Nike Air Force 1 '07

Air Force 1 '07

The Nike Air Force 1 ’07 was released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AF1. It features a classic construction that reflects the one used on the 80s original. The upper brings together durable leather panels connected via dual lines of intricate stitching. These appear along the edges of the forefoot and rear overlays, as well as the inside of the eyestay. Clean single lines of stitches skirt the outer part of the eyestay as well as the heel panel and heel strip, while a wider band of stitches sits within the groove in the midsole.

All of this careful detailing lends the Air Force 1 ‘07 excellent durability, but there are also many design aspects that offer comfort as well. The low-cut padded collar combines with an inner lining and insole made of breathable mesh to create a plush feeling around the foot. Above this, the eyestay, which has nine eyelets in a zigzag formation on each side, extends all the way down the shoe and overlaps the toe box. Here, nine columns of perforations fan out towards the front of the sneaker, and many versions of the model have two extra holes in the midfoot just below the swoosh, adding plenty of breathability.

Below this, the cupsole construction has allowed Nike to fill the midsole with hidden Air units alongside soft foam – a reliably comfortable pairing. Underfoot, the rubber outsole contains the AF1’s classic concentric circle tread, which was initially designed for basketball players to easily pivot on the court. Within it, grip channels of differing widths emanate out from a central circle in the forefoot, with another one set in the heel. Tightly packed star-shaped patterns appear at both ends of the outsole, and lugs deliver support all the way around the AF1 ‘07.

The final element of this stylish model is the branding. Simple Nike Air text is written beside a swoosh on the heel, tongue tab and insole. An embossed line runs around the back of the midsole, where it is interrupted by Air lettering below the ankle. Finally, a large Nike swoosh reaches down each flank, curving from the midfoot panel to the quarter and moving under the heel patch. With so many recognisable features, the Air Force 1 ‘07 is the perfect homage to the original AF1.