The Air Force is a model of athletic shoes made by Nike that began with the Air Force 1 and went on to include many more shoe designs. Air Force 1’s are Nike’s flagship model and are popular amongst the youth.
Introduced in 1982, the Air Force 1 was created by designer Bruce Kilgore and the first-ever basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology, revolutionizing the game and sneaker culture forever.
Over three decades since its first release, the Air Force 1 remains true to its roots while earning its status as a fashion staple for seasons to come. Air Force 1’s were originally made for basketball, but over time they became a fashion statement and now people wear them for everyday things. Many Wildcats rock the Air Force 1’s and UHS News spoke with some of them to understand why the sneaker is part of their style.
Hillary Simms, a Senior at Ukiah High, explained how she bought her Air Force 1’s a few years ago after an exchange student that had Air Force 1’s inspiring her to get them. Simms loves how they fit on her and says that she could wear them all day with no problem. Simms said, “They look good on me, but I think they are really a universal shoe that is not super out there so it can be worn with many outfits.” Simms explained how Air Force 1’s are her go-to shoe and most of her shoes are Air Forces in a different color or style. Simms recommended them saying, “while they are expensive they’re worth it. I’m going on a year and a half with mine and other than them being just a little bit dirty and a little scuffed they are still as comfortable and as durable.”
Ukiah High Sophomore Grason Hargreaves Grason said he bought the first pair of Air Forces as a joke so that he could match with his friends. Grason says they fit very nicely and are pretty comfortable. Grason commented on wearing the shoes daily: “I don’t know about a good everyday shoe to wear every day because they are really thick and not very breathable but yeah, they are comfortable.” Grason says that he would definitely recommend Air Force 1’s.
Ukiah High Senior Mario Miramontes, explained why he is so loyal to Nike and Air Force 1s: “Nike has always been in the clothing game, yeah they’re known for their performance/fitness wear but have grown to become a part of the world of style. Their simplistic white design with the swoosh on the sides gives the shoe an amazing sneaker that can go with any outfit.” Miramontes says that he loves how they look on him and he believes that anyone can rock Air Force 1’s. Miramontes said, “[w]hether they’re worn out or clean and crisp, [Air Force 1s] are a good shoe to wear every day. They go with literally any outfit.” Miramontes recommends the sneaker to all Wildcats: “[i]f you’re looking for a simple shoe that can go with anything or would like to customize it yourself, a pair of Air Force 1’s is an amazing shoe to choose.”
