The Air Force 1 success story

Inspired by the President of the United States, the basketball sneaker was named "Air Force 1" in reference to the presidential airplane. Production of the Air Force 1 started with a bang in 1982. Nike signed six NBA players to wear the AF1 on the court to mark the release. The "Original Six" were Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Bobby Jones, Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson and Jamal Wilkes. With all this success, the Air Force 1 was already facing retirement in 1984. Nike labeled the model as "obsolete" and took the AF1 out of their product line.

After a project initiated by the diehard fans, the Air Force 1 finally came back with some contemporary changes - a cursive logo and an embroidered Swoosh on the heel. The comeback also introduced the concept of retro releases to the sneaker world for the first time, which remains an essential part of any brand's product strategy to this day.

From innovative AF1 collaborations to the all-time classic

The classic AF1 silhouette has served as the basis for numerous sophisticated designs, subtle yet contemporary updates, and strong collaborations. Throughout time, the sneaker has never lost its signature AF1 DNA from its designer, Bruce Kilgore. Thanks to its timeless versatility, the unique Air Force silhouette has gradually become the undisputed standard in the global streetwear scene - a true "icon" that has more than earned its title.

Even the greatest rappers and musicians in our history are drawn to the AF1 because of its urban history. In addition to hip hop musicians like DJ Clark Kent, Jay-Z and Eminem, Travis Scott aka "The Highest in the Room" was also allowed to create several colorways on the popular silhouette. Artist and chief designer of Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh was also allowed to work on the popular model and gave the Air Force his iconic Off-White design. For the Nike Air Force x Supreme collaboration, many sneakerheads even accepted to camp in front of the store in order to be able to hold the popular sneaker in their hands or even to be able to wear it.

Utility, Flyknit, Gore Tex – Updates on the Nike Air Force 1

Especially with the Air Force Utility and the Air Force Type N.354 series, Nike once again proves creativity. Innovative and bold design breathes new life into the AF 1 silhouette, alluding to the great history of the Beaverton-based sporting goods manufacturer. An ingenious fusion of classic DNA and modern innovation, the N. 354 and Utility series is equally emblematic of the past, the present and the future, making the hearts of sneaker fans beat faster. But it's not just the design that makes the Air Force so popular.

In winter, the AF Gore Tex offers the perfect protection against wetness and moisture thanks to its water-repellent material. And in the summer, the AF Flyknit provides ample durability and structural strength with its woven, sock-like material, while remaining comfortable and breathable. An alternative for hot days is the Air Force React. A comfortable React midsole with Air elements provides cushioning while running for a comfortable feel. Over and over again, Nike develops new technologies, then fuses them with its iconic silhouettes.

But for all its fashionable designs, innovations and functionalities, the Air Force 1 '07 will probably always remain the most popular model and thus never lose its legendary status, because the all-time classic has it all. Thanks to the Pivot Point in the outsole, the AF1 offered absolute freedom of movement and significantly better cushioning than other basketball silhouettes on the market when it was introduced in 1982. Since its relaunch in 1986, the shoe has been reinvented and improved continuously, so that it's not only visually convincing, but also with its functionality.

Great choice for Nike Air Force fans

Due to its many different upper variants and colorways, the Air Force - whether in the high, mid or low variant - is no longer excluded from the shoe cabinet. Whether as a women's or men's sneaker, the Nike Air Force 1 is one of the classics of Nike history with over 2000 different colorways and is therefore one of the most versatile sneakers in history. However, the most sought-after is without a doubt the all-white variant, which can be easily combined with any outfit and thus never goes out of fashion.

Thanks to the midsole with the "Air" lettering on the heel, the Air Force offers a stable hold and thus established a unique selling point on the sneaker market already in the year of its release in 1982. As a unisex model, a wide selection is available for both girls and boys. Also for kids there is now a wide selection of AF1 whether black, white, blue, green, yellow or completely colorful.

How does the Nike Air Force fit?

The Nike Air Force 1 is true-to-size. So you can't go wrong with your normal size.