The Nike Air Force 1 Mid ‘Independence Day’ Officially Returns in 2022
For many sneakerheads of the Internet forum era – the early 2000s – this Mid colourway needs no introduction. However, considering that this edition did indeed originally come out 25 years ago, perhaps it’s a good time for newcomers to make its acquaintance.
This AF-1 is known as the ‘Independence Day’ because of its patriotic red, white and blue colourway. Releasing in 1997, it was among a batch of editions to feature a ‘jewel’ Swoosh on the sides as opposed to a stitched panel. This era also marked some more experimental (for the time) details, especially for this particular release, which have been reprised for its reissue later this year. This includes metallic blue patent leather on the toe bumper, heel counter and ankle strap; proper ice soles (sans the blue tint found on many modern versions) and contrasting white outsole circles. If the recent crop of AF-1 retros like the duo are anything to go by, then the quality of the tumbled leather should be much more supple than previous years too.
Given the fact that Nike are celebrating the Air Force 1’s 40th anniversary in 2022, expect more reissues of classic colours, another batch of collaborations and fresh new inline releases. And among them will be this ‘Independence Day’ retro.