In the 2020s, we’ve been witness to a number of variants in the Air Force 1 universe. Never before has Nike gone down this many experimental routes, at least from an in-house point of view. We’ve seen Swoosh logos transformed into carabiners and others inspired by molten steel. Now, Nike adds a metalworking vibe on this industrial take on the ’82 icon.
Concepts like these are where the pre-aged, pre-worn aesthetic fits perfectly. Nike adds beat-down treatment to the Anthracite leather upper with oxidative stains on the black sole, matching the heavy-duty nature of the design. The Swoosh is covered with a plate held down by copper rivets, which also locks in the leather tongue label featuring the embossed Nike Air logo. Thick rope laces match with a standard plush interior to complete an Air Force 1 design that is more Mad Max than street style.
