Nike Air Force 1 Low https://footwearnews.com Shoe News and Fashion Trends Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:35:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-FN-Favicon-2023-05-31.png?w=32 Nike Air Force 1 Low https://footwearnews.com 32 32 178921128 Drake’s Nike Air Force 1 Low Is Back — and Now With Color https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/drake-nike-air-force-1-low-citron-purple-release-date-1234737840/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:34:01 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234737840


Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy Era” isn’t over — at least when it comes to sneakers.

Following the release of his all-white Air Force 1 Low “Love You Forever” in 2022, the rapper is now adding color to the amorous sneaker to release alongside a restock of the original. “Citron” yellow and “Palest Purple” colorways will release next week with monochrome pastel looks.

Both colorways are rendered entirely in their namesake color, including through a translucent sole unit bearing “Love You Forever” in raised script on the midsole. The heel of the insole then takes on a metallic finish with Nocta branding, appearing in gold for the “Citron” edition” and silver for “Palest Purple.” Each also features two sets of laces with silver tips to match the eyelets, as well as friendship bracelet-style beads in either yellow or purple. Rounding out the flourishes is mismatched mustache branding with Nocta’s mark on the left heel.

Leaks have also indicated other pastel colorways are on the way, but no such images have surfaced yet.

The revival of Drake’s Air Force 1 Low comes after his Nocta Hot Step 2 silhouette debuted in the spring. Additional colorways for the Air Zoom Flight 95-inspired model have since followed, but Drake’s Nike Nocta line has been much more prolific on the apparel front. The musician is also expected to land an Air Max Plus collaboration in 2025.

Drake’s Nike x Nocta Air Force 1 Low in “Triple White,” “Citron” and “Palest Purple” will release December 11. Select third-party retailers have already confirmed the drop, with the Snkrs launch likely coordinated for the same time. Pricing is set at $160.

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1234737840 drake-nike-nocta-air-force-1-low-citron-palest-purple-001 Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Citron Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple Drake Nike Nocta Air Force 1 Low Palest Purple
Stash’s Legendary Nike Air Force 1 and Air Max 95 Are Officially Returning in December https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/stash-nike-air-max-95-air-force-1-low-release-date-dec-2024-1234734512/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:14:45 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234734512


After a year rife with leaks and rumors, Stash has officially announced the return for two of his highly collectible Nike sneakers from the 2000s.

The Stash x Nike Air Force 1 Low and Air Max 95 are locked in for a mid-December release, and the revival of the grails will bring about a few material changes — likely for the purpose of better waterproofing. Both sneakers make use of a different nylon and see the addition of Stash’s graffiti logo on the tongue tag. The Air Force 1 also adds taped foxing to the toe box, but its color-blocking remains the same.

More significant deviations come to the Air Max 95, as its grey wavy stripes and toe tip have been swapped for shades of blue to create a more consistent gradient. Eyelets on the upper most nylon panel now host the nylon webbing for the lacing system rather than being tucked beneath the panel as before, and the tongue hosts a new zippered stash pocket.

After making his name as a graffiti artist who got his first gallery placement at 17 years old, Stash became a fixture of streetwear collaborations in the ’90s and got his Nike sneaker debut with an Air Force 1 High in 2003. His Air Force 1 Low being recreated now released at the beginning of 2006 to much fanfare and was then followed by the Air Max 95 in March. Their colorways were similar to that of Air Classic BW from 2003, which was inspired by the grey trains with blue stripes used for the New York City subways (and which were occasionally tagged by Stash.

The Stash x Nike Air Force 1 Low (HF5516-001) and Air Max 95 (HF5515-400) will release December 13, likely through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing for the Air Max 95 is set at $200, while the AF1 Low’s has not yet been confirmed.

