Air Force 1, the iconic sneaker line associated with Nike and American presidents, has seen its ups and downs in terms of popularity over the years. With sneaker culture continuously evolving, some have speculated whether Nike will discontinue Air Force 1 in the future. Here’s a look at the history of Air Force 1 and an analysis of whether it might be discontinued.
The History of Air Force 1
Air Force 1 was first introduced by Nike in 1982 as a basketball shoe. It was the first basketball shoe to utilize Nike’s revolutionary Air technology, which helped with impact protection and cushioning. The name “Air Force 1” was chosen as a nod to Air Force One, the plane that carries the President of the United States.
The shoe gained traction in the hip-hop community in the late 80s and 90s, becoming an urban status symbol and staple streetwear look. Its large silhouette was perfect for the oversized street style of the time. Early hip-hop celebrities like Nelly and rappers like the Wu-Tang clan cemented Air Force 1 as part of hip-hop culture and style.
Eventually, Air Force 1 became an iconic part of presidential style as well. In 2002, Nike made a custom pair of Air Force 1 shoes for President George W. Bush, ushering the sneakers into the White House. Since then, Presidents Obama and Trump have also been photographed wearing Air Force 1.
The Decline in Popularity
While Air Force 1 remained popular through the 1990s and 2000s, its relevance began to fade in the early 2010s. The rise of athleisure wear and minimalist sneaker designs made the chunky Air Force 1 feel outdated to some. Nike also ramped up production, making the sneakers less rare and unique. The shoe was increasingly associated with mall-fashion and lost some of its street cred and collectability.
Between 2014-2018, sales of Air Force 1 declined significantly. In this period, Nike saw a nearly 50% decline in Air Force 1 revenue. It appeared the sneaker’s cultural moment had passed and that younger sneakerheads had moved on to new trends like ultra-boosts and retro Jordan 1s.
The Resurgence
However, in the last few years, Air Force 1 has experienced a surprise resurgence. In late 2018, global sales started to recover, with growth continuing into 2019. In April 2022, Nike reported Air Force 1 sales were up nearly 20%.
Several factors contributed to this comeback:
- The rise of 90s and Y2K nostalgia in fashion brought back interest in iconic 90s sneakers.
- Celebrities like Kanye West and Kendall Jenner were seen wearing Air Force 1s.
- Nike collaborated with high fashion brands like Virgil Abloh and luxury brand Dior on limited edition Air Force 1s, generating hype.
- The sneakers remain affordable at $100, appealing for lifestyle wear even when hype dies down.
Thanks to its classic silhouette and sense of nostalgia, Air Force 1 has regained its footing as an iconic sneaker. As long as Nike continues to nurture the cultural relevance through collaborations and reissues, Air Force 1 is unlikely to disappear.
Will Nike Discontinue Air Force 1?
Based on its history and recent comeback, there is very little chance Nike will discontinue Air Force 1 anytime in the foreseeable future. Here are some reasons why:
- It’s still one of Nike’s highest selling shoes, with lifetime sales of over $1.3 billion.
- Discontinuing it would lead to a huge backlash and loss of brand loyalty and cultural capital.
- Even during its decline, Air Force 1 still had decent sales and a fan base.
- It’s iconic status as a “cultural sneaker” for hip-hop/streetwear gives it staying power.
- Nike keeps the line fresh through collaboration, limited editions, and reissues.
Based on Nike’s comments, Air Force 1 is still “part of the brand’s DNA” and here to stay:
“The Air Force 1 is part of Nike’s DNA and will remain an iconic product and cultural symbol on the marketplace for decades to come”
The Future of Air Force 1
Rather than discontinuing Air Force 1, Nike will likely continue evolving and reinventing it:
- More collaborations with designers, musicians, and celebrities will make AF1 stay relevant.
- Introducing new tech like Flyknit material for uppers could appeal to new audiences.
- Limited retro releases will aim to capture nostalgia and generate hype.
- Customization through NikeID will allow wearers to make AF1 their own.
Nike may also expand the Air Force franchise to new models like Air Force 2 or Air Force Next to continue iterating on the line’s legacy.
But the original Air Force 1 will form the backbone, staying true to its roots while giving nods to the future. Given its importance to sneaker culture past and present, the Air Force 1 will likely soar for decades to come.
Conclusion
While Air Force 1 has waxed and waned, its embodiment of hip-hop culture and its nostalgic legacy will likely cement its place in Nike’s lineup. Barring any huge changes, the Air Force 1 seems unlikely to be discontinued any time soon. As long as Nike keeps the line fresh and relevant, this cultural icon will continue to have its place in sneaker history.