The Nike Air Force are basketball shoes launched in the early ‘80s, the first Nike sneakers ever provided with Air Unit technology in the midsole. A small air insert conceived to improve cushioning, the same system later used for the Air Max series. No doubt the Air Force 1 is the most distinctive and famous model of the Swoosh; white Air Force 1 is a must-have style for anyone, but there are many exclusive colorways and streetwear collaborations you should check. Also dubbed Uptowns, the Air Force 1 is a milestone of sport footwear and streetwear as well, an epoch.making style designed by Nike in 1982 to provide NBA players and common athletes with a cutting-edge trainer. Inspired by the minimal and rounded shape of the plain used by the president of the United States – hence the name – those Nike sneakers introduced concepts and technical innovations that forever changed the rules. The idea of retro sneakers arises precisely from the Air Force 1. Until the launch of the Air Force 1, shoes used to debut on the market, be purchased and then set aside by brands. But things changed with the Uptowns as the incredible public demand for Air Force pushed the brand to continue the production, also reissuing colorways and models previously launched and indeed establishing the retro sneakers phenomenon. Excluding the Air Technology in the midsole, this model presents a pretty straightforward structure composed by a leather upper with a side Swoosh logo, ‘Air’ writing on the heel tabs, a perforated toebox and a tonal outsole to bring everything full circle. But Air Force 1 longevity is further proved by the incredible variety of colors, versions and alternatives on the market. Notable options include Air Force with suede uppers, Flyknit paneling, chamois leather featuring all-over patterns, subtle detailing or a GORE-TEX® coating for an ultimate outdoor feeling. On the other hand, the pair has such a simple structure that’s often picked by street brands to be customized and pimped for Nike’s most exclusive streetwear collaborations, including those with Off-White, Supreme and many others.