1239599

This Jordan Luka 2 PE For UNC Explains The Origin Of The “Tar Heel”

Did you know "Tar Heel" is inspired by tree sap?

This Jordan Luka 2 PE For UNC Explains The Origin Of The “Tar Heel”

For Jordan Brand, storytelling is at the core of the incredible Player Exclusives made for its athletes. We’ve seen it displayed creatively through intense colors and details, like this recently-surfaced Jordan Luka 2 made for the UNC Tar Heels.

At first glance, the colors don’t seem to coordinate with what we’re accustomed to with North Carolina, because there’s hardly any of that signature powder blue beyond the school’s logo on the tongue. Jordan Brand employee @ryanmsmith72 details the reasoning behind it the bright greens, revealing the  full specs of the unexpected design.

The shoes are inspired by the origin of the “Tar Heel”, a moniker that has become closely associated with the state of North Carolina. The name is derived from tree sap that got stuck on the feet and shoes of workers in the turpentine industry. The bright greens and yellow represent the sap that is used to make turpentines and resins, while the needle graphics are inspired by pine trees. In addition to the green and yellow shades are touches of crimson red that appear on the Jumpman logo and other accents.

See the gallery of images below for a rare look at this Luka 2 PE made for UNC athletes.

Latest News

South Carolina Athletics Inks 10-Year Deal With Nike

The University of South Carolina, an Under Armour school since 2007, is making the switch to the Swoosh in 2026. Nike and South Carolina Athletics...

by Andrew Rizzo 3 hours
127

Amine And His Club Banana Have A New Balance ABZORB 2000 On The Way

Matcha drinkers and tote bag wearers have quickly emerged in the past few weeks as the internet’s punching bag. The archetype, replete with performative “oops...

by Matt Varga 4 hours
287

Where To Buy The Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Halo”

Kobe Bryant’s third signature Nike Basketball model is finally entering the Protro canon. The Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” release goes down August 23rd for...

by Andrew Rizzo 4 hours
115