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024

Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024

Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024

Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024

Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1234734512 stash-nike-air-force-1-low-air-max-95-2004-001 Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024 Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024 Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024 Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024 Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low 2024 Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024 Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024 Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024 Stash Nike Air Max 95 2024
Nike Is Only Releasing 8,000 Pairs of This Limited-Edition Kobe Bryant Sneaker https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/nike-air-force-1-kobe-bryant-black-hv5122-001-release-date-1234734433/ Sat, 23 Nov 2024 16:14:02 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234734433


Since his tragic death in January 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s sneakers have become some of the most in-demand styles on the market, with fans chasing after nearly every release Nike has issued. Yet an upcoming Kobe tribute on a classic Nike shoe may prove to be one of the hardest to obtain of them all.

The soon-to-be-released Nike Air Force 1 was first seen on the feet of Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalia, at the 2024 Mamba League Invitational tournament in August (where wife Vanessa and daughters Bianka and Capri also debuted Kobe-themed Air Force 1s).

The sneaker features a mostly all-black leather upper which is debossed with Bryant’s sheath logo in a repeating pattern. Los Angeles Lakers colors fill in the accents, with gold and purple covering the branded portions including embroidery of Bryant’s jersey number and logo at the heels. 

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (pair). Credit: Nike

But the most significant detail of the sneaker is hidden on the insole, which boasts a “Mamba forever” tag and reveals that only 8,000 pairs of the colorway were produced. Each pair is individually numbered and will come packaged in a white box with a snake scale texture and Bryant’s signature in metallic gold.

Nike’s plans for future Kobe sneakers extend far beyond the Air Force 1. In 2025, a number of anticipated pairs from his signature line will be released including “What the” Kobe 8 and Kobe 9s, a new-look “All-Star 2.0” Kobe 6 and more. And this holiday season, the “Christmas” Nike Kobe 9 Elite High is expected to return for its 10th anniversary.

Although Nike has yet to formally add this limited-edition black Air Force 1 Low “Kobe Bryant” to SNKRS, a white colorway is scheduled to be released on Dec. 6, leading some to theorize the black pair will arrive the same day. The limited-edition style has a SKU of HV5122-001 and is expected to retail for $150. 

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (lateral). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (medial). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (top). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (heel). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (sole). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (detail). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (heel detail). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (heel pair). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Kobe Bryant’ black (shoe box). Credit: Nike



]]>
1234734433 nike-air-force-1-low-kobe-bryant-black-hv5122-001
Lil Yachty Unleashes Profanity-Packed Tirade Over Sneaker Collab Criticism https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/lil-yachty-nike-air-force-1-bimma-williams-complexcon-1234732019/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:38:27 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234732019


A social media sneaker critique spilled into an in-person confrontation Saturday at ComplexCon in Las Vegas.

During the convention’s “Sneaker of the Year” discussion, rapper and panel member Lil Yachty addressed a recent Instagram video shared by industry veteran Brandon “Bimma” Williams, who was in the audience. The rapper’s expletive-laced rant lasted nearly seven minutes and was rooted in Williams’ criticisms of Lil Yachty’s upcoming Air Force 1 collaboration.

“It’s like bro, every shoe don’t gotta be fifty f**king colors,” Lil Yachty said. “I wanted to do some real calm, sexy s**t. Like, navy blue is a good-ass color. And white, you feel me?”

The rapper’s Nike “Us Force 1” Air Force 1 collaboration, which is branded with the logos of his Concrete Boys group rather than his own, has received flack from Williams and other social media users for what they perceive as an overly simplistic design reminiscent of Nike’s widely available general release colorways. In his original video shared Nov. 13, Williams plays off of the rapper’s “Lil Boat” nickname, using several puns to dissect the collaboration. 

“Let’s talk about why Lil Boat’s Uptowns probably should have stayed docked,” Williams said. “Look, after a year of unwanted white-on-white Air Force 1 collabs, these just feel like a general release. Maybe throw these overboard.”

Williams, who has parlayed his industry experience into his own collaboration marketing platform, said he believed Lil Yachty’s “It’s Us” branding was too similar to Kith’s “Just Us” mantra. Williams also questioned the rapper’s authenticity as “one of hip-hop’s biggest sneakerheads,” citing a story where Lil Yachty admitted to being unfamiliar with Jay-Z’s music. 

