The classic yet stylish look, proportions, availability, comfort and wearability all factor into the Air Force 1s popularity. Air Force 1s look great with most casual outfits and have a rich history that appeals to sneaker fanatics.
So…Are Air Force 1 Popular Still?
Yes, Nike Air Force 1s are popular to this day. They are consistently Nike’s best selling sneaker year after year.
The standard white on white Air Force 1 is of course a constant seller that is available everywhere. I don’t have the actual data on this, but I’m willing to bet that this sneaker alone accounts for a bulk of AF1 sales. It’s a perfect sneaker to buy when you don’t know what other sneaker to get and don’t want to take a chance on buying something “uncool”.
The Nike Air Force 1 has experienced a resurgence in popularity, as fashion moves in waves. Occasionally, the sneaker takes a backseat to other “shoes of the moment”, but always resurfaces. Regardless if the AF1 is currently an “it” sneaker, it still sells the most and always remains a popular choice.
Typically, celebrity endorsements and/or high-profile collaborations drive sneaker hype, which causes the model to surge in popularity. While a shoe like the Air Force 1 remains consistently popular, bursts of hype help keep the sneaker top-of-mind in the current fashion landscape.
When Did Air Force Ones Become Popular?
The Air Force 1 gained popularity beginning in 1983 with the release of the lowtop version of the shoe. Lower cuts means wider accessibility for those wanting a low-key yet popular basketball shoe that is easier to wear.
It’s impossible to be off trend in some 1s. The accessibility and universal appeal of the silhouette has manifested in high sales, particularly the all white and all black versions. It appears as though both colorways are permanently trendy and the odds are sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads alike can keep at least one pair of AF1 in the collection with little fear of them being “uncool”.