Did they stop making Nike Air Force 1?

With both a wealth of collaborations and oft-worn general releases, the Nike Air Force 1 quickly became one of the most popular sneakers in history. It was designed by Bruce Kilgore back in 1982, releasing in both a High-Top and Low-Top shape. Now, decades after, the silhouette is objectively one of the brand’s best sellers and it sits among the rotations of celebrities like Travis Scott, Hiroshi Fujiwara, G-Dragon, and many others.

Table of Contents Show

Nike Is Reportedly Limiting Online Air Force 1 Sales
When did Nike drop the Air Force 1?
Why is there a shortage on Nike Air Force 1?
Is Nike Air Force 1 Old?
Are Air Force 1 still trendy?

Throughout the years, the Air Force One (as it’s sometimes referred to) has produced a number of distinct iterations — some leaning towards technical upgrades while others more artistic interpretations. While the SF-AF1, Lunar Air Force 1, and Acronym's Downtown AF1 have aimed to apply a more utilitarian filter, partnerships with the aforementioned Big Bang leader, Supreme, KITH, and Off-White have grounded the model in an unmatched versatility.

From hidden artwork to subtle streetwear branding, the Air Force 1 has seen it all. Since its inception, it’s become a totem of the entire Nike umbrella, bearing Jordan Brand influences, ACG references, and powerful messaging all within the span of a calendar year. In recent memory, pairs have taken a kneel alongside Colin Kaepernick, have supported a greener environment in celebration of Earth Day, and have dressed in bold colors as a show of support for Pride Month via the “Be True” series.

And while notable for such variety, both the Triple White and Triple Black colorways have remained a mainstay within the AF1’s library of styles. While the latter is controversial thanks to its unique associations, the former is an oft-worn icon that has become the perfect canvas for sneaker customizers. Alongside, fans of all ages have given it a permanent spot in their personal wardrobe.

Retail prices for the Air Force 1 vary by style. Most will be available at $90 USD while more limited editions can sell for upwards of $250 USD.

price / $90-$250

Nike Is Reportedly Limiting Online Air Force 1 Sales

Senior Writer/Social Media, Sole Collector & Complex Sneakers

Nov 27, 2021

Image via Nike

Introduced in 1982, the Air Force 1 is solidified as one of Nike’s staple sneaker models and is more popular than ever. In fact, according to NPD Vice President and Senior Sports Industry Advisor Matt Powell, the Air Force 1 (retail $90) was the company’s best-selling sneaker of 2020 and held on to that distinction at the midway point of this year. Whether being worn fresh out of the box, muddied up by trendy kids, or utilized for mass customization, people cannot get enough of the iconic shoe. However, new developments may leave us all with no choice.

Screenshots shared by Twitter user Militia_Kicks indicate that Nike is now limiting the amount of Air Force 1s that can be purchased by a single customer. One order update reportedly sent to a customer notes that further orders of the Air Force 1 cannot be processed because they’ve exceeded “the quantity limit” on nike.com orders. Another customer was directed to visit a local Nike Store or another authorized retailer to purchase Air Force 1s. Neither e-mail cited a reason for limiting quantities.

Various theories explaining why Nike could be limiting Air Force 1 sales are making rounds. One idea is that Nike is trying to prevent customizers from buying out stock, but DaNikePlugs points out that all Air Force 1 sales are being limited, not just white-on-whites that provide the convenient blank canvas. Others believe this may be related to the much talked about shipping crisis, which prompted Nike to cancel some of its partner retailers’ seasonal orders for the foreseeable future. There’s also the usual reseller chatter, but the profit margin on white Air Force 1s is minimal at best unless they’re being purchased at a highly discounted rate.

For what it’s worth, in recent days, buyers have discovered that Nike has increased its maximum quantity on Air Force 1 purchases from 2 pairs to 5 pairs, so this may all be much ado about nothing. White Air Force 1s had been noticeably more difficult to locate and purchase this year, but that was mostly being attributed to the shoe’s increasing popularity and status as Nike’s best seller.

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For decades — as of this year, exactly four — the all-white Air Force 1 has been considered an essential. The Nike footwear is beloved by a number of demographics, from VSCO girls to sneaker collectors, with the latter often stocking up on multiple pairs to maintain the cleanest of looks.

While basketball players and celebrities alike have fueled demand for the Air Force 1, one of the main factors behind its popularity is accessibility — something becoming increasingly scarce in the sneaker industry. Since its debut in 1982, the shoe has retailed for $90, which today falls on the lower end of Nike’s other silhouettes retailing for $125, $180, and $210. Yet the company’s website shows it’s inching the price of the Air Force 1 closer to its counterparts with a $10 increase.

Air Force 100s — It’s unclear exactly when Nike enforced the sneaker’s new $100 price tag, although the brand recently introduced higher prices throughout its Jordan line, increasing costs by a similar $10 to $20 margin. The change, made in December, caused backlash on social media, with many noting that the updated retail prices were a lot to pay for mass-market, general release sneakers. Nike’s price hike, in addition to bots, resellers, and the brand’s own lottery-based draws, is only making it harder to buy a pair of sneakers — even those without celebrity endorsements or collaborations.

As some have noted online, however, the Air Force 1’s new price may be an effort to deter people from buying multiple pairs of shoes with bots or other methods, but again, the same factor could increase their profit on the resale market. Even prior to the price hike, resellers were stocking up on hundreds of AF1s to create more scarcity and subsequent demand.

Limited sneakers, ample profits — Unprecedented times have also led to unprecedented costs and delays for Nike, perhaps further explaining the sneaker’s new retail cost. Like many other companies, Nike has struggled with stock issues throughout the pandemic. With nearly every aspect of the global supply chain — from manufacturing to transportation to logistics — disrupted, the brand has dealt with shipping delays, constrained production capacity, and price surges. As recently as last July, the brand faced a shortage of sneakers while two of its suppliers in Vietnam ceased operations because of COVID.

Still, Nike has prevailed throughout the pandemic, producing better-than-expected profits throughout the holiday season, causing its shares to increase in value. The brand has also conserved its revenue by limiting where it’s selling its products, cutting off a number of third-party merchants, including Zappos, Dillard’s, Urban Outfitters, Shoe Show, and DSW — the largest U.S. shoe chain. As a whole, Nike sneakers seem to be getting harder and more expensive to buy, limiting just who can enjoy them.

When did Nike drop the Air Force 1?

Nike Air Force 1 are a product of the Nike Company and were first released in 1982. They are still very common in many areas of the world and have even become known as “the shoe” to have in many suburban areas.

Why is there a shortage on Nike Air Force 1?

Like many other companies, Nike has struggled with stock issues throughout the pandemic. With nearly every aspect of the global supply chain — from manufacturing to transportation to logistics — disrupted, the brand has dealt with shipping delays, constrained production capacity, and price surges.

Is Nike Air Force 1 Old?

Debuting in 1982, the AF-1 was the first basketball shoe to house Nike Air, revolutionising the game while rapidly gaining traction around the world. Today, the Air Force 1 stays true to its roots with the same soft and springy cushioning that changed sneaker history.

Are Air Force 1 still trendy?

Since its initial release in 1982, the Air Force 1 has become one of the most recognised shoe designs on the planet, a favourite with everyone from fashion lovers to felons and a bestseller for Nike year after year – it was the top-selling athletic footwear in dollars among all brands in the US in 2020, according to ...

stop making nike air force