“This is my thing, right?,” Lil Yachty said during Saturday’s panel. “I hate when people act as if all shoes must be like this…I don’t even understand. Everyone has their own take on a sneaker, so if I wanted to make an Air Force and I want it to be white and blue, if you don’t like it, that’s cool.”

Aesthetic aside, what Lil Yachty seemed to take exception with most was Williams questioning his personal ties to hip-hop and sneaker culture. 

The profanity-laden clips circulated on numerous social media accounts Saturday, and Williams took to his own @bimmawilliams Instagram Monday to respond. Once again using nautical puns and Jay-Z references, Williams ran through his resumé and addressed the tense situation. 

“There’s a difference between hate and a critique,” Williams said in the Monday response. “The latter is a gift and in return, you try to reduce me to a hater…and even though ya’ll tried to have standing up there silently, I didn’t need a mic because the community stood with me.”

Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Us Force 1” collaboration will be released first on Nov. 20 followed by a global release on Dec. 2. Retail pricing has not been confirmed.

Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Us Force 1.’ Credit: Nike



]]>
1234732019 lil-yachty-nike-air-force-1-concrete-boys
How to Buy A Ma Maniére’s ‘While You Were Sleeping’ Nike Air Force 1 Collaboration https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/a-ma-maniere-nike-air-force-1-while-you-were-sleeping-fd6900-200-1234730780/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:27:06 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234730780


The rollout of A Ma Maniére’s sprawling six-sneaker “While You Were Sleeping” collection continues this month with the release of the collaboration’s fifth model.

Following launches of the Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 39, Air Jordan 4, and Nike Air Max 95, the penultimate entry in the group is confirmed to be the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low. Officially colored “Sesame/Silver/White,” A Ma Maniére describes the low-top sneaker as light mauve. 

No detail has been overlooked, with nearly every element of the shoe customized to A Ma Maniére’s specifications. The all-leather upper features a redesigned toe box with three “A” logos, and the silver dubrae also dons the brand’s “A” mark. On the inside of the shoe, a monogram “A” pattern covers both the liner and insole and on the midsole, the sneaker’s traditional “Air” branding is replaced with “A Ma Maniére” text. The store’s logo also appears on a co-branded tongue label.

Models wear the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneaker and Nike Destroyer varsity jacket. Credit: A Ma Maniére

In addition to the Air Force 1 Low, an A Ma Maniére x Nike Destroyer varsity jacket, which was originally teased during the launch of the Air Max 95, will be released in unisex sizing for a retail price of $600. 

The A Ma Maniére “While You Were Sleeping” collection will be capped off by the Converse Weapon Low, although a release date for that pair has not yet been confirmed. Meanwhile, the brand’s “While You Were Sleeping” film will arrive in theaters in December. 

In addition to the “While You Were Sleeping” range, one of A Ma Maniére’s future collaborations has already hit the internet. The store is expected to release an Air Jordan 3 in a new-look “Diffused Blue” during spring 2025. 

The A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low retails for $150 and will be released Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. ET from amamaniere.com and A Ma Maniére’s brick-and-mortar locations in Atlanta, Houston and Washington, D.C. International shipping will be offered for both the Air Force 1 sneaker and Destroyer varsity jacket.

Before the official launch, a raffle for the A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low will run from Nov. 18 through Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. ET. Readers can enter here.

Models wear the A Ma Maniére x Nike Destroyer varsity jacket and Air Force 1 Low sneaker. Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (lateral). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (pair). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (front). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (heel detail). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (sole). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (toe detail). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (midsole detail). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (tongue detail). Credit: A Ma Maniére

A Ma Maniére x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (box). Credit: A Ma Maniére



]]>
1234730780 a-ma-maniere-nike-air-force-1-low
Is Lil Yachty’s ‘Concrete Boys’ Nike Air Force 1 Finally Coming Out This Month? https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/lil-yachty-nike-air-force-1-concrete-boys-release-date-2024-1234729172/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:03:04 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234729172


Lil Yachty first revealed his “Concrete Boys” edition of the Nike Air Force 1 Low just shy of a year ago, but anticipation for the sneaker was quickly killed by reports that it would be exclusive to friends and family. Hope is now reanimated, however, as retailer images of the AF1 have surfaced along with reports that it will launch at ComplexCon later this month.

