Here’s an interesting fusion. This Air Force 1 mid has been mixed with another classic shoe, the Alpha Force 2. Also part of the Barkley series, this mid is missing a key part of its original design, the mid-foot strap. Don’t be alarmed though, they added the a strap in place of it found in a very familiar place if your an Alpha Force lover. The colorway inspired by Sir Charles’s days as a young 76er, what better way to pay homage to this hall-of-famer than to mix in the shoe he wore at the time as well? These were a limited release worldwide at select accounts and retailed for $250.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This beautiful Air Force 1 mid consisting of a white/green/black/maize colorway was made specifically for the ladies. Released in 2006, this one commemorates the island of Jamaica. The nations flag is stitched on the heel while the Swoosh on these is patent leather. These were available worldwide but only available at urban accounts.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Here’s one I bet most haven’t seen. In 2004, Nike made a limited Air Force 1 mid colorway for Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks (seen here). One year later Nike toyed with the idea again but decided for whatever reason not to go forward with it. The end result, this sample shown above. It features the same design scheme as the Dirk’s from ‘04 but this time with an all white upper. As these are samples, they were never put into final production therefore were never available to the public.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This limited quickstrike release was made to pay tribute to China’s national basketball team. Originally supposed to be a China exclusive, these ended up becoming a worldwide release in 2006 but available only at select urban accounts and Niketowns. The all white upper along with logos on the strap and heel, triple Swoosh and design wrapping around the toe box is finished off with a nice gum sole.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

With the 25th Anniversary of the Air Force 1 coming to a close, Nike switched gears from there “World Love” and “City” series and started one for Charles Barkley. This supreme mid was a limited release available only at select urban accounts. It features a somewhat fusion of the Air Force 1 and the Air Force 180. Inspired by the Dream Team Olympic version, it has the 180 logo on both the tongue and the straps. The speckled midsole was a nice touch to these amazing forces.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid was a part of Nike’s Collection Royale set. Each shoe represented face cards as well as the ace in a deck of cards. This one entitled the “Jack-of-all-trades” was made to represent Michael Vick. It features unique designs found on the toe box, strap and wrapping around the heel. The ice blue sole is a real nice touch as well to this premium Air Force. These were only available at Nike.com to registered members.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

While the newest AJF20 colorways recently released might’ve been shadowed by the highly anticipated Air Jordan XX3 Legacy series, the fourth series of fusions still has more to come. Here’s the first look at the dark cinder/varsity red colorway.

Releasing on December 13th alongside a black/metallic gold and black/stealth/red mid-cut colorway, this low top is part of the Jordan Lifestyle series. The brown-based upper is made of a nice combination of both nubuck and premium leather. Red stitching on the midsole is finished off with a gum sole. Traditional laser print found on the Air Jordan XX is on the side panels of the shoe while the laces are similar to the ones found on most Supreme Air Force 1 low releases.

Retail on these will be $140 and again will be released on December 13th. Look for these to be limited but found everywhere previous Jordan Lifestyle “LS” releases were found. But if you don’t want to wait, you can purchase them now at BNYConline for a great price. For more info on this release click the pictures below, and as always stay tuned here and in our forums for the most up-to-date Jordan Brand info.

Images: BNYC

Keys: Nike, Jordan, AJF20 Low LS, Jordan Fusion, AJF20 shoes, Jordan Retro, Nike Air Force 1, Nike Uptowns

German hoops brand K1X (Pronounced Kay-One-Ex) has become unquestionably visible in the United States over the past year, thanks to viral advertising, an interesting stable of playground ballplayers, and awesome advertising. More specifically, the brand has Corey “Homicide” Williams (Considered one of the best “streetball” players in NYC.) and much of Team Flight Brothers under contract, while they participated heavily in the Hoop in the Sun Classic.

Aerial felon Guy Dupuy, a member of the aforementioned high-flying TFB, recently signed on with the brand and was blessed with a special make-up version of the latest technical release from K1X, the Chiefglider II. There are only two pairs in existence currently and it’s yet to be seen whether Kay-One plans to release the shoe. Dupuy’s nickname “Fly Guy” is printed along the midpanel.

You ready for Oktoberfest?! This guy is:

First off i’ll explain exactly what this “pick of the month” post means. I was pondering with ideas to give some more flavor to our amazing sneaker archive for quite some time now. So I thought, why don’t the authors on the site find a shoe in the archive that has a personal story behind it to that specific person and post about it once a month.

I know everyone out there has their fair share of stories that might surround a series of sneakers or maybe one in particular. Whether it’s a horror story or good story, they’re out there. So with this being said I have chosen the shoe below this month, and here is my story….

