The next Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 collab is almost here.
The Air Force 1 was designed by legendary Nike designer Bruce Kilgore (Air Jordan 2, Nike Dunk et al) and was the first basketball shoe to use Nike's patented Air technology. Introduced in 1982, it had a short initial run and was discontinued in 1984, before being re-released in 1985 with a sleeker design and a more modern Swoosh. The sneakers – dubbed "uptowns" as they were a go-to for teenagers in Harlem throughout the '90s – have been produced in more than 1,700 colour variations in the 40 years since they debuted.
This iconic sneaker is also one of the most popular in Nike's extensive footwear catalogue. Y2K rapper Nelly dedicated an entire song, simply titled “Air Force Ones”, to the sneakers in 2002, while 19 years later Sneaker Freaker reported that it was the top selling footwear design in 2021, generating over £600 million in just 12 months.
The Air Force 1 has been subject to some of the best sneaker collaborations to date. Supreme dropped a “Triple White” take on the sneakers in 2020, while Drake has been teasing us with his own Certified Lover Boy version of the silhouette for over a year. Meanwhile the late Virgil Abloh sent sneakerheads and fashion editors alike into a frenzy when he previewed a Louis Vuitton take on the Air Force 1 as part of the Parisian label's Spring 2022 men’s catwalk show in June 2021.
Now Stüssy is breathing new life into the silhouette, which is traditionally characterised by its platform sole and fuss-free construction. The Southern California label has been working with Nike for over 20 years, with the release of the Stussy x Nike Air Huarache LE in 2000 marking the beginning of a longterm arrangement. This will be the third time both have collaborated on the Air Force 1 – the first Stüssy AF1, released in 2020, was constructed from hemp cotton, then in 2021 they produced recycled versions of the shoes.
The collaboration was teased for several months on Stüssy's social media channels, but today we can confirm it is on its way. In celebration of the AF1's 40th anniversary, Stüssy has reworked a mid-top, ankle-height take on the classic sneakers in a multitude of colourways. Stüssy has unveiled one iteration of the design, which features snakeskin Swooshes, a black and white colourway and Stüssy branding on the heel, velcro straps, tongue and toe box. Another, the “Fossil Hemp” version, features a tonal embroidered swoosh and tonal embroidered “Stüssy” hook-and-loop strap. Finally, the "Black Luxe" leather version features a faux black snakeskin Swoosh and a white embroidered “Stüssy” hook-and-loop strap.
As well as sneakers, and in keeping with previous Nike x Stüssy collabs, there will be apparel up for grabs. The duo have come together to create a hoodie and sweatpants, which come in grey or black, as well as a logo-branded beanie. The key piece in the drop is a T-shirt which comes with “Peace, Love, Swoosh” motifs in reference to the role of sports in local communities the world over.
The good news is that you won't have to wait long for the first pair to drop as Stüssy has announced via Instagram that the sneakers will go on sale at 10am on 13 May. As ever, expect the sneakers to fly: historically every pair of Nike and Stüssy kicks has sold out within minutes.
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