Lil Yachty’s Nike Air Force 1 Low “Concrete Boys” sticks to a white and navy color palette with his label’s sledgehammer figure embroidered onto the lateral heel and the fuller construction site logo appearing on the mustache. “It’s Us” appears on the tongue tag along with the Nike Swoosh, and apart from those navy blue marks the upper is rendered entirely in white leather to match the midsole. Navy is then used further for the outsole and sockliner, while the insole appears in a lighter blue.

The only difference between the pair releasing and the one made for friends and family is that the latter featured a “C” logo on the left mustache.

The Air Force 1 Low will mark Lil Yachty’s first collaboration with Nike, although he’s became close to the brand in recent years by helping to reveal Cactus Plant Flea Market’s Air Flea 2 and latest crop of Air Force 1 Lows, as well as Nigel Sylvester’s Air Jordan 4 RM.

He’ll also add his name to a lineage of hip-hop label-affiliated Air Force 1 Lows that includes Fat Joe’s Terror Squad and Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, as well as following up Travis Scott and Drake’s recent editions of the sneaker.

The Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Concrete Boys” will reportedly release November 16 at ComplexCon, and the Foot Patrol images published here suggest a wider release will follow. Pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1234729172 lil-yachty-nike-air-force-1-low-concrete-boys-2025-005_414f57 Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Nike Air Force 1 Shoes History https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/nike-air-force-1-history-1203579151/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 20:45:37 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1203579151 If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.



Were there a Mount Rushmore for sneakers, the Nike Air Force 1 would be guaranteed one of its four slots. Not only is it Nike’s best-selling shoe of all-time, but its history is steeped in several moments single-handedly responsible for sneaker culture today as we know it.

Reissued sneakers: you can thank the Air Force 1s. Exclusive colorways: extend credit to the same source. The number of pairs sold is in the millions, and thousands of different versions of the sneaker have gone on sale since they debuted in 1982.

The Air Force 1 has remained a staple for 40 years, enjoying a level of longevity that few wearable objects, let alone sneakers, enjoy. Even the Air Jordan 1 had a period of languishing on shelves in the ’90s, but the Air Force 1 has never had a comparable dip in appeal.

Below, Footwear News takes you through the history of the Air Force 1, providing you everything you need to know about the iconic model.

Nike Air Force 1 Original Six Campaign, nike air force 1 history

1982 Debut

Nike launched the Air Force 1 in 1982 as a high-top and the company’s first basketball sneaker to feature Air technology, which had made its debut three years earlier on the Tailwind running shoe. 

The hiking boot-inspired design from Bruce Kilgore — who would go on to create the Air Ship, aka the “Pre-Jordan,” and the Air Jordan 2 — featured a velcro strap around the ankle for security, perforations on the toe for breathability, and concentric circles on the outsole stationed at key areas for pivoting. In 1983, the most popular version of the Air Force 1 would arrive through a low-top intended even then to draw more lifestyle appeal. 

A group of NBA players now known as the “Original Six” starred in the Air Force 1’s launch campaign, which played into the inspiration from the call sign of the president’s aircraft: Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Calvin Natty, Jamaal Wilkes, Bobby Jones, and Mychal Thompson — the latter of whom is Klay Thompson’s father. 

Six AF1 high colorways were made to correspond with the players’ respective teams and released after the debut scheme featuring a white base with grey strap, Swoosh, and outsole. 

The Air Force franchise would continue to include a total of five numbered models until 1990’s Air Force 5 brought the series to a close. Of course, it was only the first that would endure for another 40 years — but the Air Force 1 very easily could have been left behind as well. 

Baltimore Prevents Discontinuation

Were it not for the city of Baltimore, not only is it possible the Air Force 1 wouldn’t be around today, but the entire concept of “retro” sneakers may have never come into existence. 

Nike discontinued the Air Force 1 in 1984, as was eventually the practice for all of its sneakers, except for in Baltimore, where the stores Charley Rudo, Cinderella Shoes, and Downtown Locker Room were able to convince the company to continue supplying them exclusively with new pairs. 

