Andrew Rizzo Forces are so back. They never really left, if we’re being honest – the model remains a perennial best-seller – but years of overproduction led to waning “hype” and thus called for a bit of a reset. And according to Nike’s most recent earnings report, that’s exactly what happened. Collabs with names like Lil Yachty and Travis Scott have surely played a role, but the real credit belongs to Nike itself, which has doubled down on standout inline releases and the celebrated return of the ’01 silhouette, all part of a broader effort to “restore the feeling” around its most iconic sneaker.
Holiday 2026 brings no fewer than six standout styles, as previewed by Nike in its latest SNKRS Verified product preview. The lineup runs the gamut, with some styles reading unmistakably “street” while others venture into more fashion-forward and experimental territory. We’ve included galleries of each below, along with brief descriptions. Keep scrolling for the full preview.
Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Subway Rat”
A sneaker inspired by rats? You betcha. The resurgent Nike Air Force 1 ’01 kicks off the lineup with a masterful hairy suede construction inspired by New York’s infamous subway rats. Pink Glaze hits the outsole and heel tab, nodding to rat ears and noses, while the NYC City Attack logo lands on the inner tongue. Custom MetroCard-inspired hangtags reading “Uptown Metro” round things out, referencing one of the Air Force 1’s most well-known nicknames.
Nike Air Force 1 “Horse Of A Different Colorway”
Following a “Campfire Orange/Sunset White” colorway earlier this year, Nike’s ultra-hairy, almost fantastical Air Force 1 “Horse Of A Different Color” returns in two new makeups: one in monochrome Team Red and another in White and Violet.
Nike Air Force 1 “SquAir Toe”
Now here’s where things get weird. Holiday 2026 introduces an all-new Air Force 1 build in the form of the “SquAir Toe,” which completely reshapes the toe box with the squared-off form of a dress shoe. It’s a pretty dramatic departure from the familiar AF1 shape. Dare we suggest it: Do these actually work?
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 “SNKRS Friends & Family”
Also in the pipeline is a crisp Air Force 1 ’07 “SNKRS Friends & Family” inspired by the SNKRS platform itself. A navy blue “Got ‘Em” message appears on the insoles, matched by smaller navy Swooshes on the sides that detach from the backtab for a cleaner look. Gold aglets and lace dubraes build on the premium theme, while the Nike of Samothrace statue makes an appearance on the outsole.
Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Nightmare”
For the edgelords, Nike has an Air Force 1 ’01 “Nightmare” designed to look like nails have been punched through the upper. The hardware is arranged in a grid across the toe and heel, while the underlying colorway arrives in a suitably menacing black and red.
Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Chrome”
Perhaps the most exciting AF1 of the season is this stunning “Chrome” take on the ’01 silhouette, which looks as though a space blanket has been draped over the upper, contrasted by black midsoles. We’re immediately reminded of Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton x Air Force 1 Low “Metallic Gold,” a bonafide grail with a similarly reflective, almost crinkled texture. For that reason alone, these could be among the season’s most sought-after Forces.
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