Words by Offspring Community member Kieran Coyle @allthatsneaks
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Air Force 1, Nike have once again hooked up with Jun Takahashi’s inimitable fashion label Undercover for their take on the classic. Having collaborated with Nike on the Element 87, Daybreak, Overbreak and Air Max 720, there’s a tradition of choosing sneakers a little left of centre. This time around, they’ve targeted one of the best-selling sneakers of all time.
Jun has grabbed the AF1 with both hands and made it his own. You can tell they have made it their way, with no compromise.
Since the AF1 first released in 1982, we’ve seen thousands of iterations; collabs, colourways, and customs. And that is my favourite thing about Uptowns; the variety. The fact that this one silhouette can handle loud colourways like the Fontankas, boundary-pushing collabs like the LXX x Swarovskis, and more customs than anyone could ever have imagined, that is some feat.
As much as I appreciate the abstract and brash pairs, it’s sometimes the simplest that hit the hardest for me; the Wheats, the Stussys, the Kiths. Incredible, and no-nonsense.
Being one of the best-selling sneakers of all time, and arguably carrying more gravitas than any other single sneaker created, it’s a tough one to tackle in a collaboration. It’s especially difficult considering the best colourway is without a doubt white on white. Some would say you’re starting with a blank canvas, but I think it places immense pressure on the execution of your design. Small changes can have a monumental effect.
For this AF1, you can clearly see the influence of the Nike Air Revaderchi, with the speckled midsole, sock booty, heel counter, ankle straps and heel tab. However, something that hit hard for me was the one-off punch of colour in the booty of the black/whites. Although clearly derived from an original Revaderchi colourway, it was, for me, reminiscent of the Lethal Pink-University Gold Huarache; one of my favourite colourways. Incorporating inspiration from another sneaker model for a collaboration is one tough task; one which Jun lives up to.
I love subtle touches on sneakers, especially collabs, and the ‘Balance’ and ‘Chaos’ printed on the dubraes do it for me. The tag is something Jun has incorporated on many a project, and it is great to see it return. Although front and centre, it’s also understated in its nature.
Credit to Jun for taking on the AF1 as only he can. If this is what he can do with an AF1, I’m already looking forward to Nike and Undercovers next venture.
Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be executed with precision and purpose. Although they’re not for everyone, you can’t deny that these will certainly turn heads, and in a good way.
Available at Offspring Selfridges London.
Check out more from Kieran on Instagram @allthatsneaks
