Nike Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1: the cult model of the Swoosh

The mix of unique NASA technology, clean design and real know-how from professional sport make the Air Force 1 one of the most well-known and popular sneakers in the world. Rapper and producer Dr. Dre's soft spot for the sneaker even goes so far that he won't let anything else touch his feet: Every day, he pulls a new white pair of Nike Air Force 1s out of the box - one for every day of the week.

However, there is much more to the hype surrounding the Air Force 1 than a very special design - namely a whole lot of technology and skill. Find out what this cult model from Nike is all about and which variants are at the forefront in this article.

NASA and the presidential airplane

Nike brought out the big guns for the Air Force 1: The sneaker was the first basketball shoe to feature a NASA engineer's revolutionary Air unit and was named after the American president's plane by designer Bruce Kilgore. Visually, Kilgore was inspired by Notre-Dame and created an absolutely timeless sneaker that would become one of the most successful silhouettes ever.

Kilgore had no idea of the later hype surrounding the Nike Air Force 1 when he released the first basketball shoe of his career in 1982. But he took a liking to sporty models and tennis models such as the Avenger or the Air Ace followed, as well as other models for the court such as the Air Jordan 2.

However, the design of the first Air Force 1 also involved a lot of experimentation and learning. After a few failures, Kilgore and his producers found the ideal shape and showed the Spanish manufacturers how he envisioned the multicolored sole. It was also Kilgore who personally drove the first samples to college basketball players in a pick-up truck to gather initial feedback and adapt the shoe even better to the needs of the court.

But if you think Kilgore has saved one of the original models as a milestone in his career, we're sorry to disappoint you. When he does wear an Air Force 1 himself, he only wears a very special one-of-one edition from his designer colleague Mark Smith: this special pair of AF 1s has been equipped with personal memories and a special memory foam. It also bears a personal dedication on the insole - he guards this pair like the apple of his eye!

From court to world fame

The Air Force 1's breakthrough in basketball was primarily due to the ingenious technology of the kick: aerospace engineer Franklin Rudy had developed the famous Air unit for the Nike Tailwind in the seventies. The shoe was so popular that Nike took the plunge in 1982 and equipped the first basketball shoe with the revolutionary cushioning: the Nike Air Force 1.

The stability of the belt and the optimal cushioning of the shoe, which still guaranteed maximum flexibility, made it highly sought-after equipment for professional sports. Basketball greats such as Moses Malone quickly made the silhouette a star on the court, but the shoe became cult thanks to the hip-hop scene in the early 2000s.

In addition to the technical gadgets, Kilgore has opted for a clean design - so the original Air Force 1 goes with almost any outfit. Those who like it more eye-catching can choose between the countless trendy colorways and material combinations: From Icy soles to denim, satin and suede to buckles and colorblocking, it's all there! These can be inspired by holidays, such as the Air Force 1 Easter, or updates to the original silhouette, such as the Air Force 1 Utility Sketch Pack. Of course, there have also been popular collabs with the Air Force 1: Off-White and Travis Scott, for example, have already put their hands on the kicks and made them sell-outs. With "Nike By You", you can even create your very own sneaker and secure an absolutely unique piece!

The cult model and its variants

The original model from 1982 was released in clean white and as a high-top with a belt. Since then, there have been countless colorways of the cult sneaker in high-tops, mids and lows, with the low version being the most popular in the lifestyle sector. While the shoe was initially particularly hyped in white and among rappers, there are now also fresh colorways for women. Special styles of the Nike Air Force 1 Women include the Swarowski or the LO'07 with the double Swoosh. We would like to introduce you to a few particularly popular variants of the Air Force 1.

Nike Air Force 1'07

The original Air Force 1 served as a model for the 1'07 and so this street style variant was equipped with the same comfort: the Air cushioning, robust seams, a padded shoe collar and the grippy sole ensure a durable and comfortable shoe. At the same time, the Air Force 1'07 has been given a small facelift - but with its perforated toebox, high-quality leather and eighties vibe, it has retained the look of its predecessor. There is now also a sustainable version of the kick - the Air Force 1'07 Next Nature. This sneaker is made partly from synthetic leather and at least 20% recycled material - an important step towards a sustainable future.

Nike Air Force Shadow

The Air Force Shadow was in the right place at the right time - and shows the current trend of our generation in detail: With special highlights such as the double eyelets, two mudguards or the chunky-style midsole, it really mixes up the original - but still remains true to the classic basketball look in the base. The different layers and the double branding emphasize the classic silhouette from the eighties and at the same time pick up on current trends - a stylish version of the popular classic.

Nike Air Force 1 Pixel

Another street style version of the classic Air Force 1 is the Pixel. The special highlight of this silhouette is the platform sole, which is reminiscent of a pixelated image thanks to the offset elements. The tongue tab is adorned with a new graffiti-style logo and the Swoosh appears stamped in - the details of the pixel look. This elevated version of the original basketball sneaker couldn't be a better take on the current fashion trend and is therefore particularly hyped by female sneakerheads.

Nike Air Force 1 High & Mid

The AF Mid is equipped with all the technical and visual finesse of the Low, but also has a mid-height cut and a Velcro fastener above the lacing. The AF High also performs with a collar above the ankle, which is a little higher than the mid version. For optimal support, there is also the typical Velcro fastener.

What collabos are there on the Nike Air Force 1? Where can I buy the AF1?

With its uncomplicated yet aesthetic design, the Nike Air Force 1 serves as a good basis for collabs. Most recently, Off-White and Travis Scott put their hands on the brand's best-selling shoe and the results were always instant sell-outs. The Air Force x Off-White and the Cactus Jack are currently only available to buy for a multiple of the price on resale at Stock X.

What would a collaboration with you look like?

Those who would like to help shape what they rock can let off steam at Nike By You. They recently collaborated with Levi's and sneakerheads were able to design their own jeans-inspired pair. What could be cooler than buying the AF 1 you designed yourself? Definitely not much.

Whether with sweatpants, jeans or cargos, AF1s always go well. If you don't have a pair yet, it's high time to buy your first Nike Air Force 1. Find out which styles you can get where here.

The Air Force 1 - a real milestone

With the Air Force 1, Kilgore has not only set a milestone for his own career - the release of this model was also an important step for Nike in defending its position at the top of professional sport and at the same time achieving cult status in the lifestyle sector.

The silhouette currently captures the zeitgeist of the younger generation and is a perennial favorite among sneakerheads. At the same time, it is a symbol of hip-hop culture and has become an icon thanks to limited-edition collabs and colorways. The more than 2,000 variants of the Air Force 1 have not only had a lasting influence on basketball, but also on fashion, music and sneaker culture. We can't wait to see what styles Nike comes up with next for the Air Force 1 - well done, Swoosh!

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