Michael Le Sneaker culture today is no longer what it once was: for example, New Balance is no longer ridiculed for their “dad shoes,” and Crocs, which were once reviled for their “ugly” clogs, can now call Salehe Bembury a collaborative partner. Gorpcore, too, has had an influence on the overall landscape, as many brands — Nike included — are incorporating the outdoors into their ready-to-wear designs.
The Air Force 1 is the latest to assimilate, this pair marking the second time the shoe has donned a metallic carabiner. And while it serves no functional purpose, the climbing essential adds an aesthetic element to the side, effectively accessorizing the leather Swoosh underneath in a way that might make Andersson Bell and Rokh proud. Its anodized finish proffers a gradient unique to the process, one iridescently bold against the black neutrals that make up the rest of the upper.
Further accented with Volt branding and white midsoles, this colorway should be heading to Nike.com as well as select retailers as we speak.
In other news, there are Triple Black Air Force 1 Craters on the way.
