Thursday Throwback by: GourmetKickz

Year: 2005
Name: Air Force 1
Style #: BMB813-M3-C1
Colors: White / Hyacinth-Black
NikeAirForce1.com 1Thology Profile

“This is how we take the old from new, the new to the old, the old from the new!” Yes we’re about to take you back….. Way back…… into time! Going back to 2005 I can easily recall the ice cold winter that started the year in motion. And in recalling that ice cold winter, I also think of the NikeTown NYC release of the “Temptation” AF1’s from the Lebron James Chamber of Fear campaign. For those of you who are new to the sneaker game, the Chamber of Fear was a creative campaign launched by Nike in partnership with Lebron James and SoleCollector Magazine. A total of 6 different AF1 Lows were released in succession at NikeTowns nationwide. This created an hysteria like none other the sneaker world had yet seen. Campouts abounded as sneakerheads waited eagerly to get their hands on the entire set. The genius of the campaign was that none of the sneakers released in the same cities. This made it almost mandatory for sneakerheads to communicate, partner, and trade to get the next pair in the set. This was tremendous for the culture as it truly connected people across the country and the globe. What made the releases even more interesting was that a selected few of the 250 pairs released at NikeTowns were laser etched with a symbol representing the corresponding “Chamber of Fear”. And to make things even more interesting the 6th Chamber / AF1 was never released to the public, it was ultimately made available only to friends and family of Nike.

What you see above is the NikeTown NYC released 2nd “Chamber” called the “Temptations”. This sneaker, like a few of the other Chambers, featured a color never seen on an AF1 before: Hyacinth, a vibrant color somewhere between lavendar and purple. The color blocking was also unique as was the mix of materials. All the hyacinth parts are premium grade patent leather along with the black heel tab. The white portions of the shoe, including the interior, are premium leather. Although not one of the favorite Chambers because of the somewhat feminine color, this AF1 is definitely one of the more interesting pairs that emerged out of the Chamber of Fear campaign. One thing is for sure, color and exclusivity aside, the release events for these sneakers were like none other the sneaker culture had seen. From live DJ’s to sick prizes, and sneakerheads from all over the world in attendance, each release was a testament to the binding nature of sneaker culture. What this sneaker and the other 5 in the series represents is the epitome of brotherhood and commeradery in the sneaker culture. The next time a sneaker releases in your city and heads email you from across the world, think about the true meaning of sneaker culture. Do your part to preserve the “sole” of the culture just as the sneakers pictured above did.