Nike Air Force 1

The first Air Force 1

In 1982, the first pair of the Air Force 1, designed by Bruce Kilgore's brilliant creative mind, was released. Although these sneakers were named after the US presidential plane, Kilgore was inspired by the architecture of Notre Dame in Paris for the design of this silhouette. Originally created for the basketball world, the first AF1s were designed in white with grey accents and were characterised by being a high top model, with a strap that passed through the top of the ankle.

This silhouette was enthusiastically welcomed by basketball players, thanks to the incorporation of air technology throughout the midsole. Furthermore, they were considered practically indestructible in an industry in which most shoes only lasted a few games.

Birth (and rebirth) of a legend

However, when thinking about the first versions of the Air Force there is a historic event that deserves an honourable mention: the advertising campaign carried out with "the six originals" of the NBA: Moses Malone, Bobby Jones, Mychal Thompson, Calvin Natt, Jamal Wilkes y Michael Coope. A hit of sneaker culture that even today is studied as one of the best advertising sites of all time. We cannot forget either its "updated" version of 2007: coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the release of the Nike Air Force 1, a commemorative spot -Second coming- was shot, starring the undisputed icons of basketball at the time: Lebronn James, Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker.

Even if it is now inconceivable a world without Air Force 1, at the time they were on the verge of vanishing, their withdrawal being planned for 1984. We owe our salvation to the well-known Baltimore trio, three sneaker retailers who intervened in favour of this model before Nike and managed to launch exclusive styles for the "Color of the Month" club, attracting collectors from all states to the capital of Maryland to get one of their pairs. A re-drop that sold out almost instantly, laying the foundations of the sneaker culture as we know it today. A fact that Nike was able to honour with the release of the AF1 Baltimore.

AF1, a cultural icon

In addition to basketball, the Nike Air Force 1 has enjoyed great popularity in urban culture, especially in hip hop. In 1988, when the genre entered its "golden age", E-Z Rock popularised the use of the Nike Air Force 1 by appearing on the cover of its album "It Takes Two" with a customised pair. Its status as a cultural emblem was further enhanced by Nelly's 2002 hit single "Air Force Ones", an anthem in tribute to the classic sneaker. AF1's exclusive collaborations with Hip Hop royalty, such as Jay-Z's Rocafella Records, Eminem's Shady Records, and Fat Joe's Terror Squad, increased the influence and appeal of Air Force 1.

Its impact has also invaded all areas of art. Paintings such as the DaveWhite series for the 25th anniversary of the Air Force 1, sculptures like those made by Shane Griffin, or the 3D design of Modla x Damilola Odusote, the project of the Dutch photographer and director Joost... not to mention the countless artistic customizations of the Air Force 1, such as those created by Staple or Mark Smith, a movement joined by thousands of sneakerheads around the world.

Your Air Force 1, available at FOOTDISTRICT

The Nike Air Force 1 has had more than 2000 different versions. Currently, they are available in Low, Mid and High versions, with various designs and colours. In addition to the 1 ’07, 1 ’07 LV8, Utility, Pixel models, among others, there are collaborations with brands and designers such Comme des Garcons, Dover Street Market, A Cold Wall, Off White, Travis Scott... And the list goes on.

In our Nike Air Force store you have available models ranging from the most classic versions to reissues with the most original colours and fabrics such as suede upper, starred pattern or in pink. Be part of the history of this silhouette.