Why Choose the Nike Air Force 1 Shoes?
Nike Air Force 1 Shoes began as a basketball shoe and are now an everyday sneaker, sold in men's, women's and kids' sizes in low and mid cuts. The AF1 spans '07, LV8, Kobe, Vibram and kids' editions; for the rest of the brand, see Nike sneakers.
- Daily wear: The Air Force 1 '07 keeps a padded collar and a leather upper with a perforated toe box.
- A retro build: Nike describes the '07 LV8 USA edition with classic '80s construction and a subtle platform.
- A player tribute: On the Kobe Air Force 1 Low, the embroidered number and emblem on the heel pay homage to Kobe Bryant's alma mater, Lower Merion High School.
- A dressier finish: The Air Force 1 LX brings genuine leather, a metallic Swoosh logo and a leather cover for what Nike calls a luxe finish.
What Makes Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers Unique?
Designer Bruce Kilgore created the Air Force 1, production began in 1982, and it was the first basketball shoe to use Nike's Air technology. The name references Air Force One, the plane that carries the U.S. President. That 1982 start still shows in the lace medallion, the small tag on the laces engraved with "AF-1" and "'82."
How to Pick the Right Pair of Nike Air Force 1s
If brown is the color you want, go straight to brown Nike Air Force 1, and if you are weighing the AF1 against another Nike court classic, compare the Nike Dunk.
- Edition: Pick the '07 for the core look, the '07 LV8 USA edition for classic '80s construction on a subtle platform, the Kobe Air Force 1 Low for the embroidered heel number and emblem, or the LX for genuine leather and a metallic Swoosh.
- Upper material: The '07 and Kobe use leather or synthetic leather, some LV8s add canvas underlays and the grade school Suede has a suede upper; kids' pairs add patent leather versions.
- Weather: For rain, the men's GORE-TEX Vibram is the waterproof option.
- Kids' closures: The Force 1 Low EasyOn pairs are made to go on and off easily.
- Kids' size group: Measure the child's foot and match it to the Toddler, Preschool or Grade School group.
What Are the Nike Air Force 1 Shoes Tech Specs?
Nike Air and Foam in Adult Air Force 1 Pairs
The adult '07 combines Nike Air cushioning with a foam midsole, while a Nike Air unit cushions the '07 LV8, Kobe Air Force 1 Low and '07 LX Vibram.
Perforated Leather Upper on the Air Force 1 '07
A leather upper with a perforated toe box makes the '07 breathable and comfortable, according to Nike. Some '07 LV8 pairs use real and synthetic leather with the same perforated toe box, while others pair canvas underlays with leather, and the Kobe Air Force 1 Low uses synthetic leather with perforations at the front.
Pivot Circles and Vibram Soles on Adult Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers
A rubber outsole with heritage hoops pivot circles gives the '07 and the Kobe Air Force 1 Low traction and durability. The '07 LX Vibram and GORE-TEX Vibram swap in a Vibram outsole, which Nike says adds traction and durability.
Kids' Cushioning, Tread and EasyOn Closures on Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers
In grade school sizes, the Air Force 1 LE hides an Air-sole unit and the Air Force 1 places Nike Air in the heel, while the preschool Force 1 Low EasyOn lists a soft foam midsole. Kids' pairs keep a circular tread pattern first designed to help basketball players pivot. The preschool Force 1 Low EasyOn uses elastic laces with the top lace loops attached to hook-and-loop straps, and on toddler EasyOn pairs a hook-and-loop strap lets you open the lace area like a book, with the laces stitched down, so the shoes are quick to take on and off.
What Colorways Do the Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers Come In?
The Nike Air Force 1 '07 keeps its core looks in White/White and Black/Black. The '07 LV8 "World Cup USA" in White/Midnight Navy/University Red reps U.S. Soccer with an embroidered team crest. The Kobe Air Force 1 Low comes in black with purple, grey with electric green, and white with blue, while women's '07 pairs include the WNBA All-Star Weekend edition in silver and pink and a floral pair in black and multicolor. Kids' pairs add White Patent and Black Patent versions with a glossy finish.
Key Terms for the Nike Air Force 1
- Patent leather - Coated leather with a high-gloss finish.
- Perforated toe box - A toe area with small holes punched through the upper.
Nike Air Force 1 Member Benefits
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Nike Air Force 1 Shoes FAQs
Do Nike AF1s Run True to Size?
Nike says the Air Force 1 '07 fits large and recommends a half size down, with the same note on the grade school Air Force 1, Air Force 1 LE and Air Force 1 Suede and the preschool Force 1 Low EasyOn. Sizing can vary from one model to the next, so check the Hibbett size chart before you order.
What Is the Difference Between Low and Mid Air Force 1s?
The AF1 comes in low and mid cuts, and the mid adds a connected strap across the collar. Choose the low for the classic low-cut AF1, or the mid if you want the strap.
Can You Play Basketball in Nike Air Force 1 Shoes?
The AF1 started on the court, and Nike describes its Air cushioning as originally designed for performance hoops. Nike now describes the AF1 as an everyday sneaker, so for games choose a shoe made for basketball.
Which Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers Are Made for Wet Weather?
The men's Air Force 1 GORE-TEX Vibram puts an all-leather upper over a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, which Nike says helps protect against rain, sleet and snow.
What Can You Wear With White Air Force 1s?
The White/White '07 pairs easily with shorts, denim and joggers. The Black/Black pair gives the same shape a darker, low-key look.
Can You Put Your AF1s in the Washing Machine?
No, Nike does not recommend the washing machine. Instead, brush dirt off the outsole, midsole and upper, scrub gently with warm water and a little mild detergent on a soft brush, wipe with a dry cloth and leave the shoes to dry at room temperature.
