Air Force 1s, also known as AF1s, refer to sneakers made by Nike that are associated with the Air Force. The most famous Air Force 1 sneakers are white leather basketball shoes that have been produced since 1982. Over the decades, Air Force 1s have become ingrained in hip hop culture and streetwear. As a result, Air Force 1s have garnered numerous nicknames and slang terms within urban communities and sneaker enthusiasts. This article will provide an overview of the various slang terms used for Air Force 1 sneakers.
Background on Air Force 1 Sneakers
The Air Force 1 was created by Bruce Kilgore and introduced in 1982 as a basketball shoe. The “Air” technology in the name refers to the Nike Air cushioning in the sole, which was innovative at the time. The “Force” refers to the Air Force One aircraft that carries the President of the United States.
The name Air Force 1 implied this was Nike’s premier sneaker. Although discontinued for a period in the 1980s, the Air Force 1 was retroed in 1986 and has remained in production ever since.
Over time, the original white-on-white color scheme became the most iconic look. The minimalist leather upper contrasted with the thick sole makes for a distinctive and classic silhouette.
As the Air Force 1 became popular in inner cities, Nike began producing more color variations. Special collaborations, limited editions, and unique materials have also added to the sneaker’s cool cachet over the decades.
The Air Force 1 in Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop artists were early adopters of the Air Force 1 sneaker. By the late 1990s, the sneaker had become part of street culture and urban fashion.
Wearing crisp, white Air Force 1s became a status symbol within the hip hop community. It showed the wearer had style and street credibility. The sneakers were also functional for breakdancing and street performances.
Notable rappers that have mentioned Air Force 1s in their songs include Nelly, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, and Travis Scott. Album cover art for St. Lunatics and Nelly’s Air Force Ones in 2003 cemented the sneaker’s importance in hip hop and rap culture.
As hip hop went mainstream, the Air Force 1 became a global phenomenon no longer limited to the inner city. Today the sneaker is worn internationally and continues to be a staple of streetwear.
Slang Terms for Air Force 1 Sneakers
Here are some of the most popular slang terms for Air Force 1 shoes:
Air Forces
One of the most common shortcuts for Air Force 1 sneakers is simply “Air Forces”. For example:
“I just copped some fresh white Air Forces.”
“My Air Forces are so creased!”
This shortened name captures the essential “Air” and “Force” elements of the original.
Forces
Taking it even further, sneakerheads often refer to Air Force 1s as “Forces”. For example:
“Those Forces are fire!”
“My Forces go with everything.”
“Forces” is crisp and rolls off the tongue easily in conversation.
AF1s
Using just the initials, AF1 is a quick way to refer to Air Force 1s. For example:
“AF1s will never go out of style.”
“I need to get my AF1s cleaned.”
“Which colorway of AF1s are you feeling?”
The initials AF1 are recognizable to anyone familiar with the sneakers.
Ones
The most abbreviated slang term is also the most obvious – Ones. For example:
“My white Ones are beat up.”
“I’m waiting for the Ones to retro again.”
“Going to rock my Ones today.”
Since Air Force 1 was the original sneaker, it naturally became known simply as the “Ones”.
Air Force 1 Slang Terms by Color
The Air Force 1 comes in thousands of different color combinations. Here are some popular slang terms for specific colorways:
Triple Whites
The white-on-white Air Force 1s are referred to as “Triple Whites”. The all-white colorway has a crisp, clean look.
Triple Blacks
The blacked out AF1s are called “Triple Blacks”. It creates a stealth, monochromatic look.
Wheaties
The wheat-colored Flax Air Force 1s are nicknamed “Wheaties” due to their similarity to the cereal’s tan hue.
G-forces
A shorthand for “Gucci Forces”, these use the iconic monogram of the luxury Italian fashion house.
Supremes
Collaborations with streetwear brand Supreme yielded AF1s in bold reds, blues, and metallics.
Uptowns
The rare, original release with a strap across the tongue is called the “Uptown” edition.
Regional Slang Terms for Air Force 1s
Slang terms for the Air Force 1 vary by region as well. Here are some regional nicknames:
Uptowns or Uptown Force – New York City
In NYC, Air Force 1s are referred to as “Uptowns” or “Uptown Forces.” It ties the sneaker to the uptown boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx.
BGPs – Houston
In Houston’s hip hop community, Air Force 1s are called “BGPs” which stands for “Blingin’ Glamorous Projects.” This refers to the flashy customization of AF1s.
Swipers – Los Angeles
On the West Coast, specialized Nike ID Air Force 1s are known as “Swipers” for the curb-stomping gait they produce.
Breds – Chicago
The black & red Air Force 1s are nicknamed “Bred” in Chicago, tying together the Bulls and sneaker colorways.
Pop Culture References
Beyond music, Air Force 1 sneakers have been mentioned across pop culture from movies to TV shows:
Movies
– He Got Game – Spike Lee’s 1998 film starring Ray Allen as a hoops prospect in Air Force 1s.
– White Men Can’t Jump – Woody Harrelson wore AF1s in the iconic streetball movie.
– The Game – In the 1997 film, characters portrayed by Sean Connery and Will Smith wore white Air Force 1s.
Television
– The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Will Smith wore Air Force 1s on the hit 90s sitcom.
– Scrubs – Donald Faison’s character Turk called Air Force 1s “my oneders.”
– Entourage – On the HBO show, Eric Murphy said “Wear Air Force Ones, only wear jeans on game days.”
Rising Popularity of Vintage Air Force 1s
While Air Force 1s have remained popular for decades, demand for vintage models from the 1980s and 1990s is rising:
Rapper Collaborations
– Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh have released limited retro Air Force 1 collabs.
– A vintage 1994 denim Air Force 1 sold for $2,037 in September 2022.
Gen Z and Millennial Collectors
– Younger hypebeasts are seeking rare vintage colorways.
– Online reseller prices for Jordans and Forces from the 1990s have skyrocketed.
Investment Potential
– Rare and pristine vintage Air Force 1s are viewed as collectible investments.
– Old school Nike designs are appreciating like fine art and classic cars.
| Year | Key Releases | Average Resale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Air Force 1 White/White | $1,000 |
| 1984 | AF1 Puerto Rico Blue | $4,500 |
| 1986 | Retro White/White | $300 |
| 1994 | Unused Denim Sample | $2,037 |
Custom Culture Around Air Force 1s
Part of the appeal of Air Force 1 sneakers is the customization culture that surrounds them:
Nike ID
– Nike allows for full customization of colors, materials, and personal IDs on AF1s.
– Unique designs with premium options like crocodile print.
DIY Modifications
– Decorate with markers, patches, pins, studs, and paints.
– Swap out laces for personalized look.
– Use iron-on graphics and acrylic paint pens.
Regional Styles
– Boston wear huge tongue logos.
– NYC sneakerheads keep crisp white overlays.
– West Coast shows off metallics and patent leather.
Conclusion
For four decades and counting, Air Force 1s have been a staple of hip hop culture and street fashion worldwide.
The iconic basketball shoe has developed an entire vocabulary of slang terms and nicknames: Forces, Ones, Uptowns, Breds, Wheaties, Swipers, and many more.
Both vintage collectors and fashion-forward sneakerheads keep the legend of the Air Force 1 alive. Combining cultural clout with timeless design, the AF1 will no doubt continue to influence hip hop and streetwear for generations to come.