The “Color of the Month Club” was thus born, creating the idea of exclusive colorways and a culture of collecting them. Seminal sneakerheads would travel from all over the East Coast just to get the limited-edition sneakers that would sell through at a rate of 100 percent. 

After witnessing the success of the program, Nike would then bring back the Air Force 1 on a wider basis in 1986, marking the first time it had ever reversed course on a discontinued sneaker. 

Nike Air Force 1 Low All-White, nike air force 1 history

First Pair of All-White Lows, aka “Uptowns”

Somewhat inexplicably, the now-quintessential all-white Air Force 1 wasn’t born until the mid-’90s. The precise history is a bit murky, a consequence of the pre-internet era and sneakers still being a relatively niche interest, but it’s clear it took at least a decade before the entire shoe arrived draped in white. Some colorways had gotten close, such as an otherwise white version with a gum sole from 1991, but none would hit quite the same as the true “Triple Whites.” 

Part of the appeal comes down to the versatility of the blank slate, but an outsized amount of credit has to go to the community of hustlers in New York City. Dating back to the ‘80s, drug deals have been attributed with ditching pairs of Air Force 1s as soon as they show any signs of wear as a way to flaunt their wealth. Given how easy it is to spot any smudge on a pair of all-whites, maintaining a crisp pair at all times became an even more natural flex. It’s because of this history that sneakerheads will often deride those who wear dirty, or “cooked,” all-white Forces. 

Because of their popularity in Harlem in particular, all-white AF1s are commonly referred to by the nickname “Uptowns,” as in Uptown Manhattan. However, their appeal spread throughout the five boroughs and the broader East Coast — and hip-hop would go on to showcase (and further facilitate) an even broader reach. 

Hip-Hop, Collaborations, and the 2000s

Because rappers often drew their style inspiration from drug dealers, it was only natural for the sneaker to become a staple in the culture. Jay-Z, who operated in both spaces, is often credited with being the first rapper to specifically call out a pair of Triple-Whites on record, as he rapped in 1998 on “Can I Live II,” “ For all my n****s with the all-white Air Force Ones and black guns.” 

The relationship between hip-hop and Air Force Ones would become even greater in the early-aughts, most prominently in the song “Air Force Ones” by Nelly. Other rappers closely associated with the sneakers are Fat Joe and the entire Dipset crew. Nike even made exclusive pairs of AF1s for the record labels of Jay-Z and Fat Joe — Roc-a-Fella and Terror Squad, respectively — which wouldn’t be released to the public until more than a decade later. 

The early-’00s ushered in an increase in regionalized exclusives and the onset of collaborations such as the Japan-only Air Force 1 Low CO.JP “Linen” from 2001 and Stash’s Air Force 1 High from 2003. Together with Nike’s Dunks, this period of Air Force 1 releases set up today’s landscape for hyped sneaker drops. 

Throughout this same time, Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse also continued to wear the Air Force 1 High sneakers while playing in the NBA — rejecting modern technology in favor for in-game footwear that was already two decades old. 

Nike Welcomes High Fashion 

Riccardo Tisci Nike Air Force 1, nike air force 1 history

Riccardo Tisci, then working at Givenchy, became the first high-fashion designer to be tapped by Nike for collaboration on a sneaker in 2014, when he transformed the sneaker into a full-on boot while also releasing less extreme versions of the high-top. 

Tisci’s work opened the door for other designers to make more extreme changes on Nike sneakers for their collaborations — Virgil Abloh would run with this idea most prominently — and for Nike to remix the silhouette in-house to become a platform, hiker, duck boot, and more. The Air Force 1 has essentially never gone away fully, but never has it appeared in as many forms as it does today.

More About Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

The legacy of the Nike Air Force 1 Shoe has transcended decades. In 2024, Footwear News deemed it one of the Greatest Shoes of All Time for its timeless design, game-changing Air technology, and unique position as a cultural chameleon through athletics, musical genres, and all style perspectives. Not only is it a simple and versatile gold-standard white sneaker for women and men, but it carries a particular streetwear attitude that continues to permeate today’s ever-changing trends.

