Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers

Cult streetwear shoes - Nike Air Force 1 sneakers

If you know anything about streetwear trends, you have heard of these sneakers. The Nike Air Force 1 is a cult design that has lost none of its appeal several decades after launch. This timeless classic works perfectly with modern outfits, which is why you see it on hip-hop stars and on people with nothing to do with show business alike. The shoe is also exceptionally comfortable - here is why.

The history of the Air Force 1

The Air Force 1 was designed by Bruce Kilgore and introduced to the world in 1982. It was the first Nike shoe built specifically for basketball. To promote this innovative design with its Air Element cushioning, Nike gave a pair of Air Force 1 to six NBA players - the group became known as the Original Six. At first the shoe came only in the High version, but a year later a low-cut variant arrived, and in 1994 the Nike Air Force 1 Mid appeared as the model in between. Worth knowing: the Air Force 1 was quickly noticed far beyond sport. It was the favourite sneaker of the biggest rappers of the 90s, and in the 21st century, as athleisure exploded, it has been worn by people from every profession and social group. Interestingly, for the first two decades only men's Air Force 1 shoes were available; a women's size run followed in 2002.

How the Air Force 1 is made

The classic Nike Air Force 1 is made from top-quality full-grain leather, but suede and canvas versions exist too, as do pairs built without any animal materials. The midsole is made of soft foam, which gives the shoe excellent cushioning. The rubber outsole has flexible cuts to allow free movement when jumping and running while adding comfort when walking. That rubber outsole is also non-slip, grippy and abrasion-resistant. Hard to believe, but Nike has released several thousand versions of the Nike Air Force 1 so far. If you are a fan of 80s sneakers, take a look at the Nike Dunk as well.

Why did the Air Force 1 become so popular?

According to some analysts, men's Air Force 1 shoes are the best-selling sports shoes in history. Their popularity certainly owes something to a construction designed to reduce the risk of injury for basketball players. The remarkable comfort was also appreciated by sneakerheads and by hip-hop stars and rappers who inspired young streetwear fans. It is worth remembering that in 1983 Moses Malone led his team to the NBA title wearing Nike Air Force 1, which made the shoe hugely popular in Philadelphia. The design's success is also credited to its popularity in Harlem, New York. It was there, on the basketball courts, that the parties took place at which streetwear style was born. See what other sought-after Nike shoes you can buy in our store.