The Nike Air Force One is so iconic you don’t have to be a sneakerhead to recognize it. Since making its debut as a basketball shoe in 1982, the AF1 has moved far beyond the court and into music and streetwear.
Designed by Bruce Kilgore and named after the U.S. president’s aircraft, the Air Force 1 introduced Nike Air cushioning to basketball footwear. And even more than four decades later, you can still spot AF1s just about everywhere. Let’s take a look at why these basketball kicks are still making heads turn today.
Kicks that gave you bragging rights
Previously, you couldn’t just get the Nike Air Force One by walking into a store and picking your size.
Nike initially released the shoe for a limited period. Once a particular run disappeared from shelves, that was pretty much it. If you managed to score a pair, you had something other sneaker fans couldn’t necessarily get, and this gave the AF1 some serious status as sneaker culture started taking shape.
When hip-hop entered the picture in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the connection between that and basketball became particularly strong in New York, along with sneaker culture. Back then, you’ll find the Air Force 1 a favorite in neighborhoods like Harlem, where it was called ‘Uptowns.’
We also have Baltimore to thank for in keeping the sneaker alive, even when Nike considered ending production in 1984. Nike later recognized that history with the 2017 ‘For Baltimore’ release.
And then there’s the white-on-white Nike Air Force One Low. You’ve probably seen that pair more times than you could count. With its clean, simple design, it’s something you can easily wear with almost anything — and this is a big deal for kicks that continue to find their way into footwear rotations every time.
Collaborations keep people talking about the AF1
Part of the fun of the Nike Air Force One is seeing what happens when someone puts their own spin on it. Over the years, Nike has worked with brands and other names in pop culture to turn the familiar AF1 silhouette into some seriously collectible sneakers.
Some releases are incredibly hard to find, such as the 2019 Scarr’s Pizza x Nike Air Force 1 designed by DJ Clark Kent. Only around 48 pairs were reportedly produced for friends and family, so it’s one of those AF1s most people will probably never see sitting on a store shelf.
You certainly don’t need a rare collaboration to enjoy the Nike Air Force One, but these releases show just how much people can do with the silhouette.
A classic that still has room to switch things up
One reason the Air Force 1 has lasted this long is that Nike doesn’t have to completely reinvent it to make it feel fresh.
Take the Air Force 1 ‘07 LX Sunflower as an example. It keeps the familiar AF1 form but adds a removable layer of bright sunflowers over a woven sesame-colored upper. It’s definitely not your basic white pair, but you can still tell immediately that you’re looking at an Air Force 1.
If you like your sneakers to do the talking, the Technicolor Orange Pony Hair is hard to miss. The bold orange finish brings plenty of personality to the classic AF1 shape and can easily add some color to an otherwise simple outfit.
Prefer to keep things a little more low-key? Take a look at the Air Force 1 ‘07 Dark Blue Obsidian. It keeps the clean, familiar AF1 look but dresses it in a deep blue from top to bottom. The premium leather upper and matching outsole give it a sleek monochromatic finish that’s easy to work into your everyday rotation.
Get your Air Force 1s now
Here at Millennium Shoes, you can find a wide range of Nike Air Force One designs at affordable prices. You can even get free shipping by spending $150 or more on your order.
Shopping for fresh kicks for school? Make sure you grab your student discount before you check out.