The Nike Air Force 1 first hit streets and basketball courts in 1982, and it's one of the most important sneakers of all-time. Over the years, the AF1 has shifted from a high-top sneaker designed for the NBA's elite players to a hip-hop cornerstone and a representation of New York City style across the globe. Earlier today, in an interview published by Vanity Fair, Kanye West spoke about his Yeezy Boosts one day achieving the same status as the AF1.
West said:
I feel like the Air Force One or the shell toe speak to the ultimate version of what sneakers were 20 years ago. And I think there’s something about the 350s, that feeling of what sneakers are today. And I just want to keep going in there and working on the shape and the last and the way the knit feels, the padding, the colors, to hopefully make that shoe where 20 years from now people say the 350 represented what shoes were in 2016.
But the two sneakers are worlds apart. The AF1 retails for under $100, while the Boost 350 was priced at $200, and the 750 cost $350. The AF1 is also sold at nearly every sneaker store under the sun. The Boosts were mainly available through limited raffles and contests at sneaker boutiques.
When we posted this article on Twitter, there was a strong reaction to West's statement. The Internet had advice for him if he hoped to reach this level of footwear immortality, and the criticisms were simple. Here are the grievances that were expressed.
Make them less expensive.
Make them more available.
So the people have spoken: They want the shoes to be cheaper and more readily available. Seems simple enough.
