The Nike Air Force 1 is a classic that has made it to the closet of many stylish men and women. It’s a can-never-go-wrong pair that’s easy to throw on, knowing you’ll look good no matter what. But hey, it’s 2023, and we don’t want to just look good. We want to look fresh, and what better way to do that than with a style upgrade?
But first, a quick history lesson. The Nike Air Force 1 first came out in 1982 and was almost discontinued in ‘84 due to low sales. It has come a long way since and is dubbed a pillar, if not the foundation, of global sneaker culture. Today, the iconic shoe has gone through multiple successful collaborations and sought-after colorways that sellout faster than they hit shelves.
For this story, we’ll focus on how to wear the AF1 Lows—a crowd favorite among some of the most stylish people we know.
Name: Jana Silao
Profession: Fashion stylist
Nike AF1 style pick: Low
Color: AF1 Shadow (multicolor)
How to style:
AF1 is the best pair for any ‘fit you can think of. For me, I style my Air Force 1 with a baggy wide silhouette with a warm tone palette. I put on customized anklets so whenever people could see a peak of my AF1's, they also see me ?
Pro tip: My AF1's are my beaters. My cleaning bestfriend is a pack of wet wipes
Name: James Francisco
Profession: Multimedia Artist
Nike AF1 style pick: Low
Color: White
How to style: I’d pair them with trousers that have a looser fit to account for the bulkiness of the shoe
Pro tip: Keep them clean, crisp and never pay resale
Name: CA Christian Alexander
Profession: Rapper/Entrepreneur
Nike AF1 style pick: Low
Color: You can never go wrong with an icy pair of all-white lows, they're a versatile and clean silhouette that can go well with any fit. My favorite Nike Air Force 1 in my personal collection are my all-white lows (with the gum bottom for a more classic vibe) and my Nike Air Force 1 Low – NYC City of Athletes pair because I love the color palette of the shoe and how the design elements really reflect the culture of my hometown
How to style: On a regular day, a ‘fit for me usually consists of an oversized Carhartt tee, cargo pants, and an Aimé Leon Dore hat. I'm all about maximizing my outfit options and I'm a big fan of neutral color clothing essentials because the variety makes it easy to mix and match different looks depending on my vibe for the day. I usually pick my outfits starting from my sneaker collection, and Nike AF1s are a perfect versatile silhouette for any rotation. Here, I'm wearing thrifted olive green cargo pants to really make my Nike Air Force 1 Low – NYC City of Athletes pair pop.
Pro tip: Remember that fashion is a form of self-expression, so be yourself and don't be afraid to take chances with your outfits to give people a better understanding of who you are. Nike AF1s are a streetwear staple and can go well with any outfit, so don't be afraid to experiment with your looks. Definitely a must-have in any collection!
Name: Julo de Guzman
Profession: Advertising Producer/Content Creator
Nike AF1 style pick: Low
Color: White
How to style: White mixes well with anything but I prefer to wear ‘em with wide-legged jeans
Pro tip: The more worn out they are, the better they look
Name: Florian Trinidad
Profession: Stylist
Nike AF1 style pick: Low
Color: Multicolor
How to Style: To make your Air Force 1 the main focus of your fit, wear something neutral and not too loud. For shorts/skirts, try to wear high socks and scrunch them down just a bit. And for pants, fold the hem twice and have it hang a bit from the shoe. These are things you can do to make your Air Force 1’s pop in your fits.
Pro tip: After you tie your laces, hide them under the tongue for a cleaner look
AF1 lows tops many lists for a reason; it’s versatile. Wear it with baggy bottoms, a good pair of basketball shorts or sweatpants. Hey, it even works with a suit. But don’t let this guide limit you, try your lows—or highs—with 2023’s jorts (see: jean shorts) or a full-on denim fit. Every new season is a season to experiment after all.
