They had disappeared from e-commerce sites around the world, much to the dismay of fans. In November 2017, Virgil Abloh, then artistic director of his label Off-White, had reinterpreted Nike’s most iconic sneaker, the Air Force 1, with a collection titled Ghosting. A great gift for streetwear enthusiasts who literally tore their hair out to get their hands on all the colors and models presented, including the Off-White The Ten and the Off-White Ghost Grey. And it is precisely this last model that is set to make a comeback in the coming months. According to various specialized websites, the emblematic monochromatic gray leather model is expected to be commercially available again in the spring of 2023, but only in Parisian boutiques. The model is distinguished by the metallic Swoosh with zigzag stitching, where we find Virgil Abloh and Off-White’s signature with the side tag, the “Air” lettering on the midsole, and the strap attached to the laces.
Photo Courtesy Press Office
Introduced in 1982, the Air Force sneakers were originally designed to outfit basketball players worldwide. Their name was inspired by the U.S. president’s aircraft. Bruce Kilgore, the sneaker designer, equipped them with a technology invented specifically for the occasion: air bubbles under the heel that provided better cushioning. From rap and hip-hop scenes to underground subcultures, the Air Force has conquered the world to the point of becoming the best-selling sneakers in history.