Simply put, the Nike Air Force 1 is one of the greatest, most iconic sneakers of all time. Sneaker culture wouldn’t be the same today without it, and if you’re even the most casual sneaker collector, you should know the basics of this timeless shoe. That’s where we come in with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to the Air Force 1.
Nike Air Force 1 History
Introduced in 1982, the Air Force 1 was created by Nike designer Bruce Kilgore. Originally a performance basketball shoe, it eventually transcended the court and became a staple in streetwear culture.
The name “Air Force 1” was a play on the presidential aircraft Air Force One, and the design was groundbreaking for its time. The Air Force 1 was the first Nike basketball shoe to feature the brand’s Air technology, which was encapsulated in the thick rubber midsole—a signature design element of the shoe. When worn as a basketball shoe in the early ‘80s, it was most commonly seen in the high-top version that featured an ankle strap for extra support. The low-top version of the shoe that is most common today was also originally released in the early ‘80s.
After the model became obsolete performance-wise, the Air Force 1 began its second life as a casual sneaker. Nike planned to discontinue the shoe in 1984 altogether, but local sneaker shops in Baltimore, where the Air Force 1 was particularly popular, teamed up to tell Nike that if the brand kept producing the model, they’d be able to sell plenty of pairs. Luckily for all of us, Nike listened, and the AF1 has been in production virtually ever since. Thousands of colorways, collaborations, special editions, and remixes later, the Air Force 1 remains one of the most in-demand sneakers on the planet.
Different Heights of the Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 has three standard versions: Low, Mid, and High. As mentioned earlier, the High was the first version of the shoe released as a performance basketball model. It features a tall collar with a nylon strap around the ankle for extra support. The low was also originally intended as a performance basketball model for those who prefer the lower cut. Today, it is the most prevalent version of the shoe. The Air Force 1 Mid was not an original version of the shoe from the ‘80s. It was first released in the mid-'90s strictly as a lifestyle sneaker.
A Sneaker Icon: The “White on White” Air Force 1
By far, the most popular colorway for the Air Force 1—in any of its three heights—is the all-white edition, commonly nicknamed “White on White.” The shoe is loved for its clean and crisp look, which can be worn with anything from basketball shorts to a suit. Always having a bright new pair of Air Force 1s is considered a status symbol for many collectors. Some Air Force 1 fans buy them in bulk and switch to a new pair as soon as they get a single scuff mark.
Sizing: How does the Air Force 1 fit?
The Air Force 1 is generally known to fit a little big. Many wearers recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size when purchasing a pair. You will likely feel fine in your normal shoe size, but you would never need to size up for the Air Force 1.
Care: How to clean Air Force 1s
There are thousands of Air Force 1 colorways with a wide array of materials, so care varies depending on what your pair is constructed with. Cleaning a standard leather pair is easy. Just use a damp cloth and a bit of soap or sneaker cleaner to rub off any dirt and smudges. Pairs with textile materials like canvas or mesh can also be cleaned similarly. If your pair is suede, avoid water and use a soft brush to clean off any debris. For pesky scuffs on the rubber midsole, try soap and water or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
