Men's Nike Air Force 1

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Hidden inside, Air cushioning elevates the Nike Air Force 1

Nike’s biggest revolution may have been one that was never actually seen.

When the men’s Nike Air Force 1 first hit the shelves in 1982, it burst onto the scene with the fanfare of a multi-star endorsement. And while it’s named after the airplane that carries the President of the United States, its most prominent claim to fame was being the first basketball shoe to incorporate Nike Air cushioning. That emerging tech had migrated over from the running category, where it debuted in 1978.

Those first Air-Sole units were sealed away inside the midsole, known only to those who saw the “AIR” embossed on the lateral (outer) midsole, and to those who felt the innovative cushioning under each step.

While the AF1 debuted as a high top, it’s also available today as a mid and a low. The high features a removable ankle strap, while the mid’s strap is fixed to the shoe.

The Original Six

Nike’s marketing efforts tipped off by instilling the daydream of flight. “Starting this season, air will be sold by the box,” went the tagline. And a poster featured three sets of NBA who wore flight suits on an airport runway and became known as “The Original Six”:

· Moses Malone (Philadelphia)

· Bobby Jones (Philadelphia)

· Jamaal Wilkes (Los Angeles)

· Michael Cooper (Los Angeles)

· Calvin Natt (Portland)

· Mychal Thompson (Portland)

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While the Air Force 1 was a serious hit on basketball courts, its greatest legacy may be as Nike’s first “retro” release. The Swoosh distributed the shoe until 1984 when, as was customary in the business, it was time to move onto the next thing. But customers weren’t ready to move on, and they demanded through distributors that Nike reissue the shoe. So in 1986, Nike re-released the AF1. Its reputation had now grown beyond just the hardwood to the streets.

Realizing it had something special, Nike put the AF1 in continual rotation and expanded the aesthetic options. Today, the Air Force 1 has existed in more than 2,000 styles – and counting. Nike has cross-pollinated the shoe with technologies from other product lines, given it street-smart designs, and through customization made it available in nearly countless colorways.

The Nike Air Force 1 Utility updates the standard silhouette with a strap closure that adds a secure look.

The Air Force 1 LV8 “elevates” the look of the 1982 original with modern twists on colorways and materials. Some models recall the bold color blocking of the 1980s or ’90s, while others feature the “Wheat” treatment made popular by workboots.

The Air Force 1 Sage is a female’s take on what was originally focused on the boys. Rolled edges and clean lines make for a bold yet feminine look, while the upper is pared down for a clean overall look.

And however you decide to rock your Air Force 1s, you have wide array of apparel options to complete your ensemble. Choose Nike-themed short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, shorts, fleece pants, and more. Pack it along in a Nike backpack and be ready for whatever is next.

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