It was January 3, 2004. I remember it like it was yesterday. That was the day I set out on my first sneaker campout. It was at Niketown NY, and it was for the artist series which included an Air Rift for Halle Berry, a Dunk High for Pharrell, and an Air Force 2 Low for ESPO. I was attempting to get both the Pharrell’s and the ESPO’s as I am a huge Air Force 2 fan also. So I got there a little before 1 a.m. and to my suprise there was a line that started in the back of the building and wrapped all the way around to almost the wing of the store.

I was with a friend and immediately did not know what to do. Should I take a chance and bear the cold weather with the 100s of others in front of me hoping people will pass on sizes if they cannot get their own? Or should I give up without trying and just head back home on the Metro North for the 2 hour ride home? Well without hesitation I decided to stay without even letting my friend voice his opinion. It was a million to one shot but something told me that if I didn’t try then, i’d always regret it and wonder “what if.”

So there we were sitting on the ground with only a sheet separating our bodies from the sidewalk. Needless to say I was very unprepared for this as I did not know what to expect being it was my first time. I did thankfully have an umbrella and a comforter which were both lifesavers as it did rain throughout the morning. Continuing on, time seemed like it was never moving. I stared endlessly into the Burberry store where the window display had changing lights. Then people began crowding the street for some reason so I decided to check it out myself.

A few people who had attended the midnight release at places like Nort came by to basically brag but also to deal. Now this was before the hypebeasts were like they were now but back then, if people were trying to flip a shoe for even $100 more it wasn’t easy for people to pull the trigger on because it didn’t make sense at the time. Boy have the times changed. So I see someone was trying to sell their ESPO’s for $250, $100 more than retail. I contemplated just buying them and leaving hoping to pickup the Pharrell’s for a decent price on eBay in the near future, but I couldn’t. Thinking back, sometimes I wish I did do that but in the end I am happy I didn’t.

Soon after, ESPO himself showed up in his trademark ice cream truck to BS with people for awhile. That was entertaining for a whole 20 minutes. Now what? I couldn’t really sleep due to the cold and the anticipation. But as long as it took, the day came and the time for the store opening came closer. Wristbands were handed out and by the time I got mine I was number 286. Not as bad as I thought and even better chances because they had 250 pairs for each style. I probably would’ve ended up in the 300s if people didn’t leave for unknown reasons or purchase them from the re-sellers. Things are starting to look up, at least for the time being.

The line slowly begins to move up and excitement is starting to set in. Then all of a sudden a fresh smell of ketchup hits my nose. I figure someone around me must’ve stepped in some so at first I ignored it thinking the smell would go away, it didn’t. I looked down and there it was, all over my left shoe, on parts of my right and on parts of my jeans. Great. I managed to get off as much as I could from my pants and said screw the kicks, if they got beatup during this adventure then they served their purpose and shall be retired and always remembered for this day. I basically gave up hope of keeping these sneakers nice and had the frame of mind that they would now become beaters for the future.

So the store finally opens and they begin letting a few people in at a time. An hour goes by and it seems the line has barely moved. But then again I did not see many people leaving either. Next thing you know people start coming out, and they have multiple bags. The staff had told us that each person was allowed to by 1 pair per style, a total of 3 pairs if they wanted all three. But, I see people with 4+ pairs walking out. Soon, others in the line began complaining and asking what the deal was. We didn’t get an answer. After a few people jumped out of line and gave into the re-sellers, I finally made it inside the building, but not in the store!

I didn’t realize that there was a huge line inside and then the line continued outside. After some updates from the Niketown Staff about sizes left and such I became quite nervous. Yes I am lucky I have big feet because most of the times I am set as the majority in front of me all wear smaller sizes. I then finally made it to the front of the store, next to go in. I was filled with excitement and in my mind was saying “Yes, I made it and i’ll have my pairs!” Then the next update came, Pharrell’s: 4 pairs left; ESPO’s: 1. One pair left of the shoe I came specifically for, NO!

I began to feel crushed inside. My friend felt bad for me too, he’s not a sneakerhead and he came with me to cop a pair if they were limiting it to 1 per person. I get inside and see people exiting the building and overhear them saying “all the people in line are going to be upset that there’s no more ESPO’s left.” That’s when I lost all hope. Sure there was plenty of the Halle Berry’s left, but I didn’t want them at all. I said to my friend, well, maybe there will be a pair or two of Pharrell’s left and whatever size that’s there I’d buy, hoping at the time I could trade for my size online or something in the near future. I’m next and the associate asks me what I want.

