Nike Air Force 1 Trainers - All You Need To Know

The Nike Air Force 1 trainers are one of the most iconic basketball shoes of all time, now produced in hi, low, and mid versions and nearly have 2,000 variations to date.

The Air Force 1 is the best selling athletic shoe is history. First starting as a basketball shoe, but was brought back by popular demand by the streets. Here is a quick overview of the iconic trainers.

The Nike Air Force 1 Mid 07

A rich hoops legacy grows with the Nike Air Force 1 Mid 07 Men’s Shoe, featuring a leather and textile upper for premium comfort and a Nike Air unit in the midsole for unbeatable cushioning.

Features:

Mid-top silhouette with ankle strap for secure lockdown
Leather and textile upper for premium durability and fit
Metal tag on the laces reads “AF-1 ’82” to honour the shoe’s debut
Nike Air cushioning for comfort
Non-marking rubber outsole for traction and durability
Pivot points in the forefoot and heel for smooth transitions in all directions

Price:

£75

Nike Air Force 1 Low

The low-cut silhouette creates a low-to-the-ground feel and classic look. This version of the Nike Air Force 1 features crisp leather edges for a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette and finer detailing.

Features:

Durable

The leather and textile upper includes strategically placed overlays for added premium durability, fit and support. Perforations enhance ventilation to help keep feet dry and comfortable.

Classic

A metal “AF-1” tag on the laces honours the shoe’s debut.

Confortable

The durable foam midsole includes a full-length Nike Air unit for lightweight cushioning and impact protection.

More Benefits

Pivot points in the forefoot and heel for smooth transitions in all directions
Non-marking rubber outsole for traction and durability
Padding at collar for a snug, comfortable fit

Price:

£70

History:

The Air Force 1 was the first basketball shoe that featured a pocket filled with air in the heel for cushioning and support. Created by legendary designer Bruce Kilgore (who also designed the K-Car) it took inspiration from the Nike Approach hiking boot.

When the shoe was first released in 1982 Nike enlisted 6 NBA basketball players to wear the trainers. The “Original Six” were Moses Malone (Philadelphia 76ers), Michael Cooper (L.A. Lakers), Bobby Jones (Philadelphia 76ers), Calvin Natt (Portland Trail Blazers), Mychal Thompson (Portland Trail Blazers), and Jamal Wilkes (L.A. Lakers).

The shoe was later discontinued that year, this was not due to unpopularity, but back then Nike didn’t keep styles about for too long. However, due to popular demand the trainer was re-released in 1986 and now has almost 2,000 version to date.

Culturally rich in its design the key influence behind the trainers was the Presidential plane the Air Force One, and for the high mid-sole Kilgore looked towards the Cathedral of Notre Dame . If it wasn’t for the Air Force 1 then we wouldn’t have Tinker Hatfield (another legendary designer), he was one of the footwear tester for the Air Force 1 style. He was so inspired by the model he moved from designing Nike’s buildings, to designing their footwear instead.

Original Release Date:

1982

Original Model Name:

Nike Air Force, Nickname: Uptowns

Purpose:

Basketball

Key Drop Variations:

The Nike Air Force 1 High Retro QS

The Nike Air Force 1 High Retro QS Men’s Shoe redefines a hoops original with updated details and the same full-length cushioning that made the original famous. These black and white Nike Air Force 1 are a very close design to the originals.

Nike Air Force 1 Suede

The Nike Air Force 1 UltraForce Men’s Shoe refines the original with a sleek, streamlined look. Full-length Air-Sole cushioning gives you a soft, lightweight feel with every step.

Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Woven Pack

The Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Men’s Shoe updates a hoops original with crocodile-embossed leather for unforgettable style and a classic, court-inspired silhouette. If you’re a fan of white Air Force 1’s then this pack is for you.