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Nike’s Nostalgic Air Forces Cracked the Code
via Highsnobiety · August 21, 2026

Nike’s Nostalgic Air Forces Cracked the Code

Nike's latest Air Force 1 Low marries a 2001 shape with cracked leather uppers for a seriously nostalgic version of the world-famous sneaker.

The Story

Nike's Air Force 1 Low is still breaking the rules, I see.

The brand's next set of Air Forces features cracked leather uppers, resulting in a scaly yet classic look for the world-famous model.

Nike has applied cracked leather to its Air Jordans and even Christmas-themed Dunks in the past, with each evoking a sense of nostalgia. And that's kind of the point of the newest Air Force 1s.

I forgot to mention that it also features a 2001 Air Force 1 build, which includes a lower profile and extra padding. Combined with cracked leather, it's pretty much the closest thing to a genuine Air Force 1 from the early 2000s.

Think about it. Over 20 years later, the leather shoes would probably be nice and creased by now, worn or not.

The cracked leather Air Force 1s first appeared in Nike's latest SNKRS Verified episode, alongside the Air Bakin and a "Bright Crimson" First Sight Noir. The shoes came in green and black colorways.

They're both expected to drop sometime in the fall on Nike's website. However, with official imagery already here, we might catch them sooner rather than later.

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