Nike Explains Why It's Been Going So Hard with Air Force 1 Retros This Year

A trip down Air Force 1 memory lane.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Just in case you haven't been keeping up, Nike's been doing some wonderful things with the Air Force 1 this year. Its remastered releases are especially appreciated, as many of themare colorways that O.G. collectors have been demanding for years. As much as we're enjoying the old school quality and classic colorways, we can't help but feel that Nike hasn't offered much of an explanation for the AF1 revival — until now. 

"The Air Force 1 has managed to inspire communities the world over," Nike says, touting the sneaker's endless list of iterations and long-lasting appeal over its 33-year run. The brand says that the multitude of styles has pushed the Air Force 1 far beyond the basketball court to "the pinnacle of sport and street culture." 

There's not much room for debate there, but what really helped drive the point home was a comprehensive retrospective of images that chronicle the Air Force 1's numerous colors, silhouettes, materials, and constructions throughout the years.

According to Nike, there are more than 2,000 different styles in existence, many of which are included in the images. You'll have to head over to Nike's site to check out the full "Rarity in Abundance" feature, but we've highlighted some favorites below.