The game changer AF1

 As we get carried away by the new sneakers on the market, we tend to forget the OG Air Force 1, which was a true game changer for Nike. The best part is that when the Air Force 1 was released, it was initially used for basketball. In this blog, we will detail the differences between the Air Force 1 of 1982 and the current model.

The OG Air Force 1 may have seemed unattractive, but it had features that are missing in the present version. The main aspect we’ll focus on is comfort, particularly the sole. The AF1 utilized Air Sole technology, which was first introduced in the Nike Tailwind, designed by Frank Rudy. The sole provided excellent grip, addressing a common issue faced by earlier basketball players, who often used multiple layers of socks to create a softer cushion for their feet. Nike’s introduction of Air Sole technology revolutionized this experience. The OG AF1 even featured a strap on the tongue of the shoe for added stability. Additionally, the outsole design, with its circular pivot point pattern, was tailored for intense basketball movements.

In the current AF1, comfort has been enhanced, with improved quality in the materials used for the sole. The traction between the outsole and the ground has also been upgraded. The newer models are primarily made from recycled materials, making them more eco-friendly. However, one drawback is that they are no longer used for basketball; the design has changed over the years, and newer basketball shoes now feature superior cushioning systems, such as Zoom Comfort and others. The current outsole still includes the circular pivot point pattern, but the rubber has become lighter, making it more suitable as an everyday shoe rather than a basketball shoe.

Next, let’s discuss the leather used in the construction of the shoe. The OG AF1 was made from high-quality animal leather, which was quite expensive at the time but remarkably durable compared to today’s synthetic alternatives. The original leather was also more breathable, allowing moisture to escape through the toe box.

Although designed as a basketball shoe, the Air Force 1 has become an icon in hip-hop and streetwear culture. Its popularity skyrocketed, particularly with the all-white model, which became a staple in fashion and sneaker collections.

In the early years, we could see Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade wearing the AF1 off-court, contributing to its public appeal.