAT – Offers verified new and used pairs with global shipping
Given its limited release and collaborative nature, pricing may vary by size and market demand.
Final Verdict
The Air Jordan 1 Low SB x Eric Koston ‘Midnight Navy’ is a true hybrid—a tribute to Jordan legacy, a performance skate shoe, and a standout fashion piece. Whether you’re buying to skate, flex, or collect, it delivers in all categories.
With a refined colorway, quality construction, and cultural clout, this release is a sleeper hit that deserves a spot in any serious rotation.