AF1, Forces, Uptowns… An infinity of names to honour one of Nike’s most iconic and best-selling models: the Air Force 1. The first basketball shoe to incorporate Nike Air’s revolutionary technology in 1982, this model quickly became an icon in the sneaker scene, a position it has preserved to this day, where every release of this legendary silhouette catches everyone’s attention.
40 years and more than 2000 versions after its creation, Air Force 1 remains synonymous with quality and exclusivity, a captivating and an indispensable element of street culture. To celebrate its anniversary, at FOOTDISTRICT we take a brief look at its fascinating history to honour a silhouette that, rather than a shoe, is a legend.
The first Air Force 1 and the “Original Six”
Designed by the brilliant creative mind of Bruce Kilgore, this model was inspired by the shape of an international icon: the architecture of Notre Dame in Paris. However, this iconic silhouette was not named after the French capital. Its name comes indeed from the US presidential plane, although paradoxically no one knew that they would be shooting for the stars.
The first pair of the Air Force 1 was released in 1982. Originally created for the basketball world, the first AF1s were characterised by being a white with grey accents high top model, with a strap that passed through the top of the ankle.
This silhouette was enthusiastically welcomed by basketball players. Thanks to its incorporation of the innovative air technology in the midsole, they were considered practically indestructible in an industry in which most of the sneakers did not last after a few games.
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 “Original Six” of the NBA, an icon of the sneaker culture that even today is studied as one of the best ads of all time.
Moses Malone, Bobby Jones, and Michael Cooper are just some of the names that come to mind when talking about the Nike Air Force 1. Precisely in the 1982-1983 season, Moses Malone wore his Nike Air Force 1, not only when picking up his NBA MVP award for the third time, but also in his following successful time with The Lakers.
And we cannot forget the “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. A tribute to the first advertising of AF1.
The Baltimore Trio, the Saviors of the Air Force 1
Even if we cannot conceive now a world without the Air Force 1, at the time this silhouette was about to vanish, being slated for its retirement in 1984. We owe its salvation to the well-known Baltimore trio: Charley Rudo, Downtown Locker Room, and Cinderella Shoes.
These three sneaker retailers interceded in favour of the model before Nike and managed to release exclusive styles for the “Color of the Month” club, attracting collectors from all states to the capital of Maryland in order 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.
This made Baltimore one of the favourite destinations for sneakerheads, who flocked to the city to acquire a pair of the Forces, attracting such interstate tourism that soon the AF1 had to be sent also to DC and NY, where the Bronx “Jew Man” stood out, finally settling also on the East Coast in 1986.
Thanks to this, there was a reissue in 1986 that incorporated the word Air in the midsole, the Swoosh and the famous velcro strip on the top to provide stability to the ankle. From that moment on, the Nike Air Force 1 Hi has been an all-time favourite.
Air Force 1 and its influence on art
In addition to basketball, the Nike Air Force 1 has enjoyed great popularity in the world of music, 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 pair of them, customised by legendary Harlem designer Dapper Dan.
Soon after, Nike introduced the all-white and leather Lows (the “white on white”), which only increased the popularity of these sneakers in the Hip Hop community. Its status as a cultural icon was further enhanced by Nelly’s 2002 hit single “Air Force Ones”, an anthem that acted as a 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 the Air Force 1.
And its impact has gone beyond the barriers of the sneaker scene, invading all areas of art. Some of the most remarkable art workpieces include pictorial works such as Dave White’s “The Court’s A Battlefield” series for the 25th anniversary of Air Force 1, sculptures like Shane Griffin’s “Nike Sneakerball Sculpture”, or the 3D design of Modla x Damilola Odusote, or the project of Dutch photographer and director Joost –not to mention the countless artistic customisations of Air Force 1, such as Staple’s “Air Force 1 (My First Love)”, Mark Smith’s “Nike Fujikama Turtle Air Force 1” or the recent creation “Just Did It. 13.” by Mr. Brainwash.
Its influence has had such an impact on our culture that the French director Thibaut de Longeville shot a documentary about them entitled “Air Force 1: Anatomy of an Urban Legend”, which featured hip hop star KRS-One as the narrator.
Find your AF1 at FOOTDISTRICT
The Nike Air Force 1 has had more than 2000 different versions, releasing almost 60 new editions annually. Currently, they are available in several versions: Low, Mid and High, with different 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.
Enter our Nike Air Force store to take a look at some of its models, that go from the most classic to the most original colours and fabrics such as suede upper, star relief or pink. Be part of the history of this silhouette.