Summary:
- The white Air Jordan 1 Alaska releases on March 28 2026 for 230 dollars.
- Nike updated medial text to read V.A.A. for Nike instead of previous branding.
- Buyers receive a custom archive box and a booklet containing original sketches.
The sneaker industry consistently relies on reissues and delayed drops to maintain consumer interest. Nike and the Virgil Abloh Archive™ plan to release the Air Jordan 1 High OG Alaska on March 28 2026. The shoe arrives as a near-replica of a highly guarded 2018 European regional exclusive. Consumers previously knew the original colorway as the Euro edition. People now call the shoe Alaska due to a pure white aesthetic and icy tonal elements. You will find the retail price officially set at 230 dollars.
DESIGN UPDATES AND MATERIAL SHIFTS
Nike modified specific design elements to reflect a transition in corporate partnerships. The original release featured specific text on the medial side of the upper. The 2026 version replaces the previous branding with a V.A.A. for Nike stamp. The letters V.A.A. stand for Virgil Abloh Archive. The estate actively manages the late designer's creative legacy and future footwear projects. This change marks a strict separation from the Off-White fashion label following recent brand acquisitions.
You will see the familiar deconstructed white-on-white leather upper upon close inspection. The shoe features exposed foam around the ankle collar and the tongue. Light blue stitching provides subtle contrast on the side swoosh. Nike includes the signature plastic zip tie attached to the laces. The word AIR appears printed directly on the midsole in black Helvetica font. The overall design captures a raw aesthetic through unfinished edges and industrial typography.
PACKAGING AND COLLECTOR DETAILS
Special footwear editions require matching presentation to satisfy collectors. The Alaska iteration ships in a custom cut-out archive box. This specific packaging mirrors previous Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 5 collaborations. Inside the box you get a commemorative booklet titled Modernism Is Not New. The booklet contains original sketches and personal writings from the late designer. The inclusion of printed matter adds tangible historical value to the release.
Jordan Brand celebrates a major company anniversary throughout 2026. The company uses the Alaska release to anchor the 40th anniversary calendar. Sneakers from this specific collaboration historically sell out immediately upon release. You must prepare early if you want to purchase a pair at retail price.
PRACTICAL RELEASE INFORMATION
Retailers will stock the sneaker globally across multiple platforms. Nike will host a digital draw on the SNKRS application. Tier zero boutique stores like Solebox and END will hold localized raffles for their respective customers. The official style code is AA3834-100. Sizes range across a standard men's run. We recommend buying your usual Air Jordan 1 size for an optimal fit.
Raffles usually open one week prior to the official drop date. You need to create user accounts on respective retailer platforms beforehand. Download the SNKRS app and verify your payment details early to avoid delays. Many local stores require in-person registration to deter automated purchasing software. Check your local boutiques to see if those shops enforce physical sign-ups.
UNDERSTANDING THE ARCHIVE TRANSITION
The shift from the Off-White brand to the Archive label signals a new operational structure. Bluestar Alliance acquired the fashion brand in 2024. Nike chose to work directly with the estate for ongoing footwear projects. Hiroshi Fujiwara debuted the updated sneaker during a Paris exhibition titled The Codes. The event highlighted past works and future directions for the estate. Fujiwara wore the shoes during a panel discussion to preview the revised text stamp to the public.
Archival releases provide access to older designs for a new audience. The 2018 version only released in Europe. Global consumers missed the opportunity to buy the original white colorway at retail. The 2026 launch removes previous regional restrictions. You have a fair chance to acquire the shoe regardless of your physical location. Market forces dictate high secondary prices for these specific models. The 2026 iteration offers a direct alternative. Stay attentive to local release calendars as March 28 approaches.