The big deal about these sneakers? They were the first basketball shoes to include innovative Nike Air technology, which is responsible for the incredible bounce and energy return that comes with every jump, step, and kick on the court. And, because they’re so comfortable, they’re easy to wear everywhere — think hardcourts, hardwoods, blacktop, and everywhere in between. Eventually, the style became as much a lifestyle choice as a sports essential.
Go Low
The AF1 Low is a legend in its own right, largely because it’s so versatile. Available for men, women, and kids, they’ve featured countless colorways over the years. There’s the classic white, a wardrobe staple that, even today, remains as popular as the day it was released. It’s effortless, simple, and easy to pair with everything from Nike shorts to leggings.
More than just stylish, the lower-profile edition, made with high-quality leather that conforms to the foot, lends the wearer an incredibly comfortable experience.
Pop Prestige
It helps that the AF1 collection has serious star power to its credit, too. Designer Bruce Kilgore likely had no idea that the shoe would be such an enormous success or have such an incredible impact on the pop culture world. Marketing efforts were limited — the very first print advertisements featured the likes of Moses Malone and Bobby Jones spreading the love for the high tops.
But when the AF1 Low arrived, things took a turn for the timeless. There was incredible appeal with a white-on-white shoe that went with absolutely everything, that was favored as much for streetwear as athletic wear, and that caught the attention of popular hip-hop artists around the world. Popular artists routinely called the kicks out in their lyrics, only adding to the pop culture madness.
Mixed Up
You’ll never turn back once you see and feel what the hype is all about. Even better is the easy way that the AF1 Low pairs with Nike apparel and accessories. Try some track pants and a loose-fit T-shirt for an effortless everyday look, or keep it trendy in leggings and a crop top. Those kicks have never looked so good.