Well I wanted a pair of ESPO’s but since they’re all sold out, I asked what was left in the Pharrells. They ignored my statement on the ESPO’s and checked and said we have a 8, 7, and 12 left in the Dunks. I was overwhelmed with excitement but kept my cool as said i’ll take the sz.12. One down at least! So I cop my pair and begin to leave with my friend, who didn’t buy anything. I wish now I had gotten an extra pair to sell, but you never know. My friend and I get a tap on our shoulder and someone says hey, were either of you interested in a pair of ESPO’s? I was confused but I said yes, that’s what I came for. A staff member then brings us to the counter and says we found a pair mixed in with the Rift’s. A sz.14 if you are interested.

Without hesitation I pulled out my money and said ring them up. Talk about luck! Yes that’s not my size but since I wasn’t going to wear them unless I was able to get two pairs anyways I didn’t care what size they were as long as I got them. So after spending the day in NYC I made the journey back home to Connecticut safe and sound with both my Pharrell’s and ESPO’s.

Now many of you are probably wondering what the Air Force 1 has to do with this story, so i’ll tell you. I was wearing these specific shoes that night. When I got home I attempted to clean them and to my suprise I was very successful. All the ketchup came off, and all the dirt and such as well. Since that day I have called these indestructible. Surviving all that was during my first campout. I still have these today and am proud to say it. Only wearing them a handful of times after that day, they will forever remain in my collection and I will never forget them or this epic story.

This Air Force 1 mid features perforated toe and side panels. They also feature the Island Drummers logo on the tongue tag. A general release, these came out in 2005. You can never go wrong with the simple white and black colorway of these AF1s.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid was a general release in 2004. In one of the most popular sneaker colorways ever made, black and red never fails. This one features red around the toe and laces as well as the Swoosh.  The white midsole helps to add that little extra to make this shoe stand out.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid features perforated toe and side panels. They also feature the Island Drummers logo on the tongue. A women’s GR in 2003, this was one of those colorways that had guys going after them as much if not more than the ladies. A very unique look on these as well, the Swoosh is also patent leather.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

A general release Air Force 1 mid from 2005. This colorway was done for all those Carmelo Anthony fans out there. As basketball jerseys were a thing of fashion once again, this Air Force matched perfectly with Melo’s Denver Nuggets uni. The unique feature on these is the maize colored toe, a new look for the Air Force this millennium.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid is part of the Matrix series. Originally only released in Europe, shortly after they popped up at a few places in Canada as well as NYC. A 2004 release, these feature a croc pattern on the Swoosh and heel tab which is also a nice suede material.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Details on this Air Force 1 mid include a croc pattern on the Swoosh. These are also part of the NYC series and features the NYC logo embroidered on the strap. The double Swoosh is also a nice touch. This shoe was only available in the New York City area in 2003.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

A great GR colorway. This Air Force 1 mid was released in 2003. If you’re a fan of the mid’s like me and white/uni blue colorways then you were all set. Sometimes simplicity is the way to go, and it showed with this release. Hopefully this exact version sees the light of day again in the future.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid was one of the first to debut the double Swoosh this century. These were released in 2002 and feature a nice grey colored Swoosh inside a deep green colored one on the side. These also still have the cotton sockliner which has since been replaced with mesh.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

An unreleased Air Force 1 mid sample. These jewel Air Forces were produced in 1998 but unfortunately never made it into the final production stage. A year after the same colorway was released in low top form, these mids were born. To bad for all us mid fans, that just meant we had to stick with the lows.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This canvas Air Force 1 mid features a unique double Swoosh. An undersized Swoosh as well, the back Swoosh is grey with the Swoosh inside it in white. An all grey canvas upper, these were released in 1998. These feature round laces which is very unique as that is no longer done.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid is part of the jewel series. A 2000 general release, these feature a nice obsidian blue colored upper which is made of nice tumbled leather. The jewel Swoosh is also metallic! There are hints of columbia blue on this shoe as well on the Swoosh on the tongue and the Nike Air on the heel tab. These also have round laces which is no longer found on today’s Air Forces.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This GR Air Force 1 mid was a perfect release. Released in 2002, the contrast stitching around the Swoosh on these is in red. A black and red AF1, a colorway that is always popular. I for one remember when these were released and still have my pair today. This was a great combination of black red colors on this shoe.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This pair of Air Force 1 mids features a lizard skin-like material. A combination of the lizard skin and leather on the toe tongue complete this shoe. A nice colorway with the toe being white and the rest of the lizard skin upper being obsidian. Notice the backwards Swoosh on the strap as well. These were released in 1997.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This is one of my all time favorite Air Forces. They were released in 1995. These Air Force 1 mids feature a nice combination of tumbled and patent leather throughout the upper. Not to mention no perforations on the toe. The Swoosh on the strap is also backwards which is quite unique as that is no longer done. Amazing.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

