KICKS CREW

Air Force 1 Shoes: Are They the Right Shoes for You?

ByAaron ShamimJun 22, 2022

Air Force 1 Shoes: Are They the Right Shoes for You?
Are you thinking about getting Air Force 1 shoes and are wondering if they're the right choice for you? Learn more about them here.

Did you know the Air Force 1 shoes are currently the world's most popular sneaker?

Topping this year's charts, Air Force sneakers have been around since 1982. Since then they have graced the feet of some of the world's most iconic celebrities, and become a staple streetwear piece the world over. 

Are you wondering if Air Force 1 shoes are for you? Many style aficionados consider them one of the best sneakers around, but this doesn't automatically mean they're the right kicks for you.

Avoid sneaker retreat and continue reading to find out whether Air Force 1 sneaks are something your closet needs. 

Comfort

One of the first things to consider when eyeing up a new pair of kicks is their comfort level.

Comfort levels can be subjective, depending on the person and the particular fit of the shoe on them. 

Overall, however, Air Force 1 sneakers clock in with a medium to high comfort rating. Some sneakerheads rate them as a medium because they are a touch on the heavier side. Others rate them as one of the comfiest sneakers on the market. 

If you like very lightweight sneakers, then Air Forces might not be the shoe for you, at least not for all-day wear. 

However, if you don't mind a bit of substance to your shoes, you might find that a pair of Air Force 1 sneakers end up being one of the comfiest shoes in your closet. 

Cleaning

Although the Air Force shoe is a little heavier than other ultra-light sneakers, what they lack in lightness they make up for in durability and easy cleaning. 

Their generous sole gives Air Force sneakers a decent amount of lift out of the dirt. This helps to keep their uppers from getting super soiled.

If your favorite pair of Air Force sneaks do get a little grimy, you can easily wipe them down thanks to their durable leather uppers. 

Longevity

Besides being easy to clean Air Force 1 shoes are also incredibly hardwearing. The thick soles and durable leather uppers can take a beating and go the distance. 

If you look after your Air Force 1 shoes, they can easily last you for many years. 

Fit

Another important thing to think about when selecting a new sneaker style is the fit. 

Air Force 1 sneakers have a medium width, meaning they can be slightly loose if you have a narrow foot. However, you can rectify this with a thicker sock.

They also tend to run big, which is why a lot of people advise that you size down half a size when shopping for Air Forces. This can also help them fit more snugly if you have narrow feet. 

Take note, the low tops are most likely to run big. The medium and high tops tend to have a smaller fit. 

If you're a stickler for your shoes to fit perfectly to size, this could be a point against Air Force 1 sneakers. However, most people find that sizing down slightly gets them a good fit.

Colorway Selection

Because Air Force 1 sneakers have been around for decades, there is a huge selection of colorways. It's impossible to verify at this point the exact number of variations there are, but it's up there in the thousands. 

Besides the classic Air Force 1 colorways, such as all white and all black kicks, there is an almost infinite mixture of colors and shades. Nike also does regular collaborations with celebrities, style icons, and brands, including UNO and Louis Vuitton. 

Some of its most recent Air Force 1 collaborations include Yeezy, Billie Eilish, Virgil Abloh, Travis Scott, and John Elliot.

Price

When it comes to price, Nike Air Force 1 shoes fall in the midrange category. Traditionally, Air Force 1s were priced a little below a lot of other Nike designs and maintained a similar price point since inception. 

Recently, however, Nike has increased the price of Air Force 1s, pushing them over the $100 threshold. 

You can still get a slick pair of Air Force 1 kicks for under $100 dollars. If you want to splash out on a rare colorway or limited release, then you'll be looking at a few hundred dollars. 

And finally, collectors' item Air Force kicks on the resale market can command a couple of thousand dollars. 

Styling Options

One of the reasons Air Force 1 shoes continue to dominate in popularity is that there are almost an unlimited number of ways you can style them.

Their iconic silhouette offers a perfect balance between chunkiness and streamlined simplicity. 

The distinctive shape seamlessly toes the line between sporty edginess and hip-hop swagger. 

Thanks to this, you can incorporate a pair of Air Force 1 sneakers into just about any outfit to give it a street-style edge. 

Dressing up but don't want to go over-the-top formal? Combining a pair of Air Force 1 kicks in the right colorway with formal pants or even a blazer can instantly make your fit less stuffy, and infuse it with a little attitude. 

At the same time, a crisp pair of Air Force sneakers can add a pop to any casual outfit. Heading down to the barbershop in a pair of sweats? Simply slip on a brilliant white pair of AF1 kicks and you'll be looking fresh. 

If you want up the ante' you can also combine a bright colorway with a relatively simple casual outfit to bring in a burst of color. 

Another great way you can play with the street style flavor that Air Force 1 shoes embody is by pairing them with feminine looks. Love a girly dress but want to add an unexpected element? Throw on a pair of Air Force 1s and you'll score instant style points. 

Air Force 1 shoes also work exceptionally well for androgynous styles. Borrowed-from-the-boys looks are shaking up women's style trends this year, and a comfy pair of AF1s offer an instant injection of cool-girl to any androgynous outfit. 

Looking for the Perfect Pair of Air Force 1 Shoes?

There's a reason why Air Force 1 shoes are one of the world's favorite sneakers. Not only are they comfortable and durable, but they also do something that's rare in the fashion scene. They somehow manage to bring a classic and a contemporary, current, of-the-moment feel to any look. 

As soon as you put on a pair of AF1 kicks, you'll instantly add attitude and a whole lot of freshness to your fit. 

Looking for the perfect pair of Air Force 1 sneakers to add to your collection?

Kickscrew is one of the most seamless and trusted e-commerce destinations for sneakers.

Browse our online storefront for hundreds of Air Force 1 shoe releases and colorways.