Celebrating 40 Years of Force

From musicians to artists to streetwear icons, the Air Force 1 has always been more than a sneaker. Everywhere it’s gone, it’s changed the game. But the past 40 years are behind us, so let’s set the stage for the next 40. Because Force has always been strongest when we do it together.

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Communities of Force

Community
Memphis Jookin
Every square foot of pavement is a dance floor for this tight-knit and growing community.
Community
So Dope Dance Academy
Creating opportunity for the next generation of dancers, Tarryn Alberts and So Dope are making a difference in Johannesburg.
Community
RIEHATATOKYO
See how this crew comes together to show Japan — and the world — how they express themselves.
Community
The Council
Out in Los Angeles, this all-female collective is fostering an empowering community that goes way beyond the dance floor.

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Air Force 1, Celebrate 40 Years of Force — Celebrate 40 Years of Force
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A Classic Since 1982

Designed by Bruce Kilgore and introduced in 1982, the Air Force 1 was the first ever basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology, revolutionizing the game and sneaker culture forever. Over three decades since its first release, the Air Force 1 remains true to its roots while earning its status as a fashion staple for seasons to come.

History of Air Force 1

2022: The 40th Anniversary
To celebrate 40 years of Force, the Join Forces Pack and campaign highlighted not just iconic details of four decades of AF 1, but also the communities that took Force further than we could ever have dreamed.
2017: 35th Anniversary
Tapping five collaborators to recreate the white-on-white AF-1, the AF-100 collection brings five instantly coveted AF-100 designs. Among them is a unique take by Virgil Abloh, who spun-up an iteration of his AF-1 first released as part of “The Ten” Collection.
2012: Lunar Landing
Three decades after the original, Lunar Force 1 emerges, featuring lightweight Lunarlon cushioning built into the iconic Air Force 1 design.
2000: Hip Hop’s Sneaker
Air Force 1’s popularity among globally influential rappers and artists propels it farther beyond sport and into culture. For the new millennium, Roc-a-Fella Records is presented with a timeless, white-on-white edition featuring the label’s embroidered logo.
Mid-90s–2000s: Sneaker Gold
Around events and holidays, Nike introduces limited, special and premium editions that turn the Air Force 1 into collector gold overnight. The sneaker is catching on faster than retailers can keep it on the shelves.
1986–1991: “Shoe of the Month” Club
Select retailers began exploring the concept of releasing one-off Air Force 1 designs. Every release is a hit and immediately sells out. Sneaker culture grows from Baltimore along the entire East coast as fans seek out new drops.
1985: Re-Released
A trio of retailers in Baltimore re-introduce the AF-1 in royal blue and chocolate brown colorways, and all 3,000 pairs sell out almost as soon as they hit the shelves. No longer just for basketball, the sneaker takes the streets by storm. [Shoes in photo are re-releases from 2015]
1983: The “Original Six”
The high-top AF-1 is worn by Nike’s top NBA players of the era: Michael Cooper, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone, Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompsen and Jammal Wilkes.
1982: A Legend is Born
The Nike Air Force 1 becomes the first basketball shoe to bring soft, springy Nike Air cushioning to the game.