Less Is More With Matthew M. Williams’s ALYX Studio x Nike Air Force 1 Low

Matthew M. Williams may no longer be the majority stakeholder of 1017 ALYX 9SM – commonly referred to as simply ALYX Studio – but the Illinois-born designer is still bringing his vision to life through the label. Recently, Williams teased two Nike Air Force 1 Low collaborations, adding to his quietly-expansive catalog of work with the Swoosh.

Back in 2018, the now-Givenchy creative director unveiled a special Air Force 1 High. Although the silhouette was simple in color scheme, it featured both 1017 ALYX 9SM and the brand’s iconic metal buckle around the tongue. Throughout the years, the California-based designer has reworked Bruce Kilgore’s iconic creation in similar fashion, playing around with two=tone finishes and premium builds. Before 2023 ends, Williams and Nike are set to launch an understated duo of sneakers that delivers much of the same formula.

At the top of the year, the 38-year-old was pictured wearing a “distressed” style of the Air Force 1 Low branded with his label’s name. Although it doesn’t seem the sneaker will release, the partnership’s impending drop features an identical low-top trim. Each ALYX Air Force 1 by Matthew M. Williams opts for a tonal color scheme, either “White” or “Black.” Premium leather reprises its role across the upper, following Kilgore’s blueprint from the early 1980s. The most obvious updates to the AF-1 by Williams arrive in the form of special silver lace dubraes and top eyelets on the lateral side. Additionally, a “Metallic Silver” shimmer appears on “1017 ALYX 9SM” text at the heel; co-branding lands on the tongue label and sockliners, too. Subtly, Williams removes one of the panels around the forefoot, making for less panels on the “presidential” basketball shoe.

Enjoy detailed shots of the Air Force 1 duo by ALYX Studio ahead. Williams and team haven’t confirmed a release date or rollout method, but the pairs are likely to hit Nike SNKRS soon. Past collaborations from the designer and Nike have exceeded $300 USD, so expect the Air Force 1 styles to be priced close to $200 USD.

For more sneaker news, check out the Air Jordan 11 “Gratitude” set to launch on December 9th.

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