“The first time I saw them in 1982, they became my favorite,” DJ Clark Kent told Footwear News. “But when they became a staple on the feet of NYC hustlers in 1984/85, it became a shoe of legendary proportions. It has always been simple, beautiful, easy to wear, and style — without costing too much — the perfect shoe. Air Force 1s are beautiful. And the importance came from the real influencers: The people in the streets.”

In recent years, the Nike Air Force 1 was reportedly the most purchased sneaker of 2020, according to the NPD Group, and soon after, launched to the top of the Lyst Index 2021 Hottest Product list. Based on social media buzz, searches, and sales, the best Nike shoe ranked highest among women and Gen Z, likely due to a new generation of sneaker fans discovering the icon, alongside similar rising trends involving rubber and resin sneakers. Plus, the shoe enjoyed a slew of high-profile collaborations around that time, including Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Air Force 1 which was dubbed the “greatest sneaker collab ever” and crowned the Shoe of The Year by Footwear News in 2022. Although the core sneaker design has not altered in recent years, the Air Force 1 continues to serve as a blank canvas for new colorways and exciting collaborations.

Most recently, Nike announced the Air Force 1 Low “Animal Pack” slated to drop by the end of the year, which features animal-printed pony hair Swooshes and vamps, and trendy chocolate brown uppers in a soft, suede-like material. The “Year of the Snake” Air Force 1 will also be released in the coming months for the Chinese New Year, along with a Kobe Bryant-themed Air Force 1 tribute shoe, and a new Supreme collaboration involving the Nike Air Force 1 Mid. Additionally, you can look forward to a soon-to-drop “Halloween” iteration of the shoe, a “Vanta Black” colorway described as Nike’s “blackest shoe ever,” and even an SB re-work of the classic silhouette in 2025, complete with skate-ready features and black and gray mixed suede uppers.

New Air Force 1 shoes unsurprisingly sell out in mere days, so if you miss out on a coveted collab or want to sport a style no one else can access, the Swoosh offers Custom Air Force 1 shoes for site members, where you can create your own colorway as a one of one design.

The Best Nike Air Force 1 Shoes to Shop Now

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
On Sale 20% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $91.97

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 EasyOn Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $115

Nike Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $125

Nike Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $125

Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $130

Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $130

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature SE Shoes
On Sale 14% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $102.97

Nike Air Force 1 Low EVO Shoes
On Sale 20% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $115.97

Nike Air Force 1 Shadow Shoes
On Sale 15% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $114.97

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8 Shoes
On Sale 20% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.97

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1203579151 nike-air-force-1-history Nike Air Force 1 Original Six Campaign Nike Air Force 1 Low All-White Riccardo Tisci Nike Air Force 1
Nike’s Releasing a Luxe-Yet-Sustainable Air Force 1 in 2025 https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/nike-air-force-1-low-premium-white-2025-hf2893-100-1234724099/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:18:36 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234724099 If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.



While the Air Force 1 buzz may have cooled off some in recent years as attention has turned to slimmer silhouettes such as the Adidas Samba and Puma Speedcat, Nike’s early 1980s basketball shoe is the sort of timeless sneaker that transcends trends. One pair in particular, the white-on-white Air Force 1 Low, is among the most iconic shoes of all time, and Nike will be treating it to a premium update for spring 2025. 

Official Nike product images of a premium all-white Air Force 1 Low have surfaced in a mixed-material design reminiscent of the brand’s mash-up “What the” styles. Each panel on the upcoming Air Force 1 Low makes use of a different material, although unlike many of the brand’s “What the” concepts, the pair features matching left and right shoes. 

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (pair). Credit: Nike

Materials include a woven leather toe box reminiscent of a 2003 made-in-Italy release and a heel which could be a reference to 2007’s ultra-rare Lux colorway, which was released for the model’s 25th anniversary for a retail price of $2,000 and featured real crocodile skin. While premium, the leathers used on the upcoming iteration aren’t as exotic, resulting in far closer-to-standard pricing. 

