Italian retailer Slam Jam is known to go above and beyond when it comes to collaborations. The boutique has previously united with several industry heavyweights for special-edition models that garner a second look. From its union with VIBRAM on an experimental tech-first sneaker to its rebellious take on the Vans Sk8-Hi, Slam Jam now joins forces with Nike for an Air Force 1 with an international breeze. The shoe is inspired by Slam Jam founder Luca Benini’s first trip to New York City in the 1980s and reflects the energy of his travels into the designer. Although the Air Force 1 celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022, the partnership acts as a bridge between NYC and Milan. Delivered in classic black and white leather, the sneaker sees a simplistic yet elevated makeup. Ribbed detailing replaces the traditional medial panels, while the Swooshes and heel tabs receive a premium suede finish. The latter sees faint “NIKE AIR” branding flipped upside down, matching Slam Jam’s flipped “A” logo that replaces the toe box perforations. Branded tongue tags sport tonal logos, graphic “SJ AF-1” insoles decorate the interiors, and layered laces complete the look. Take a closer look at Slam Jam x Nike Air Force 1 Low campaign in the gallery above. The white colorway will be dropping on December 10 via Slam Jam and on December 12 via Nike SNKRS in Europe only. The black pair will be released on January 14 through Slam Jam and on January 17 via Nike SNKRS globally. Elsewhere in footwear, the adidas Originals Puffylette “Fake Printed” pack celebrates classic footwear models. Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
