Air Force One

Nike’s longevity and historical significance is a direct result of the company’s production of the most iconic sneaker models in the history of footwear. The Nike Air Force One is undoubtedly one of those iconic pairs, and that fact can’t be argued. The AF1 reaches far and wide in terms of popularity and cultural relevance, and this pair of shoes does more than cover up your feet; it acts as a history lesson.

The Nike Air Force One, designed by Bruce Kilgore, debuted in 1982 and was the very first shoe that featured Nike’s “Air” technology. Named after Air Force One, the U.S. President’s aerial mode of transportation, the AF1 shoe was made available in three different styles; a low, mid, and high cut shoe. Contrary to today’s general casual and fashion-minded use of these sneakers, the Nike Air Force One was actually a basketball shoe. However, due to the advancement of footwear technology, you’d be pressed to find the AF1 on the NBA court. In fact, only one current NBA player, outspoken power forward Rasheed Wallace, has been known to wear the shoes on court, and has a few personal colourways to call his own. In 2007, Nike released the Nike Air Force One 25th Anniversary collection, which featured personalized Air Force One models of marquee Nike basketball endorsees from past and present like Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire, and Charles Barkley.

Air Force Ones have had an interesting effect on urban culture as well.They’ve been featured in the verses of many hip-hop artists songs, and managed to make its way as a song title for St. Louis rapper Nelly. These Nikes also have a number of nicknames, such as “Forces”, “AF1s”, and “Flaves”, both for abbreviate and regional purposes. Due to its simple design and countless colourways, the Air Force One was easy to like and wear, and the ensuing popularity was no surprise. The white-on-white colourway acted as a blank canvas for those who enjoyed customizing sneakers with their favorite colors, patterns, or pop-culture icons.

In addition to the wide popularity in the general public, the Nike Air Force One stands as one of the pillars of the sneaker-head subculture. While the trademark white-on-white colourway might be the most popular AF1 colourway of all-time, sneaker enthusiasts were hungrier for the exclusive colourways. Limited releases and special collaborations were the driving force behind the craze, but even the original colourways from years ago fetch top dollar. Some pairs of Forces have reached up to $2,000 in value, but a $70 pair might be enough to make a man just as happy.

The significance of the Nike Air Force One has its groundings in basketball, hip-hop/urban culture, sneaker-head culture, and the history of Nike itself, so it must be considered as one of the most important pairs of sneakers of all-time. It has been celebrated and will continually be honored, as it rightfully should be.

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