Five Styles That Prove the AF1 Is the World’s Most Versatile Sneaker

When you think about how many styles of shoes are produced year in, and year out, seeing a shoe celebrate its 40th anniversary becomes even more impressive. As 2022 draws to a close we’ve thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the Air Force 1 in all its glory - but it's not just its original shape that’s caught our eye over the years. Since its creation in 1982, Bruce Kilgore’s basketball silhouette has seen a number of makeovers, each one bringing the classic style a fresh lease of life. Here, we take a look at five of our favourite Air Force 1 variations, to see how it became one of the most versatile sneakers of all time.

To be fair, the original Air Force 1 silhouette has always been pretty versatile - how else would a basketball shoe cause this much of a storm within the lifestyle market? Clean-cut as crisp as they come, the classic model has seen its fair share of colourways, and pretty much all of them are bangers. Thanks to its low-key shape, the original Air Force 1 goes with pretty much anything, so if you haven’t got a pair in your rotation, you’re seriously missing out.

The Air Force 1 Shadow burst onto the scene in 2019, as an option designed especially for the ladies, which was designed by the brand’s Senior Creative Director for Women’s Footwear, Georgina James. A much more playful take on the clean-cut sneaker, the Shadow was designed to cater more to women’s styling, and as a result, the pair’s layered design opened up many more opportunities for playing with colour. Though not a huge departure from the original, it also has a thicker sole and more of a focus on branding - a statement pair for sure.

If the Shadow wasn’t quite to your taste, the Swoosh mixed things up even more in 2022 with the introduction of the AF1 PLT.AF.ORM. Having originally remodelled the silhouette for women in the form of the Shadow, the Pixel and the Fontanka, Nike once again proved the AF1’s versatility with this new take. The remixed model features an even chunkier sole than its predecessors, with split detailing helping to exaggerate the added height.

Nike’s Air Force 1 React is widely regarded to be one of the most comfortable Air Force 1 styles going, and mixes things up by fusing court style with running tech. This means that the pair has been upgraded with full-length React cushioning, as well as a Nike Air Unit in the heel. You’ll also notice that the style has had a pretty dramatic makeover: leather uppers give way to nylon panelling towards the heel of the shoe in order to keep the shoes airy and light.

However, the Air Force 1s biggest makeover definitely came in the form of the Lunar Force 1 Duckboot. The winterised boot borrows heavily from the AF1’s design language, yet you’ll notice that it's been packed with features that are sure to keep you dry and comfortable. It has a high-cut collar and a rugged traction sole, as well as comfy air cushioning and a textured upper - perfect for those still trying to flex in cold conditions.

Which Air Force 1 variant is your favourite? Let us know, and be sure to check out the rest of the range over at Foot Locker.