Nike's Iconic Air Force 1 Sneaker Gets a Croc Makeover for Spring
Nike is raising the bar for premium Air Force 1 sneakers with its new $600 Italian-made styles, featuring croc print and patent leather. But this isn't the only luxurious twist on the classic shoe. This month, the Air Force 1 Low will debut in a unique white croc skin colorway, enhanced with metallic silver and an icy blue-tinted midsole. The entire upper is adorned with a croc-embossed texture on white leather, while the Swoosh and heel tab are coated in silver. The translucent rubber outsole reveals a net graphic, nodding to the Air Force 1's rich basketball history.
Despite CEO Elliott Hill's plan to scale back staple models like the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk, the AF1 remains a key player in Nike's retro business. This month, the sneaker will also arrive in a pastel Easter colorway, reminiscent of 2000s classics, and a Kobe Bryant Protro version, paying homage to the late basketball legend's friendship with Pau Gasol.
Introduced in 1982 as a performance basketball shoe, the Air Force 1 has become one of Nike's most iconic sneakers. While Nike doesn't release sales data for specific models, the Air Force 1 consistently topped NPD Group's top-selling sneaker rankings until 2021. Despite its seemingly luxurious materials, this new Air Force 1 isn't part of a special edition and will quietly launch on March 20 via Nike's Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers, retailing for $125. The style code is IR1981-100, and the full colorway is White/Blue Tint/Pure Platinum/Chrome.
