Nike has yet to formally reveal the skate-ready SB version of its classic Air Force 1 sneaker, but that hasn’t stopped the early leaks from piling up. A first look at the revamped model appeared in April, when team rider Eric Koston was spotted skateboarding in what was believed to be an all-black wear test version of the upgraded shoe. Then came a spin on the Air Force 1’s fan-favorite Flax (or “Wheat”) colorway, which was followed soon thereafter by Light Chocolate and an unnamed blue style.
Now, with the Nike SB Air Force 1’s anticipated springtime arrival approaching, yet another pair has popped up on social media. This time it’s the model’s Light Orewood Brown/White/Pink Foam look which gets an early reveal. The color combination translates to a Light Orewood Brown suede-based look which is essentially a beige shade. A stark white midsole and gum outsole give the pair a classic feel, while the Pink Foam accent appears only at the heel, insole and a small chunk of the otherwise brown outsole. All in all, the look is somewhat reminiscent of the Air Force 1’s beloved Linen colorway, although there’s considerably less pink at play on the upcoming Nike SB version.
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While the specific tech specs behind the skate upgrades have yet to be announced, several of the modifications can be deduced based on the images seen thus far. The SB Air Force 1 takes a page from its SB Dunk predecessor with a thicker, more padded tongue replacing the Air Force 1’s typical flat tongue. And the Air Force 1’s traditional flat shoelaces are also replaced with a thicker rope-style lace. At the bottom of the laces, the shoe’s metal dubrae replaces “AF1” branding with “SB1” text.
Based on the recent changes Nike SB made to the Air Max 95, it’s safe to assume that the Air Force 1’s inner components have also been adjusted to make the shoe more suitable for skateboarding, although these details haven’t been confirmed.
This Nike SB Air Force 1 has a style code of HM8517-100 and is expected to retail for $110 when it launches next year from Nike’s Snkrs app and select skate shops worldwide. More information on the SB Air Force 1 is expected to be unveiled soon.
