Nike Air Force 1

Embrace the retro aesthetic with the JD Sports Australia range of Nike Air Force 1 shoes, available in sizes for men, women, and kids. Our line-up features many different styles, including the ’07 LV8 and Shadow, which come in unique colourways, from black and white to blue and green. What are you waiting for? Start browsing today, and don’t forget to check out our must-have JD exclusives!

What Is the Nike Air Force 1?

The Nike Air Force 1 was created by legendary designer Bruce Kilgore, who saw an opportunity to improve the footwear worn by professional NBA players. The collection landed on the court in 1982, changing the game with its Air technology, which provided additional support and comfort. This technology was combined with increased flexibility, enabled by the cut of the tread, and the now quintessential circular outsole, which allowed players to manoeuvre more efficiently without losing grip.

Wanting to be the first to experience this new sneaker, some of the biggest names in basketball put it to the test, and the benefits were noticeable.

Decades later, the AF1 remains a staple of the footwear market; however, its target audience has expanded substantially, with both athletes and fashion-focused sneakerheads jumping at the chance to get the latest releases. The shoes have become so popular that it’s not uncommon to see high-profile celebrities, such as Drake and Bella Hadid, wearing a pair.

The Different Types of Nike Air Force 1

Though the Nike Air Force 1 made its debut as a high-top sneaker, the collection has since branched out to low and mid styles. Each of these has developed its own following, appealing to different corners of the footwear market.

The AF1 low top is the most common version of the shoe (and the most popular). It followed shortly after the high-top appeared on the scene, presented as a casual alternative. Despite production coming to a premature end, Nike couldn’t deny the intense demand from fans and brought it back in 1986. In the following decade, the AF1 low became a symbol of the everyday hustler, admired for its comfortableness and clean design. The shoe was taken to even greater heights by the hip-hop community, with well-known rap artists idolising it.

The mid top didn’t enjoy the same out-of-the-box success, but over time, it became a star deserving of respect. This was largely thanks to celebrities like ASAP Rocky, who created a surge of interest in the mids when he wore them on stage in the early 2000s.

Discover the ’07 LV8 and Shadow

In addition to the lows, mids, and highs, you can choose between the ’07 and Shadow, two variations of the Nike Air Force 1 featuring slight but impactful differences. The ’07 is a retro re-release with updated materials and construction (also available to purchase as a subtle platform sneaker called the ’07 LV8), while the Shadow is a modern take on the classic design, incorporating layering and more prominent branding.