If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the Nike Air Force 1 has solidified itself as one of the greatest sneakers all time.
Well, even without its imitators, the AF1 is already considered among the greats which is why it comes as no surprise that another company appears to have used it as a foundation for its newest release.
Valentino Garavani's Rock Be Camouflage High-Top Sneaker carries a hefty price tag of $995.00. But it also features details from the much cheaper and more well known AF1. The detail that most heads will immediately pickup on is the strap which bears a very close resemblance to the one used on the AF1 Mid. And after that detail, you might notice the shoe also has a similar height and cut to the Mid as well. Take it a step further, and the tongue label is executed in a similar manner to way the Nike tongue label appears on its Uptowns as well.
Whatever the case, Valentino would be hard pressed to argue that details of this sneaker are entirely original. To Valentino's credit though, the shoe isn't a straight up knock-off. While the AF1 may have served as the Rock Be's design foundation, the designer or design team that worked on this silhouette did attempt to give the shoe its own unique details. The problem with having such glaring similarities to a classic is 'heads will begin to pick away at what other silhouettes may have inspired this shoe's creation.
Instead of getting into a guessing game of what other models may have been used, let's just focus on what we have right in front of us. Considering the shoe is nearly $1000, you'd expect some premium materials. The shoe is made in Italy with an upper comprised of a calf-skin leather and fabric insets to mimic a camo pattern. Rubber stud details can also be seen on the shoe's back heel as well as the forefoot of the shoe's outsole. Will these details be enough for cats to drop a stack on them? Probably. Like I mentioned earlier, the shoe is different enough, that fashionistas and sneakerheads with deep pockets will be drawn to them simply because of exclusivity and having something the next man may not have. Drop a "Bred" colorway on the Rock Be and its a wrap, Valentino won't be able to keep these on shelves. Looking to cop? Valentino has these puppies in stock right now.
[via Valentino]
