Nike first released the Air Force 1 in 1982 as its first basketball shoe.
The shoe was designed by Bruce Kilgore and named after the aircraft used by the President of the United States. It introduced Nike Air cushioning to basketball footwear and used a high-top design with an ankle strap. The original model was made for performance on the court, not as a lifestyle sneaker.
The Air Force 1 later became a major streetwear staple, particularly after Nike brought it back in the mid-1980s. Its simple leather upper, thick sole, and many colorways made it adaptable to music, skate, and everyday fashion communities.
The Air Force 1 is often confused with the Air Jordan 1 because both became culturally important basketball shoes. However, the Air Jordan 1 debuted in 1985 and was a separate model associated with Michael Jordan.