My Sneakers And Me: Nike Air Force 1

The iconic Nike Air Force 1, with its rich history, loyal following and irresistible charm, has been a staple in my collection since I can remember. Back when I was in year nine, the AF1 was the shoe you wore with your best tracksuit when Saturday's antics came calling, but the older I've got, the more experimental I've been with the styling. Yes, they're still my go-to pair to team with my trackies, but I learnt of their styling power the first time I chucked them on with my favourite tea dress. Usually opting for heeled boots when I'm going to Sunday's bottomless brunch, I put my fresh, clean, white Air Force 1's on because I couldn't be bothered with walking around London in heels, and that, my friends, was when the Nike AF1 became a true hero in my eyes.

Now, there are different categories of Air Force 1 IMO. You've got the ones you don't mind getting battered up. For me, that's the OG classics. I'll buy a pair in grade-school sizing (hello, lower price) and I don't think twice about wearing them to the gym, out for a walk or when I'm running errands. They're my go-to pair when I need to just get up and go! The flat sole makes them ideal for leg day and the sporty-but-not-too-sporty aesthetic means I don't feel like an idiot wearing them with jeans. Once they get a bit too battered up – you know, like when the leather starts peeling and the crease on the toe box is threatening to split – I chuck them away, bid them adieu and cop another pair immediately.

The second category is the “fashion” AF1. These are ones that you can't bear to get dirty and frantically scrub with a wipe any time there's a tiny scuff. For me, that's the recently released Nike Air Force 1 'Iridescent'. I can't bear the thought of these getting as grubbed up as my OG pairs! The glossy Swoosh doesn't deserve to sit next to grass stains, so this pair is definitely not in the same day-beater category as the OGs. If you were lucky enough to cop such iterations as the Travis Scott Nike Air Force 1 or the brand's collab with Supreme, they would definitely sit in category numero dos.

The charm of the Nike Air Force 1 comes thanks to its long history with street culture. This iconic silhouette launched back in 1982 and boasted the slogan: 'Air in a Box'. Originally crafted as a highly functional basketball shoe, it was the first of its kind to feature an air-filled pocket in the heel for cushioning and support. At this point in time, Nike was fairly new to basketball but meticulously designed every single element of the sneaker with the game in mind. During this time, most shoes were made with a herringbone-textured tread, but Bruce Kilgore added a circular outsole pattern to the AF1 which gave basketball players more pivot. Initially tested on players, the Air Force 1 was an instant hit and some players even refused to return their samples – but they had one recommendation for Nike: ditch the ankle strap.

The sneaker was discontinued in 1984 but demand remained high, so in 1986, Nike brought back the Air Force 1, much to the avail of fans across America. When it came to the mid-90s, a range of new colourways flooded the international market and it didn't take long for the Air Force 1 to secure its place in the sneaker hall of fame. It wasn't until 2001 that Nike released the now-iconic sneaker in women's sizes and collaborators began itching for a chance to create their very own design. Soon, the Nintendo x Nike Air Force 1 and Mr. Toons x Nike Air Force 1 was taking over and fans were instantly hooked.

The Nike Air Force 1 is only gaining more and more loyal fans courtesy of recent collaborations with the likes of Travis Scott, Supreme and Off-White. Bringing the iconic silhouette to a brand-new audience and subtly entering the streetwear stratosphere, the AF1 is officially bigger than ever and doesn't plan on going anywhere any time soon.

Promising to be a staple in my collection for years to come, I firmly plan on putting my future children in little mini Air Force 1s as soon as they can walk. Comfortable, versatile and so, so easy to throw on with anything and everything, I know that the Nike AF1 will never let me down. It's like a friend I can rely on to keep me looking fresh again and again.