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Nike & Streetwear- Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1 (AF1) has managed to maintain popularity globally for decades. Why is this? The Air Force 1 was originally released as a basketball shoe because of the advanced technology. So how did this shoe transition from sportswear to a fashionable streetwear sneaker. First released in 1982, the Air Force 1 shoe was a basketball shoe because of the famous Nike Air Technology in the sole. The Air Force 1 was the first Nike shoe to feature this technology and was clearly groundbreaking. 


However, quickly the shoe transitioned off the court and into urban fashion. Owning six pairs of the shoe myself I can say that this is down to the comfort, durability and iconic silhouette. The clean and simple silhouette is one of the most iconic features of the Nike shoe, making it versatile and easy to pair with any outfit. 


The Nike Air Force 1 also carries and holds substantial cultural relevance. Since the 80’s and 90’s rappers such as Nelly played an important role in promoting the shoe, even releasing a song called ‘Air Force Ones’. With ties to both sportswear and streetwear this can explain the popularity of the Air Force 1, musicians, athletes and influencers proving the cultural status of the shoe. Sneakerheads and streetwear ‘hype beasts’ have also carried the shoe due to collaborations

with Virgil Abloh (Off-White), Travis Scott, Supreme

and Drake (NOCTA). 


Nike has continued to market the Air Force 1 aggressively through partnership/collaboration, global campaigns and events. This explains why in 1982 the shoe retailed for £40-50 and today the shoes retail for £110. The collaboration Air Force 1’s also prove desirable for ‘hypebeasts’, with some pairs selling for more than £500 on reselling markets such as GOAT and StockX. The price increase isn’t just because of inflation but also because of how consumers like myself regard the shoe and its increased cultural status and demand.






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