The Nike Air Force 1 was first released in 1982.
Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force 1 was Nike’s first basketball shoe to use Nike Air cushioning technology. Its name refers to Air Force One, the aircraft used by the president of the United States.
The shoe was built as a performance basketball model, with a sturdy upper, supportive ankle options, and a pivot-friendly outsole. It was offered in low-, mid-, and high-top versions. The high-top included an ankle strap, which became one of the design’s signature features.
The original model was discontinued in 1984, but Nike brought it back in 1986. That return helped transform the shoe from a court product into a cultural and streetwear staple, especially in New York City, where it acquired the nickname “Uptowns.” The “’82” marking on many pairs commemorates the original release year.