In a world where sneakers are designed to degrade in less than a year, the Air Force 1 has maintained its footing as a true cult favorite for 40 years. The most popular sneaker in Nike history, the shoe has been elevated by a slew of collaborations and street-savvy aesthetics that have kept it relevant over time. But perhaps the most enduring element of the AF1’s appeal is its relationship with hip-hop. Initially seen as a basketball silhouette, the shoes were embraced by a group of Harlem natives that would become known as the Original Six (Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Calvin Natty, Jamaal Wilkes and Bobby Jones) in an early ’80s print ad. Their relationship with hip-hop grew in the decade that followed, and the AF1 would come to define the style of many influential rappers including Nas, Fat Joe and the Dipset crew.
The Air Force 1 Low Leopard features a sleek leather build in Soft Sail and contrasting suede elements adorned in a leopard print. The print covers select front overlays and the iconic Swoosh, paired with black accents on the lateral branding and heel tab. Nike’s Air-infused foam midsole hugs the runner for lightweight cushioning, while a rubber outsole featuring heritage hoops pivot circles provides traction and durability.
Several colorways have already hit stores, but this one might be the most intriguing. A clad eggnog hue fills most of the upper, complemented by wheat tones that cover the quarter overlays and medial side Swooshes. Light blue hits appear on the top tongue tag and embroidered “Nike” logo, while rare touches of leopard print adorn the eyestay and heel tab.