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Nike’s Rugged Remix of an All-Time Classic Looks Tough Enough for Hiking

Hardwearing materials, including a Vibram outsole, convert the Air Force 1 into a wannabe trail chaser.

Close-up of a black shoe sole with "AIR" embossed and an orange "vibram" logo on the textured tread.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Well, Nike never got the memo.

The Air Force 1 is an icon among icons, with a reputation that rivals other brands’ entire catalogs.

Nike’s legendary 1982 design reportedly rakes in close to $1 billion per year, and that’s not even counting its cultural currency off the books.

However, the world’s largest shoemaker has never shied away from an opportunity to riff on its white whale, and that fact doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.

Low-top Nike sneaker in dark green with black grid pattern, black swoosh, black laces, and dark gray sole.
The Air Force 1 Low Vibram, available this spring, is the latest take on Nike’s iconic 1982 design.
Nike

The Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LX Vibram is Nike’s latest rendition of the stalwart sneaker, one that sees the classic outsole tap out for an alternative provided by none other than Vibram.

Close-up of a black sneaker heel with green grid pattern, "AIR" embossed on midsole, and orange "vibram" logo on the outsole.
Nike taps Vibram, a major player in outdoor manufacturing, for an upgraded outsole with improved grip.
Nike
Close-up of a black and gray Nike Air sneaker with a grid pattern and orange Vibram logo on the sole.
The Vibram logo adds a cobranded detail and subtle pop of contrast.
Nike

That said, the yellow badge on the bottom represents more than a simple compound upgrade.

The Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LX Vibram features a rugged tread pattern for improved grip on slippery surfaces, while the omission of true lugs keeps it optimized for streets and sidewalks.

Black rubber shoe sole with circular tread patterns and an orange Vibram logo in the center.
While the overall geometry of the outsole is intact, treads acts as makeshift lugs that remain optimized for urban wear.
Nike

Up top, Nike could have simply stuck with leather, as it did for its last Air Force 1 to feature Vibram.

But a pivot to ripstop brings an air of lightness to the shoe ahead of spring and summer, while also adding a new technical dimension to the legendary design.

Close-up of a gray Nike Air Force 1 sneaker with black laces, black swoosh, and a grid pattern on the upper.
Ripstop textile replaces leather for the upper.
Nike
Pair of black and dark green Nike Air Force 1 sneakers with grid pattern and black laces, viewed from above.
The material pivot brings an air of lightness to the iconic design, not to mention a new dimension to a 44-year-old franchise.
Nike

Availability and pricing

The Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LX Vibram is now available in the US with a $140 price tag.

It comes in three colorways at launch, including “Pencil Point” (dark gray), “Summit White” (light gray) and “Silt Red” (pink).

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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