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Sometimes things that are created with one purpose in mind wind up becoming something else eventually. Using the Air Force 1 for basketball was Nike’s original intent for the shoe, but do they still hold up on the court today?
Air Force 1 Are Technically Basketball Shoes
The Air Force 1 was originally designed as a basketball sneaker in 1982. Over time it has been outdone by better technology from Nike. The sneaker still retains its casual appeal however.
These are very comfortable and look great,
however I find them too clunky for use on court
Buy AF1s: eBay
The Nike Air Force 1 initially was sold based on it’s capability for basketball. They first came out as a high-top in 1982. At the time, Air technology was relatively new. Therefore, the AF1 could have been considered cutting edge back in the early 80s.
As discussed in this article, the primary functionality of Nike Air is weight reduction. Air Force 1s combine this tech with a thick midsole and accommodating fit. This set up enables the shoe to withstand the shock of jumping up and down during a game without hurting the feet. At the same time, the Air unit helps keep the weight down despite the chunky midsole.
One of the ways the Air Force 1 was first made popular was via NBA players. Several players initially helped push the model into the public eye.
As time went on, Nike would release several additional models in their basketball lines, including those belonging to signature players like Michael Jordan. Many of these sneakers feature Air technology in addition to other upgrades and different directions in design. Eventually, the Air unit itself would take a backseat to newer technologies developed by Nike. Thanks to advancements in style and tech, the Air Force 1 would lose its grip in the NBA as a shoe to actually play in.
What Kind Of Shoe the Air Force 1 Is
Initially, the Air Force 1 was a basketball sneaker. While the sneaker can still be used for playing basketball, these days it functions as a retro casual sneaker.
Imagine wearing buttery suede Forces
on court. No way!!!
Just because the AF1 doesn’t have the latest tech for playing hoops does not mean it,s an uncomfortable sneaker. The cushioned insole, thick midsole and generally pliable uppers make for a great casual shoe.
Nike of course realized early on that while the Air Force 1 is a bit dated for basketball, it still has a lot of appeal among the casual sneaker crowd. Sneakerheads and fans of retro sneakers in general can agree that the AF1 has plenty of history and collectible appeal.
While not always at the pinnacle of fashion, the sneaker remains a mainstay as a great looking go-to sneaker. The ever-popular white-on-white “standard” pair of Air Force 1s are commonly enjoyed by people of all backgrounds to this day. For someone that wants a little bit more, premium pairs are often released with nicer features and materials. Collectors still hunt down sought-after pairs, and some popular colorways are even retroed to appeal to such sneaker enthusiasts.
NBA Players Wear Air Force Ones
The Air Force 1 is still occasionally seen on feet in NBA games, although rarely thanks to the existence of newer, better basketball sneaker technology. Some players such as Rasheed Wallace famously championed the model during games.
Worn casually by people everywhere, rarely
seen on feet during a professional game
I’m sure some folks still wear Forces for pickup games. While plenty of people wear AF1s these days, it’s not too common to see them actually used during an NBA game. With many professional players utilizing sneakers that allow them to move at top speed with responsive cushioning, a chunky midsoled-sneaker like the AF1 might not seem like an appealing choice.
That said, some players have historically worn the Air Force 1 with pride! Rasheed Wallace comes to mind immediately in this regard. He had been seen in the sneakers playing in games until 2013. Its no surprise that Nike has made a couple colorways of the model with him in mind!
Nike Air Can Be Used For Basketball
Nike Air is simply a technology that helps get the weight of a sneaker down, replacing some midsole foam with an Air bag. It still features in some basketball sneakers today, either as an alternative to or in combination with more modern technology.
These days, if a Nike basketball shoe is going to utilize a type of Air tech, it’s probably going to be Zoom Air. This technology started to become more available on sneakers in the 90s. It too helps keep a sneaker’s weight down, but functions in a lower profile midsole which improves some of the court feel that’s lost with the thick AF1 midsole.
Some people play in Air Jordan retros in the NBA, and many of the earlier models used Air technology. While I wouldn’t advise most people to play in a retro of an early model Jordan, that doesn’t stop professional basketball players from occasionally stunting on court in pairs.
I’ve also seen people wearing all types of Nike Air-based kicks in pick up games. Everything from Air Force 1s to Air Max runners. While some take street games seriously as far as footwear, many just show up in whatever sneakers they have.
Just because the tech on sneakers like these isn’t the most modern option for a game doesn’t mean they are worthless on court. Any sneaker will give some level support and cushioning regardless of the technology implemented. Still, if you are serious about playing games and have access to a newer, more modern basketball sneaker, it will make a world of difference as far as agility, maneuverability and lockdown when compared to a pair of AF1s.