- SHARE:
Air Force 1s are one of the most popular models of sneakers out today for casual wear. The original design made Air Force 1s good as basketball shoes in the early 80s. Here we investigate how they hold up as athletic shoes today.
Are Air Force 1s Good For Walking?
Air Force 1s are good for short to medium walks despite the weight of the sneaker. The cushioning technology in the midsole is from the 80s. However, the plushness still provides for a comfortable walk.
Let’s face it, the AF1 isn’t exactly new tech. We get a big, somewhat clunky midsole. The sneaker almost functions like a pair of platform shoes! However, this sneaker is popular for a reason: it’s a dope sneaker! Despite initial impressions one might have trying on a pair of Forces, they prove to be quite comfortable when out and about.
Although the midsole uses encapsulated air units first developed decades ago, the amount of separation off the ground benefits the comfort. The only reason I don’t rate these higher as far as a walking shoe is that there are much better shoes out there for walking. Pretty much any runner, be it retro or modern, is going to provide a better walking experience overall. I think most people will be fine walking around in some AF1s, however for those that walk long distances, these may prove to be on the heavy side.
Are Air Forces Good For Your Feet?
Air Forces are not designed as orthopedic sneakers. However as a widely available casual shoe, they are perfectly fine for most feet.
Objectively, the AF1 is not going to be on any physical therapists’ list of top footwear. Again, the tech is old and the weight and height are slightly over average for a casual shoe.
That said, the generous fit on a pair of Forces in addition to the large underfoot cushion provides a lot of comfort! If you are not trying to recover from an actual physical issue with your feet or back, a pair of AF1 provides more than adequate comfort. The sneaker won’t do any damage to your feet when worn casually.
So, while the sneaker won’t strengthen your feet or help you recover from injury, it won’t hurt your feet either. Assuming of course that you got the correct size and have them laced properly.
Are Nike Air Force 1 Good For Standing All Day?
The big cushion on the AF1 midsole makes the sneaker especially suited for standing around in. Air Force 1s are also wide foot friendly!
While this sneaker may be a bit dated compared to a modern athletic shoe, when it comes to standing around, that chunky midsole comes in handy! Encapsulated Air isn’t the cushiest tech, but most 1s include a decent insole which helps.
Forces also keep your foot well off the ground. This separation helps avoid feeling rocks and other debris that might be underfoot.
It’s no surprise that in many retail and medical establishments one will see Air Forces being rocked by workers. A comfortable sneaker with a roomy upper and plenty of midsole comes in handy for positions where one is on their feet all day. While sneakers utilizing React or Boost might go a bit further in this department, the AF1 is a tried-and-true worker’s sneaker.
Can You Wear Air Force 1 To The Gym?
Many opt for runners and cross trainers in the gym, but a pair of Air Force 1s can provide a solid amount of cushion and comfort for working out.
For a casual shoe, the Air Force 1 is pretty rugged. It can take a beating, which in my opinion makes it suitable for gym wear. Depending, of course, on what kind of exercise is happening.
The AF1 might not be the best for the cardio portion of a workout due to the weight and aging technology. However, for strength training, one could do way worse than a pair of Forces.
This is another case where some Air Force 1s might not be the optimal sneaker for the job given what other shoes are available for the gym. However, they will still provide adequate comfort and support for most gym activities. Just be sure to pick a pair that you don’t mind getting messed up. A pair of beater 1s might be just the thing for styling while hitting some reps on the bench!
Is Nike Air Force 1 Good For Basketball?
The Air Force 1 started as a basketball shoe and some professionals still occasionally wear them in games. There are better sneaker technologies out there, but AF1s can still work depending on playing style.
The game of basketball can have you jumping up and down a lot! Forces do have that added weight vs a more modern hoop shoe which might slow some players down. That being said, the big midsole can help absorb a lot of shock from larger players when coming down from jumping.
Sometimes we want something a little more simple when playing a game, and if you have no problems playing in some AF1s, there’s no reason to stop. Although there will be some added weight, a pair of Air Force 1 highs (or even mids) will provide additional ankle support. This should prove helpful in a game as explosive as basketball.
I think the AF1 is suitable for larger players that don’t mind the extra weight, particularly those that play positions that don’t necessitate as much running. For example, a large center jumping up and down getting rebounds might benefit from the simplicity, stability and cushioning of a pair of Air Force 1 highs. A point guard however might want to look into something lighter and designed more for moving quickly down the court.
All in all, the AF1 is a comfy casual shoe. Whether it’s standing or walking around for a little while, lifting some weights or playing sports, one could do worse than some Forces. Yes, better shoes exist for sports these days, and for professional athletes it is important to make smart footwear choices. However, for most of us, a pair of 1s should work just fine for many such activities.