Nike’s Aleali May ‘Califia’ Jordan 1 sets high bar for women sneakers

Edgar Alvarez Barajas April 30, 2021 Style A luxe blend of colors and glossy fabrics. Edgar Alvarez / Input

The Califia AJ1 Zoom is the latest collaboration between Jordan Brand and stylist, model, and designer Aleali May, which she says is inspired by her high school drill team in Los Angeles. Edgar Alvarez / Input

May says her latest Nike shoe pays homage to her roots and being a part of that drill team during her high school days, where she was taught the importance of community, leadership, as well as self-expression and confidence. These are all elements she applies to her work, and life, today. Edgar Alvarez / Input

Satin and chenille mixed with blue, green, and yellow.

Edgar Alvarez / Input

Aside from those stylish and colorful details, the glossy Califia Air Jordan 1 features Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning technology. Edgar Alvarez / Input

That Zoom Air should offer added comfort, especially when compared to the original Air Jordan 1s from 1985. Edgar Alvarez / Input

What’s great about collabs like this is that they set the bar high for women sneakers, as they open the door to new experiences for consumers, brands, and retailers. WISH ATL

For example, Atlanta-based boutique WISH ATL gave first dibs of the Aleali May x Jordan 1 collection to a local college drill team . WISH ATL

Aleali May’s ‘Califia’ Air Jordan 1 Zoom dropped on Nike SNKRS April 26 and, not surprisingly, sold out immediately. While that may be the case, you can still find it on resale apps like GOAT — though be ready to pay a slight premium if you want a pair. Edgar Alvarez / Input

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