A general release in 1998. This Air Force 1 mid features very nice tumbled leather throughout the whole upper. Throw on a white midsole along with the navy colored Swoosh and you have a thing of beauty. This was a must-have if you were or are a Georgetown Hoya fan.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This Air Force 1 mid is a sample. It features nice snakeskin material as well as tumbled leather. The Swoosh on the strap is also backwards not to mention that there are no perforations on the toe. A nice and clean white and neutral grey colorway, even the strap is snakeskin!

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Here’s a great AF1 sample. Produced in 1996, this colorway is great. Not to mention the mixture of materials used for the upper including tumbled leather. The clear gum sole is a real nice touch as is the lace tag that is usually found only on lows and highs.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

This jewel release Air Force 1 mid was released in 1997. A nice royal and white colorway, the unique feature on these is that the heel tab is white. Not to mention the nice cotton sockliner that is no longer found on todays Air Forces.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Here’s another prime example of lost and never seen samples. This Air Force 1 mid was a sample made for the winter of 2004. But unfortunately it never past the first round sample stage. A nice acorn and cashmere colorway with a beautiful gum sole and contrast stitching. These were never released or available.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

An Air Force 1 mid, these were a general release in 1998. Another in the jewel series, this one features a metallic red jeweled Swoosh. Nice tumbled leather is used for the upper on these as well, very nice. This come with round laces which is different from the flat laces we are all so commonly used to.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

One of everyone’s favorite colorways. This white and black Air Force 1 mid was a general release in 1999. They feature a nice black Swoosh, sole, and sockliner. The Swoosh on the strap is also backwards and embroidered in black. These also came with round laces which is no longer done with Air Forces of today as they are now flat.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Where there’s an all black, there’s gotta be an all white to balance things out. So that’s just what was up in ‘04. These confirmation samples were signed off and officially put into production in 2004 alongside the all blacks in the same style. A unique tweak to your all white Air Forces. These feature mesh on the toe box and strap. Not to mention the gum sole and gold colored Swoosh on the strap.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Wow what a nice colorway! White and black, you can never ever go wrong. This confirmation sample was officially signed off for production in 2005 ala JD Sports. The Swoosh and all black midsole really set this shoe off as does the white sole. A black Swoosh which the outline is embroidered in white. Nothing more need be said.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Another JD Sports confirmation sample. This pair was signed off to be officially produced in 2004. This Air Force 1 mid features a nice combination of nubuck and leather for the upper. Not to mention the black Swoosh being tumbled leather. A simple and clean colorway, these feature a unique basketball-like keychain that JD Sports uses to showcase their exclusive colorways.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

A unique twist to your everyday all black Air Forces. These feature nice tumbled leather for the upper. But the real uniqueness is where the mess lays, on the strap and on the toe box. Throw on a gum sole for added flavor and you get a shoe that cannot be beat. Very dope.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

It seems like with every event there is an Air Force 1 to accompany it. The 2008 Olympics are no different. I was pleased to see they kept it simple, drawing inspiration from the gold that every athlete strives for. It’s a good sign that Red, White and Navy were the other colors used-Go USA! The shoe is slated to release August 16th stateside at Urban Accounts, and if you really have to have them they should be available earlier from overseas.

If you can remember the Olympic Air Force 1 from 2004, you know how crazy the color combinations were. The two forces couldn’t be more opposite. In 2004, there were three shoes to the pack that included a Dunk, Air Max ‘95 and the aforementioned Forces, and we have yet to see what else will come in 2008.

Bonus pic, click on the pic for all the tech info.

source: Urban

These Air Force 1 mids are known as the Red Toe Lizards. You can figure out why that nickname suits these. The red toe is a nice lizard skin. Unique features on these Air Forces besides the toe are is the red sole and backwards red Swoosh on the strap. These were released in 1997 and are highly coveted today.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

Known as the Chocolates for their colorway and material. These feature a nice all suede leather upper. Thrown on khaki colored Swoosh, laces, sockliner and midsole and you have an amazing looking AF1. These mids just scream out delicious at first glance. They were released in 1998.

keys: Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Force One, AF1, Nike Shoes

A nice and simple jewel Air Force 1 colorway. These feature a metallic Swoosh on the side. Nice tumbled leather, and the round laces. This was a colorway for perfect for everyone and everything. They were released in 1997.

keys