Nike Air Force 1 Shadow

The various deconstructed elements of this Air Force 1 Shadow are decorated in a compelling collection of bold colours. Beginning with more neutral tones, Summit White covers the uppermost layer in the forefoot, as well as the toe box, the midfoot panels, the rear overlay and the primary eyestay. All of these sections are made of high-quality leather with a slightly textured finish. In contrast, the secondary layers of the eyestay and forefoot have a tight criss-cross material over their surface, the former dark red and the latter Yellow Ocher. This powerful tone reappears on the spongy inner lining and the Air text embossed on top of the Summit White patch of rubber that hugs the lateral heel. As for the red of the secondary eyestay, it also repeats, most notably on the medial swoosh, but then more subtly on the heel strip, the Nike text on the secondary heel panel and half of the insole branding. The other half, which mirrors this red Nike Air lettering, comes in Neptune Green, while the smooth surface on which they are both printed is completely white.

This doubling up effect is a feature of this particular AF1 model. For example, two tongue patches overlap on the white mesh tongue, the top one displaying black Air Force 1 branding on a Summit White surface, and the one underneath it black text on a Lapis background. This pastel blue hue is also to be found on the primary heel panel, whose matte exterior extends further round the medial side than the lateral one, creating an offbeat look. The tail of a Neptune Green swoosh has been sewn into its lateral edge, the unmistakable Nike logo extending down the shoe’s flank over the top of a second swoosh in a light creamy tone. The sole unit then switches to more earthy hues, with a pale beige midsole. This calming colour can also be seen on the circular formations at the centre of the outsole, which becomes gum brown on the lugs along its flanks and the star-shaped nodes on its toe and heel. To finish things off, Summit White Nike text has been embroidered into the heel panel, highlighting the brand one final time.