September 12, 2024

Best Collegiate Colorways

Kyle Delaney

Content Writer. Big fan of basketball, sneakers, and basketball sneakers. Will spam the give-and-go in pickup hoops if given the chance.

We’ve seen all the fireworks there were to see, roasted every marshmallow that stood between us and a bonfire, and jumped into every ocean, lake, pool, river, and/or body of water we were legally able to access. The sad fact is summer is winding down, and there’s not much left to do. However, when God closes a window, he opens a door. Goodbye summer. Hello college football. 

Don’t let your back-to-school shopping be a boring trip to the store filled with three-ringed binders, notebooks, and pencils. I’m telling you, it doesn’t have to be that way. Grab a new pair of shoes, a fresh tee-shirt, or an appropriately colored mesh trucker hat. Because whether you’re returning to campus, looking to rep your alma-mater, or dying to show your classmates where your fandom lies, StockX has all the collegiate swag you’ll need for your next tailgate.

Air Jordan 5 Retro SE ‘Oregon’

The Jordan 5 Retro SE Oregon released in September 2020 and take inspiration from the Jordan 5 PE gifted to Oregon student athletes in 2014. There are some major differences between the two though, most notably the price point. The 2014 Oregon PE’s last sold on StockX for a little over $3200, while the 2020 Retro SE’s last sold for just north of $280.

Unlike the PE version, a traditional Jumpman logo replaces the large ‘O’ school logo on the tongue and a Team Jordan tag sits on the heel of these instead of Puddles, the team mascot. Other than that though, these are very similar to the PE’s.

It features the same Apple Green Durabuck upper as the PE version, with identical yellow and black accents. The shoe rests on a black midsole and an icy translucent outsole. If you’re willing to shell out an extra three grand for that Oregon Duck mascot and logo, then by all means, go for it. Nobody’s stopping you. The 2020 pair might just be more economical? But, hey. Don’t let me tell you how to live your life. 

Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘UNC Toe’

The Jordan 1 Retro High OG UNC Toe is destined to become your next favorite sneaker. There’s no denying that these colors are reminiscent of those of the University of North Carolina. Yet, Chapel Hill or not, these AJ1’s are sure to turn heads on any campus. Heck, you could wear these in Durham, NC if you wanted to.

(Disclaimer: StockX is not responsible for any injuries suffered at the hands of angry, bitter Duke fans.)

University Blue sits on the toe box and heel, with white leather on the mid-panel and black on the swoosh and ankle collar. A white midsole sits atop a crisp University Blue outsole, giving these a classic look. Overall, it’s a beautiful shoe. Insanely clean. Not much else to it. 

Jordan 6 Retro ‘Georgetown’ (2022)

The Jordan 6 Retro Georgetown uses the Hoyas’ signature colors. This Jordan 6 features an upper smothered in Magnet Gray suede with contrasting hits of College Navy on the heel tab, lace locks, and Jumpman branding.

What makes these shoes so great is their versatility. With a translucent rubber outsole underfoot, these are good for the gym. However, with that luxurious gray suede, they’d be just as suitable for a date, a public speaking appearance, or even a church service. Bottom line, you can’t go wrong with these. 

Jordan 12 Retro ‘Michigan’

The Jordan 12 Retro Michigan pays homage to the prestigious University of Michigan by using the typical blue and maize color scheme, in this case, college navy with a touch of amarillo. This Jordan 12 gets draped in plush College Navy suede. The tongue is decorated with the yellow Michigan ‘M’ logo, and we see even more yellow touches on the lace locks.

New York fashion label Public School teamed up with Jordan Brand in 2018 and did a Michigan inspired pair very similar to these. Unlike the PSNY pair, these are all college navy, while the PSNY pair has a yellow heel tab. 

Nike Dunk Low Retro ‘UNLV’ (2021)

Nike originally released the UNLV shoe in 1985, as part of Nike’s Be True To Your School Campaign for the Nike Dunk. In honor of one of the first Nike Dunks to hit the shelves, the Nike Dunk Low Retro UNLV re-released in 2021, this time in a low-top version. 

The Varsity Red overlay and swoosh contrast with the Medium Gray toe box and side panels, staying true to UNLV’s color scheme. Nothing screams “I’ve got school spirit!” like a shoe consistent with your school’s colors. Even if you’re anti-UNLV, these are still one of the first Nike Dunk colorways, which we think is pretty cool on its own.