Nike Brings Classic ACG Styling To The Air Force 1 Low

Jovani Hernandez February 4th, 2020 (updated)

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Never shy about referencing its own designs across its products, Nike is scheduled to bring unmistakable All Conditions Gear (ACG) styling to the iconic Air Force 1 Low sometime in the future. Although the ’82 silhouette has been previously outfitted in ACG-inspired tooling and colorways, its recently unveiled iteration is perhaps the most direct nod to the subsidiary’s predecessor: Nike Hiking. Off-road footwear catalogs from the late 70s feature brown and black boot options for those looking to traverse the mud-infested, wet trails of the great outdoors – be it Yosemite or elsewhere. And despite being a new player in the space, Nike offered explorers boot options much lighter and weather resistant – famously using GORE-TEX on the Nike Approach – than anything from the competition. Perhaps most notable about Beaverton’s rugged footwear products from that time, however, were their vibrant-colored Swoosh logos and laces, which gave Nike’s boots a visual advantage in a sea of drab options. And similar bright palettes have made their way onto this upcoming AF1 Low.

Sitting atop a black and off-white sole, uppers on this street-classic are done in an oatmeal color. From midfoot onward, the ’82 model rocks a soft suede, whereas the heel panel is constructed in what looks like ballistic nylon. This same fabric takes over the tongue, but is contrasted by multi-colored laces and an orange label donning a purple warped Nike logo. The same distorted emblem appears on the heel tab, but with an inverted color scheme. At both sides of the midfoot, a soft pink Swoosh evokes the once-shocking design choice of boots past. And if none of the color or material choices have screamed “ACG-heritage” loud enough, this Air Force 1 is set to come with a hangtag (not pictured here) depicting the bearded backpacker appearing on “HIKE NIKE” branded apparel from previous decades.

No release information is yet known for this impressive nod to the past, but it’s likely to see a Spring 2020 release given its mood-boosting color pallette. Until then, enjoying the official images below will have to do.