Nike Air Force 1 Low

Air Force 1 Low

One year after the release of the original Air Force 1, a low-top version of the shoe was added to the nascent line. The Nike Air Force 1 Low brought a new dimension to the sneaker, reaching high levels of popularity through a collection of men’s, women’s and youth models.

The main distinguishing feature of the Air Force 1 Lows is the cut of the collar, which runs just below the ankle. While this removes some of the support, it also takes away the added bulk, giving a roomier fit and allowing the wearer to move more freely. On top of this, the absence of the Velcro ankle strap makes the shoe quicker and easier to get on and off. The low-top was initially designed as a basketball trainer, but it evolved into a beloved sneaker because of elements like the circular grip formations on the outsole, which though designed for the twists and turns required to play basketball, offer excellent traction for a lifestyle model as well. It also has an Air pocket in the heel alongside foam cushioning for plush comfort. Meanwhile, durable leather and suede often form the upper, materials which both add their own style to the design, and perforations in the toe box and midfoot sections bring breathability around the foot. 

The Air Force 1 Low has come in a huge range of models, colours, materials and versions over the years, but the most ubiquitous has to be the white-on-white colourway. This timeless creation emerged sometime in the 90s, with many versions being released since, including the white Type and Next Nature designs. While these and the all-black colourway have been released in both men’s and women’s options, a suite of other models were introduced around the late 2010s and early 2020s that were aimed specifically at women. The Sage Low was the first of these. Like the others that came later, it was a platform low with a boosted midsole that gave the wearer added height. Next came the Shadow with its layered look, then the unique-looking Pixel, before the rave-inspired Fontanka and the elegantly shaped PLT.AF.ORM gave women more distinctive Nike Air Force 1 Low options. 

Many other variations of the classic AF1 Low have been crafted for both men and women, each one with its own distinguishing features. For example, the Utility is marked by functional elements like buckle closure systems and pull tabs, while the Experimental has a vacuum-sealed outer that looks truly unique. The React incorporates Nike’s bouncy foam of the same name to provide high-quality support underfoot, and the Luxe has the appearance of a sturdy boot. Other designs are defined by their alternative, sometimes reflective swooshes, such as the LXX with its split logos and the Jewel, whose shortened swooshes have a 3D look. There are those which have a more classic design, such as the stylish LV8 model and the commemorative ‘07 edition, which was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original AF1. The ‘07 has been a particularly popular retro, being released in a number of versions with their own key elements, including the LX, Essential, PRM and QS. Then there’s the refined EMB edition and the SP, which has been used in many collaborations, such as Supreme’s wheat, black and white colourways. There have also been those that carry the Crater Flyknit name, which has a lightweight upper and a partially recycled sole, and the Ultra Flyknit moniker, reflecting the use of highly breathable Flyknit on the upper and an extremely lightweight Ultra midsole. 

The Nike Air Force 1 Low has been involved in a plethora of collaborations over the years. Some, like those with apparel brand Undefeated, have delivered many colourful sneakers, while others, like the one with Colin Kaepernick, have honoured historically significant moments and individuals. Many have been created in collaboration with fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, Off-White™ and Ambush. These often have luxurious elements, such as the beaded swooshes on the Premium Goods designs, the Gore-Tex (GTX) and plastic heel of the Undercover sneakers, the woven upper of Stussy’s Fossil and the sterling silver on the heel of the Tiffany & Co. 1837. Meanwhile, A-Cold-Wall* went for a more sustainable construction through the use of recycled Nike Flyleather on its light and dark grey colourways. Billie Eilish also requested the use of recycled materials on her white, green and beige sneakers. She is one of several music artists who have worked with Nike on Air Force 1 Low designs. Drake and Travis Scott are two other notable ones. The former made the NOCTA Certified Lover Boy, which has a classic all-white construction, and the latter has crafted a few AF1s, including a set with his record label, Cactus Jack Records.  

Although these collaborations have offered different brands and individuals the chance to create a variety of unique designs, Nike has put out countless compelling Air Force 1 Lows of its own. These have often been made to celebrate special events and people, such as the Valentine’s Day sneaker with its pink heart effects and the St. Patrick’s Day with its range of green tones and debossed shamrocks. The Jackie Robinson remembers the first man to break the baseball colour line with its bold blue swooshes, while the Devin Booker “Moss Point” was made for its NBA All-Star namesake. Other designs, like the Space Jam “Hare”, reference movies, and some even honour entire cities and cultures – the multi-coloured Puerto Rico (Boricua), the radiant Siempre Familia, the Native American-inspired N7 and the glamorous Nola with its red and gold highlights are just a few eye-catching examples. Then there are those that give a nod to earlier Nike designs, moments from its history or just the brand itself. These include the Bred, which emulates an early Air Jordan colourway, the Athletic Club “Marina Blue” and the Multi-Swoosh. Even the well-known Panda colour scheme has been seen on the Air Force 1 Low. However, the majority of the shoes are named for their dramatic colours or adornments. There is the colour-blocked Neapolitan, with its pink, white and brown outer, the light and airy Clouds colourway and the Lucky Charm, which has golden shapes hanging from a chain draped over its flank. The University Blue, the Rattan and the Malachite take on those colours, as does the Light Orewood Brown. Still more have dynamic designs, including the bifurcated Split, the sparky Pop Art, the idiosyncratic Starfish and the White Canvas Navy Sole.

Certain sets of Air Force 1 Low designs are arranged into collections that explore different themes through intriguing variations on the classic silhouette. The Worldwide Pack has featured all sorts of colourful options that are united by the use of a recognisable globe emblem. Another elegant selection can be found in the 40th Anniversary Pack, which along with the various Since 82 models, celebrates the history of the AF1. Commemoration is also a common topic in these AF1 Low packs, with the First Use Pack remembering the date that the unmistakable Nike swoosh was trademarked – June 18th, 1971.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low has been in style almost constantly since its release, covering more than 4 decades of history. Its time isn’t done yet as the iconic sneaker only continues to grow in stature. The shoe is still winning fans all over the world, with its desirability as a collaborative model taking its irresistible style to new audiences each year. It will surely go down in history as one of the most successful sneakers of all time.