Features of the Nike Air Force 1 Athletic Shoe

Nike, Inc. began as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, and manufactures top-of-the-line athletic shoes. In 1971, the multinational corporation was renamed Nike in honor of the Greek goddess of victory. The best-selling Nike product is the Air Force 1 athletic shoe, also called AF1 or AF-1, which generates an estimated $800 million in yearly sales in the United States. Designer Bruce Kilgore created the shoe in 1982; the name refers to the airplane that transports the U.S. President. The Nike AF1 quickly earned icon status, with popularity in basketball, other sports, and hip-hop culture. Before investing in these premiere shoes, many of which are available on eBay, consumers should learn about the different versions and the features of each.

Air Force 1 Uppers and Soles
In addition to the air cushioning housed inside a massive midsole made of durable foam, Nike Air Force 1 athletic shoes feature a leather or leather-and-textile upper with the company's iconic Swoosh logo, emblazoned on the side. The most popular color combination is solid white, or White on White, followed by Solid Black, or Black on Black; however, there are more than 1,700 other color combinations available, to suit any taste. The uppers also include strategically placed overlays for superior fit, support, and durability. Perforations provide ventilation, keeping athletes' feet dry and comfortable.

Nike Air Technology
The Nike Air Force 1 was the first athletic shoe to use Nike Air technology. This consists of pressurized air inside a strong, yet flexible bag inserted in the midsole of the shoe beneath the heel, in the forefoot, or in both areas. The Air Sole unit compresses with the wearer's stride, reducing the force of impact. Then the sole recovers its original shape and volume so that it is ready to absorb the impact of the next stride.

Nike Air technology signaled a revolution in the design and manufacture of athletic footwear. With athletic shoes containing Air Sole cushioning, athletes' performances improved because their shoes protected their feet from potential damage from running and playing harder.

The soles of the Air Force 1 athletic shoe contain pivot points in the forefoot and the heel. These enable the athlete to change directions smoothly while playing. The durable rubber outsoles provide excellent traction and do not leave marks on hardwood basketball courts or other surfaces.

Low, Mid, and High
The classic Air Force 1 athletic shoes come in three styles: low-top, mid-top, and high-top. These terms refer to the height of the shoe's uppers with respect to the wearer's ankle. The collars he additional padding for a snug fit and extra comfort. The low-cut version creates a low-to-the-ground feel and classic look with crisp leather edges for a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette and finer detailing. The mid-top silhouette features an ankle strap attached to the shoe, to fix it in place securely. The high-top version covers more of the ankle and includes a movable strap to secure the shoe in place. The strap is removable in some models.