Facts
| Style: | Retro |
|---|---|
| Top: | Low |
| Inspired from: | Basketball |
| Collection: | Nike Air Force 1 |
| Closure: | Laces |
| Designer: | Bruce Kilgore |
| Material: | Leather, Rubber Sole, Air Sole |
| Price: | €120 |
| Colorways: | Black, White, Blue |
| Special editions: | 7 special editions |
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The fit of the Air Force 1 Low is typical of a basketball-based sneaker. It has exceptional hold and support. Those who need a little more freedom in their ankle movement can get that from this low-cut design. The Nike Air Force 1 Low casual shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Moreover, this model utilizes a traditional lace-up closure for a comfortable and snug fit. Its collar and tongue are padded for added comfort and cushioning.
The history, popularity, and timeless charm of the Nike Air Force 1 Low make it a stylish option for basically all occasions. As proven by the people who have fashionably worn the shoe, it takes the wearer from the streets to formal, or hard court action. It is a versatile sneaker that can be used together with jeans and shorts.
Men’s styling tips
For a simple yet standout look, pair these kicks with a plain tee and track pants then accessorize with a chain necklace and a new era cap. For a more laidback, sporty outfit, match it with basketball shorts, high socks, a t-shirt, finished with a chain necklace. On days you feel like dressing up, go for cropped trousers and a crisp button-down. Finally, for events such as weddings and parties opt for a matching suit.
Women’s styling tips
With the Nike Air Force 1 Low's impeccable versatility, the ladies can also have the same fun as the guys. For a boyish look, go for cropped, high-waisted pants with your top tucked in then accessorize with dainty necklaces and medium-sized hoop earrings to add a touch of femininity. Try going for the 90s look by opting for high-waisted denim jeans and a cropped top. Or for an effortless and comfortable outfit, just pop on a dress and add a stylish bag to finish your look.
For a shoe of this status, it is quite simply difficult to pin down one notable feature above the others. People all over the world have fallen in love with this shoe for a variety of reasons. They each have their own stories to tell when it comes to the Nike Air Force 1 Low.
But, based on historical background the most notable feature in the Air Force series would have to be the Air Technology in the midsole. As people very well know, Nike utilized for the first time an Air bag in the midsole of the Air Force 1. The Air Technology was particularly very prominent as it gave the shoe more cushioning without adding too much weight to its already considerable frame.
Placing the Air bag in the midsole was a turning point in the Air Force 1’s humble beginnings. It created a stir as basketball players were willing to check the shoe’s performance and it also translated to a very comfortable feel for those who were already looking to test it for casual walks. In this sense, the iconic technology is very much the soul and character of the Nike Air Force 1 Low.
Nike Air Force 1 vs Air Force 1 07
Nike’s Air Force 1 and Air Force 1 07 shoes are essentially the same model. The best way to differentiate them is that the Air Force 1 is the original design that came out in 1982 while the Air Force 1 07 is the retro of the original model that debuted in 2007. And just like every other retro release, the AF1 07 has been slightly altered to match today’s modern sneaker attributes.
The difference between Nike Air Force 1 and 07 aren’t striking to the naked eye but minor changes in materials and construction are customary to retro’d models. The alterations on the Nike Air Force 1 07 aren’t significant that it affects the fit and sizing of its predecessor. The only notable physical modification lies on the lace deubré, as the OG version utilizes a rounded metal piece while the 07 version displays a square-shaped lace deubré.
Adidas Superstar vs Nike Air Force 1
Shoppers have constantly compared the Superstar and AF1 because both are basketball-inspired and display versatile all-white designs. Both sneakers are deemed to be stylish and could complement a wide variety of outfits, but choosing one over the other remains solely on the purchaser’s preferences.
If you fancy the boy/girl-next-door aesthetic, then the Superstar leans more on that style. The AF1’s bulky design is preferred more by wearers whose styles lean toward the sporty/hip-hop fashion. Although there are other factors that contribute to the matter of Nike Air Force 1 vs Adidas Superstar, most consumers’ decisions mostly boil down to these shoes’ aesthetics.
