Nike’s upcoming “worn” sneakers are even more extreme, though—designed to look like a pair of shoes that have already been wrecked. The dotSWOOSH x Nike Air Force 1 Low Dirty Triple Whites will release on May 7, 2024. You can only pick them up through Nike’s SNKRS app! These sneakers retail for $130. Their design consciously seeks to emphasize flaws, providing a new perspective on the traditional Air Force 1 silhouette.
The Dirty Triple Whites come with a number of exclusive touches. Close up, you can see the yellowing collar, ripped eyelets and dangling threads under the legendary Nike Swoosh. The shoes even come pre-soiled so it looks like they’ve already experienced the hardships of the real world. “Vending Machine” sneakers with regular AF1 laces included. They come with rainbow laces that change color in different kinds of light, providing a retro vibe that’s continually in flux.
Nike describes the dotSWOOSH x Air Force 1 as a “time machine,” inviting customers to experience the evolution of the shoe’s condition. According to the brand, “the more you wear it, the cleaner and crispier it becomes. It’s that simple.” This new strategy aims to shift public perception of sneaker wear. It turns something that appears negative at first glance into an endearing quality that makes the city more charming.
The announcement was made on Dotswoosh, one of Nike’s social media channels, where they stated: “Smoked white AF1s. It’s that simple.” Despite this simple statement, Twitter has gone wild with every possible opinion. So much so that some fans even dubbed the shoes as the “real meme shoe.” One user responded jokingly, “I must already own a pair…or TEN!” One other user jumped in on the Benjamin Button criticism, referring to them as “Benjamin Button beaters,” meaning that the shoes appeared to age in reverse.
One reviewer from Complex described the sneakers saying they “look like it’s been stomped out and worn for months.” From excitement to skepticism, these reactions reflect a wealth of feelings and thoughts surrounding this new concept. Some sneakerheads are thrilled, others incredulous at the thought anyone would want to buy intentionally filthy footwear. The New York Post referred to the decision as indicative of Nike’s bold and innovative marketing strategy, stating, “Nike is crazy for this one.”
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