Nike’s Stealthy AF1 Is Built Tougher and More Capable Than Many Hiking Boots

Nike’s Air Force 1 is among the most iconic classic sneakers of all time. In fact, it’s such a success story that it has become Nike’s best-selling sneaker ever, “by far” — and that’s according to the brand itself.

However, as any sneakerhead can attest, keeping them in tip-top shape can be a challenge, especially as the weather keeps changing. Thankfully, the Nike Air Force 1 GTX Vibram is here to make things a hell of a lot easier.

Nike

Stealth bomber

At its core, this is still very much a classic low-top Air Force 1. The silhouette and overall styling remain faithful to the sneakers’ iconic design.

That includes a classic all-leather upper — complete with the signature Swoosh. The shoe also maintains its padded collar, tongue and eyelet design, and even the metal AF1 tag just above the toe.

Nike

Updates include a super-stealthy all-black colorway, which is maybe not as iconic as white but is no less versatile. In fact, the only pops of color are found on the side of the outsole near the heel and on the bottom (but more on that later.)

Perhaps the only other stylistic divergence are the laces. Instead of classic flat laces, these sneakers come with more rugged, round, cable-style laces, similar to outdoor boots, which is actually a hint at how capable these shoes truly are.

Nike

From the court to the campsite

You’d likely never guess it from looking at them, but these AF1s have a secret power. Hidden from prying eyes, they have a Gore-Tex membrane that makes their leather upper completely waterproof.

That means you don’t have to worry so much about getting them wet when the weather shifts. It also makes them much easier to clean without messing them up.

Nike

In conjunction with the GTX upper, the shoes also get a different outsole — albeit this is a bit more obvious. Instead of classic rubber, these sneakers have a Vibram outsole that has deeper treads and offers better grip, especially when it’s wet outside.

To those not in the know, that combination of tread and waterproofing means that these sneakers are actually more durable and capable than even some hiking boots (believe it or not, not all hiking boots are waterproof.) It also means these are probably going to be a big hit and sell out quickly.

Nike

Available now

The Nike Air Force 1 GTX Vibram sneakers are now available on the brand’s site for $150 per pair, but they’re likely to be a hot commodity.

Nike

Nike Air Force 1 GTX Vibram

• $150 at Nike

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