Air Force 1

In 1982 Nike changed the game and introduced the Nike air cushioning basketball with the Air Force One. The name was inspired by the President of the United States' preferred form of transportation. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force one was the first-ever basketball shoe to feature a Nike air cushioning. 

The original Air Force Ones at the league by storm. And it was first worn on court by defensive specialists Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Jamma Wilkes, Bobby Jones, Michael Thompson, and Calvin Neff. 

Two years after their initial run in 1984, three Baltimore Maryland sneaker shops, downtown locker room, Cinderella shoes, and Charlie Rito sports, successfully petitioned Nike for the return of the Air Force One. After getting Nike to successfully reissue the beloved Air Force one, these three Baltimore shops, known as "the three amigos," were required to purchase 1200 pairs of the Air Force one in two colorways, white royal blue, and white chocolate-brown. 

All pairs quickly sold out. And the Air Force One began its takeover. A new colorway would eventually be introduced each month at these Baltimore shops creating a frenzy all up and down the highway i-95, sneakerheads from DC, Philadelphia, and New York traveling to Baltimore to get their hands on a pair. 

In the many years following, the Air Force One transformed into more than just a basketball shoe the Air Force one quickly became a style icon that was deeply rooted in the culture surrounding the game of basketball. Nike introduced new versions of the iconic silhouettes, including low-cut and mid-cut versions that are just as appreciated as the original. 

In 2002 the shoe enjoyed a resurgence of popularity thanks to Nellie's hit song, "Air Force Ones," which reintroduced the model to a new generation of fans. 

 Portland Trailblazers and Detroit.Pistons our Rasheed Wallace also helped keep the air force one alive on the pro hardwood throughout the 2000 and wore them during most of his career. 

All sorts of influential figures have collaborated with Nike on the Air Force One ranging from street artists to rappers and, most recently, fashion designers such as Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci, and the French label piggle.

Over the years, we've seen special make-ups at the Air Force one done up for everything from the cast of Saturday Night Live friends and family of Sony's to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the PlayStation 2.

Now over 30 years old and still one of Mackey's best-selling speakers of all time. The Air Force One has been updated with all of Nike's top innovations, including hyper fuse construction and lightweight Lunarlon cushioning helping usher in what's sure to be another 30 years of greatness for the iconic model.

How the Nike Air Force One evolved - A Timeline 

These are some of the most iconic and important variations of the Nike AF-1, from the original sneaker of 1982, to the valentines model of today.

Nike Air Force 1 (1982)

"Air in the box" was the slogan for Nike Air Force One. Nike launched the iconic trainer in 1982 as the first basketball trainer designed by Bruce Kilgore (product designer at Nike). Nike's team for AF-1 consisted of biochemists, podiatrists, and aerospace engineers with designers. The shoe proved to be a turning point in the sports and sneaker culture for its unprecedented feature of Nike Air technology. The technology worked on pressurized air in a tough, flexible bag. The air technology added to the sole's flexibility, elasticity, and durability, while keeping the shoes lightweight and in a distinct shape. The high top sneaker was designed for intense sporting action and its circular sole enabled the basketball players to maintain their grip on the court.

The Original Six (1983)

In 1983, Six Nike’s most popular NBA (National Basketball Association) players participated in an iconic shoot. The six stars included Michael Cooper, Moses Malone, Calvin Natt, Jammal Wikes, Bobby Jones, Mychal Thompson rocked the high-top Nike AF-1 with white suits.Later in 2007, for AF-1’s 25th anniversary, another group of six stars recreated the shoot with their custom AF-1s in their team colours. The second badge included Steve Nash, Rasheed Wallace, Paul Price, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Chris Paul.

Air Force One Low (1983)

In 1983, AF-1 low was introduced as an alternative to the high top. Three Baltimore businessmen met with Nike and expressed their demand for producing exclusive AF-1s for them. That marked the beginning of limited and collaborative editions.

The Break (1984)

Nike discontinued the production of AF-1 in 1984. But the demand continued. People on not finding AF-1s started to customize their older AF-1s with new colours. The increasing demand for the original sneakers compelled Nike to re-consider the production of the classic AF-1. Finally, it returned to the market in 1986.

Re-introduced (1985)

Nike AF-1 introduced new colours, royal blue, and chocolate brown, in Baltimore. The pairs sold like hotcakes. As a result, AF-1 became a fashion trend and not just a sports shoe brand.

“Shoe of the month” Club (1986-1991)

Due to the increasing demand for the trainers, the retailers started releasing limited editions, which again was a huge success. Nike AF-1 got countrywide recognition from Baltimore towards the east coast.

Sneaker Gold (the Mid-90s-2000)

For special events and occasions, Nike introduces Sneaker Gold. The exclusive, limited premium edition sells before reaching then retailers.

Hip Hop’s Sneaker (2000)

Nike AF1 became the choice of artists and rappers across the globe. The Hip Hop white-on-white sneakers with the Roc-a-Fella logo takes the sneaker to another realm of culture.

Women sizing (2001)

Nike AF-1 introduced women’s sizes to their product.

Nike AF-1 Low Linens (2001)

The most legendary AF-1 was released in Japan only to promote the brand in foreign markets. The style mixed an earthy- brown linen outsole with a pink swoosh. In 2016, Nike re-released the Asian exclusive for the American AF-1 fans.

High-tech uppers (2010)

Nike AF-1 introduced high-tech uppers with proprietary material as Foamposite, liquid metal, Flyknit. These were great hits. Their foamy bouncy sole provided the product with additional comfort.

Lunar Landing (2012)

Another milestone in Nike AF1 with Lunarlon cushioning gives the feeling of walking on the moon. Its unique construction acts as a shock absorber.Acronym x Nike Lunar Force 1 LowAcronym Nike with an added feature of zipper yields convenience for slipping in and out of the trainer. The AF-1 comes with the additional comfort of lightweight Lunarlon.

35th Anniversary (2017)

Five collaborators created five greatly admired white-on-white AF-100 designs. Virgil Abloh released an iteration of AF-1 in The Ten Collection. The version features translucent uppers with a deconstructed swoosh exploring the themes of revealing and ghosting.

Valentine’s Day AF-1 (2021)

The latest romantic version features white with a red heart on the heel and a tongue label “True Love since 1982”, which was launched soon in this February .