Classic Nikes - The Nike Air Force Ones

For lovers of classic Nike shoes, Air Force Ones are a perennial favorite. First released in 1982, the Air Force One has enjoyed popularity ever since its introduction. The shoes were particularly popular in the early 1980s and made a comeback in the late 1990s when classic athletic gear and vintage styles gained a following in the fashion industry.

Air Force Ones have been a staple of urban and suburban culture alike. Many hip-hop and sports stars are particularly fond of the shoes. Celebrities who have been tied to Air Force Ones include Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, for whom Nike created a special Air Force One model. The rapper Nelly sings about the shoes in a song called, appropriately, "Air Force Ones."

Air Force Ones (the name refers to the jet that carries the President of the United States) are particularly prized by shoe collectors because of their many limited editions. Nike has released special models of Air Force Ones for numerous occasions, including the Olympics, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, New Year's, and others. Famous designers and fashion houses, including Gucci, have also collaborated with Nike to create special versions.

Allowing wearers to reflect their individual styles, Air Force Ones have been available in a wide range of colors and design variations. Examples include the "white on white" style, the high-top and mid-top styles, and the trademark swooshes crafted from different materials and fabrics. There have even been Air Force One lines dedicated to a particular region or group of people, including New York City, the West Indies, and Puerto Rico.