Nike Brings Back The Air Force 1 'What The LA'

Nike is revisiting one of its most creative city-inspired Air Force 1 releases with the return of the Air Force 1 Low 'What The LA.' Originally introduced in 2019 alongside the 'What The NYC,' the sneaker took a different approach to Nike's famous 'What The' concept. Instead of combining elements from previous footwear releases, the 'What The LA' celebrated the diverse sports culture and identity of Los Angeles through a bold mix of colors, materials, and textures.

The design draws inspiration from several of the city's iconic professional teams without relying on official logos or branding. Purple and gold immediately evoke the Lakers, while blue, red, black, and metallic accents reference other legendary Los Angeles franchises, including the Dodgers and Kings. The result is a sneaker that captures the spirit of the city rather than paying tribute to a single team.

Each shoe features its own unique layout, embracing the mismatched aesthetic that defines the 'What The' series. Premium leather and suede panels are layered alongside glossy overlays, contrasting Swooshes, and paint-splattered midsoles that give the sneaker an energetic, streetwear-inspired finish.

Subtle details further reinforce the theme. "Los Angeles" branding appears on the heel and insoles, tying the collection together while allowing the color palette and material choices to tell most of the story.

Since its original release, the 'What The LA' has remained one of the most memorable city-exclusive Air Force 1s thanks to its distinctive execution and celebration of Los Angeles' rich sports heritage. Rather than focusing on one franchise, Nike successfully blended multiple aspects of the city's culture into a single silhouette that resonates with fans across basketball, baseball, hockey, and streetwear.

With city-inspired releases continuing to gain popularity, the return of the 'What The LA' gives a new generation of collectors another opportunity to own one of the standout Air Force 1 releases of the late 2010s. The Nike Air Force 1 Low 'What The LA' is expected to return during Holiday 2026.