Other highlights on the new Air Force 1 Low include tumbled, perforated and patent leathers and a recycled rubber outsole. Also of note is the silver dubrae, which features a Swoosh in place of the usual “AF1” text.

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (detail). Credit: Nike

Considered by many to be the most significant Air Force 1 style, the white-on-white Low was originally introduced to the market during the 1990s, although its exact time of arrival isn’t clearly documented.  

As of publishing, the multi-material “White/White/White” Nike Air Force 1 Low is expected to be released early ’25 at a retail price of $130. 

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (lateral). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (medial). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (top). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (heel). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (sole). Credit: Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘White/White/White’ HF2893-100 (heel detail). Credit: Nike

Shop Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes



]]>
1234724099 nike-air-force-1-low-white-premium
This Animal Print Pony Hair Nike Air Force 1 Low Is Literally Wild https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/nike-air-force-1-low-animal-pack-release-date-hv6356-200-1234723817/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:12:38 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234723817 If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.



Nike is bringing pony hair and two animal prints to a wild pair of Air Force 1 Lows invoking some of the brand’s most beloved collaboration.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Animal Pack” is the unofficial nickname for the sneaker with a lineage to Atmos‘ collaborations of the same name. Despite all that’s happening on the shoe, though, the execution could be considered tame compared to the Japanese retailer’s “Animal Pack” series.

Pony hair takes on a leopard print pattern for the Swoosh and vamp, while the same material is applied to the mustache with zebra striping. Solid brown then forms the rest of the upper to dial down the effect, with the eyestays in suede and the rest of the upper in what looks to be either canvas or a thinly woven corduroy. Black is then used for the tongue and insole branding, as well as the sole unit, while brown is used for the heel marking the insole itself.

The “Animal Pack” is not to be confused with the “Safari” treatment, even though both have come from Atmos collaborations and feature animal prints. The latter refers to a black and white ostrich print along with shades of brown that began with a landmark 2001 Air Max 1 collaboration inspired by the Air Safari and has subsequently been applied to a variety of other sneakers. Atmos first introduced the recurring “Animal Pack” treatment in 2006 through an Air Max 1 and Air Max 95 featuring pony hair with even more animal prints than the Air Force 1 Low here.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Animal Pack” is expected to release before the end of 2024 but has not been confirmed with a more precise release date or price. This post will be updated as more information on what should be one Nike’s best in-house drops for the remainder of the year.

Shop Nike Air Force 1 Shoes

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Shoes

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1234723817 nike-air-force-1-low-animal-pack-2024-006
Nike’s Air Force 1 Low ‘Year of the Snake’ Gives Good Reason to Look Forward to the Chinese New Year https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/nike-air-force-1-low-year-dragon-release-date-2025-1234722295/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:55:24 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234722295


With the holidays quickly approaching, one of Nike’s best annual collections is coming into focus for the Chinese New Year.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Year of the Snake” will be one of numerous sneakers featuring serpentine elements and other detailing for the Chinese holiday. Beginning with a nearly all-white leather base, this AF1 Low packs in a number of flourishes, including a curly textured foxing panel and a red (faux) snakeskin tongue tag with gold Nike logo. The Swoosh and mustache are rendered in green leather, the former of which features embellished stitching in red. Gold-tone metal lace dubraes also form snakes, while a red traditional Wanzi knot comes affixed to the laces as well.

Nike goes all out each year with its Chinese New Year sneakers zeroing in on the next animal up in the Chinese Zodiac. As we near 2025, you can expect to see a lot of Nike and Jordan Brand classics take on snake elements, as well as more contemporary models, particularly for basketball. The Dunk Low and Kobe 5 Protro CNY editions have already leaked as well, and there should be plenty more on the way.

For the Year of the Dragon, Nike offered a lineup including two Air Force 1 Lows, Air Jordan 1 Lows, a Ja 1, KD 4 2.0 and more.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Year of the Snake” will release in 2025, likely at some point in January. Pricing is set at $130.

Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake

Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake

Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake

Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



]]>
1234722295 nike-air-force-1-low-year-snake-005 Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake