Nike Air Force 1 worn by LeBron James is not actually the official footwear of the Lakers player, but of his loyal confidants. The sneaker, officially named Nike Air Force 1 Four Horsemen, pays homage to LeBron James’ circle of collaborators and friends including Maverick Carter, Ernie Ramos, and Rich Paul. The AF1 Horsemen series, conceived in 2003 and originally reserved for a select group of friends and family, is now being released to the public for the first time.
The new model
The new model pays tribute to James’ beginnings with the colors of his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he emerged as the number 1 in his country. The upper is crafted in leather with a solid white base and silver green Swoosh. The Knight’s checkers with the number 4 are embroidered on the heel, while the team initials LR and MR are embossed on the heel tabs. Other details include metallic silver lace tips and insole graphics. The white midsole with the AIR logo and the green rubber sole complete the look.
Buy the Nike Air Force 1 de Lebron James “Four Horsemen” for 149.99 euros
Nike Air Force 1, 41 years of success
In 1979, Nike launched the Tailwind model with the Swoosh. How does this relate to our Air Force? Kilgore took advantage of this new trend in sports footwear and incorporated it into the Air Force silhouette. The model was designed for basketball, a popular sport that greatly benefits from good shoe cushioning due to the many jumps and sprints. Thus, the Nike Air Force 1 made history as the first basketball shoe with air cushioning. An idea that revolutionized the industry from day one. It didn’t take long for the biggest names in basketball to play in our Air Force sneakers.
What makes Air technology so special?
We have already mentioned the good cushioning. At the time, the idea of integrating air in shoes to enhance the running sensation was revolutionary. A significant step in sports history and, as we know today, still pioneering over 40 years later. At that time, air consisted of a layer in the shoe sole filled with a mixture of noble gases. Starting from the basketball court, the new footwear quickly found its way into the hip-hop scene. Demand grew, and the Air Force garnered fans beyond sports activities. An Air Force 1 Low model was introduced in addition to the High version. From then on, there was no turning back. Color combinations flourished, and the Air Force 1 underwent several revisions. However, it never lost its key features completely. The iconic silhouette, high-quality leather upper, toe box, and Swoosh, along with the rubber sole. Over time, with minor updates, it gained more quality. The foot shape and fit were enhanced, leather was coated here and there to offer more color options than natural fiber itself, and Air cushioning evolved over the years.
Price and release date of the Nike Air Force 1 Lebron James “Four Horsemen”
The Nike Air Force 1 Lebron James “Four Horsemen” is available from May 5, 2023, on the official Nike website for 149.99 euros and on StockX.
Originally published on AllinReplica Spain