Bruce Kilgore, Nike's just as iconic shoe designer, introduced the revolutionary Air Force 1 in 1982. The low top model was introduced to add more variety and freedom of movement for basketball enthusiasts. It also contained the novel design of putting the Air technology for the first time in basketball shoes.
Besides the Air in the midsole, the outsole was also revamped to cater to the needs of hoops fans. Replacing the tried and tested herringbone pattern was a series of circles that were better-suited for the hard and sudden movements in basketball.
Nike stopped the production of this shoe in 1984, but only to bring it back because of popular demand. While the decision to bring back the shoe was questionable back in 1986, it proved to be a decision that somehow shaped the entire sneaker world.
Since its re-introduction in the mid-80s, the Air Force 1 has seen so many varieties and has been involved in so many collaborations with numerous artists and designers. No less than several of the world's top athletes and entertainment personnel have been consistent endorsers of this sneaker. From the hard court to the street, the sneaker's unbelievable and unprecedented success ensure that it will be a staple in the future and in the feet of kids who have not even known of its existence yet.
Celebrities that donned the AF1
With such massive success, the Nike Air Force 1 low top has inevitably landed on the A-list’s radar and eventually their feet. Nelly, an American rapper, even made a song to pay tribute to these iconic sneakers called ‘Air Force Ones.’
Some of the personalities spotted rocking a pair are musicians Jay Z, Fabulous, A$AP Rocky, Fat Joe, Drake, Busta Rhymes, SZA, and Dr. Dre, actors Mark Wahlberg and Chloe Moretz, models Kate Moss, Bella Hadid, and Oliver Cheshire, and athletes Tony Parker, Lebron James, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Allen Iverson.
Colorways and collaborations
Throughout the Nike Air Force 1 Low's existence it has been available in both men and women's designs. As of 2015, the sneaker was said to be released in over 2,000 iterations – a feat no other sneaker has done since. With that being said, listing down every single version of the Nike AF1 is near impossible. Nevertheless, you can check out some of them below.
Aside from the Nike Air Force 1 Low in classic white and black colorways the hoop shoe inspired Nike Air Force 1 Low in wolf grey, as well as the Nike Air Force 1 Low black and white are also must-haves in ones shoe rotation. Other hues also include the Nike Air Force 1 Low in red crush/sail, black/sail, moon particle/neutral indigo/white/university red, medium olive/khaki/velvet brown/white, blue void, yellow ochre, total orange, medium olive/sail, ashen slate/sail, baroque brown/army olive/medium olive, and team red.
Very much alike its colorways, collaborations are also vast, and some of the latest popular collaborators are Comme des Garcons, A Cold Wall, Dover Street Market, Supreme, Off White, Travis Scott, and Carhartt.
- Etched in the deubre is the label “AF-1 ‘82” to commemorate the year it was introduced.
- Nike’s patented Air technology provides reliable midsole shock-absorbing features and cushioning.
- A premium leather upper delivers durability, support, and plush feel. The upper also serves as a good starting point for those who still like to use the shoe on the hard court playing hoops.
- Perforations in the upper leather of the Nike Air Force 1 Low provide adequate ventilation.
- For more unique and personalized sneakers, you could customize your pair through the NIKEiD program.
- Apart from its upper, the Nike Air Force 1 Low’s midsoles also come in different prints and hues.
- Variations of the Swoosh logo’s design have also been released. Different textures, colors, and interchangeable ones are some of its examples.
- Some of the AF1’s updated versions are Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8 Style, Air Force 1 ’07, Air Force 1 Utility Low Premium WIP, Air Force 1 Utility, Air Force 1 ’07 Metallic, Air Force 1 ’07 XX, Air Force 1 Sage Low, Air Force 1 Mid ’07, and Air Force 1 Premium Winter.