Set To Drop: Nike Air Force 1 “Black History Month”

Published:
February 18, 2020 Written By:
LaMon Byrams

The month of February is a fast-paced one, to say the least. Most folks voluntarily got shot by cupid’s arrow with love and last-minute gifts on their mind. Some are in preparation mode to get their federal and state tax affairs in order. Others couldn’t wait until NBA All-Star Weekend to celebrate Kobe and the unconditional love of basketball. Yes, all of these mentioned activities are societal favorites to partake in. Leaving the most important celebration of them all-- Black History Month.

Black History Month (BHM) is about eye-opening trivia highlighting people of color. Each fun fact is designed to show and prove that Blacks have done extraordinary things that may or not be known knowledge to the general public. While taking time to spotlight monumental breakthroughs, elements like poetry, literary pieces, paintings, sculptures, and native art are displayed as well. Nike kept this in mind in creating another BHM release for the history books to remember.

Behind the Design

Over the years, Nike challenged themselves by choosing various signature models for its motherland inspired colorway. Somehow, the AF1 seems to be the fan-favorite that manages to make it to the creation lab no matter what. AF1’s vintage layout makes it an ideal selection to showcase such classic colors. Heritage is represented with bold tones of yellow, red, and blue featured on the eyelets. A minimal amount of eyestays were made which gives the shoe a creative vibe. Both red pull tabs on the left/right tennis shoe are slightly placed to it’s favored side. Black is seen in a multitude of thick leather, with knitted mesh blends featured in the midsole. Destructive effects are instantly noticeable with the black leather toe box having white popping out of the shoe. The white underneath the toe box compliments the white midsole immediately underneath. Nike’s iconic ‘swoosh’ is lightly distorted with stitch strings hanging off of the check. Most memorable, BHM is found on the front tongue and insole.