Nike Updates the Iconic Air Force 1 With Premium Suede and Shiny Swooshes

Nike’s timeless Air Force 1 is the sort of sneaker that doesn’t need much added flair. The Beaverton, Ore.-based company’s sportswear division could, in theory, release the Air Force 1 solely in its original-styled leather builds without affecting its popularity. But options are never a bad thing, and the brand has plenty of them lined up for the coming fall and winter seasons. In addition to a Gore-Tex and Vibram-equipped version, a new set of just-released suede-draped women’s styles adds a premium edge to the classic model.

Arriving at retailers now is the Nike Air Force 1 Low ’07 in Light Bone and Mink Brown colorways, with a third Burgundy Crush look set to join the group soon. The pairs are separated from standard Air Force 1s with their unique materials; each style is covered in tonal with premium suede uppers. Glossy, puffy accents reminiscent of Nike’s 2010s Vac-Tech material appear on the Swoosh, heel and toe box seam. Nike’s official product description does not identify the unique material, instead describing it as a “bold Swoosh” for a “dramatic finish.”

First released in 1982 as a performance basketball shoe, the Air Force 1 was designed by Bruce Kilgore. Originating as a supportive high-top, the pair took inspiration from a 1981 Nike hiking boot called the Approach. The Approach was notable for being Nike’s first shoe to use Gore-Tex technology and inspired the silhouette of the Air Force 1 with its lowered, slanted heel.

Nike also has big plans for the aforementioned Air Force 1 Low Vibram GTX. The winterized version is expected to be released in numerous colorways.

The premium materials spell a slightly higher-than-usual retail price for the trio, which are $125 each. The Light Bone (style code HV4406-001) and Mink Brown (style code HV4406-200) pairs are available now from nike.com and select retailers, with the Burgundy Crush (style code HV4406-600) look expected to arrive in the coming weeks.