Let’s have a brief look at the background of Nike Air Force 1 shoes.
You probably heard of the Air in Box ad that came out when the original Nike Air Force 1 was launched in 1982.
‘Air in a box’ was a simple ad campaign slogan that Nike used when the company launched the Nike Air Force 1 in 1982.
Nike named the shoe after the United State President Plane, Air Force One, as a way of paying homage to the plane.
It was the first basketball shoe that featured air pocket in the heel for support and comfort. Back then, Nike was very new to basketball shoe design.
The company’s original foundation was based on designing running shoes. Running shoes usually focus on enhancing heel to toe transition. In basketball, the situation is a bit different – it involves jumping, heavy landing and instant re-jumping.
So, a basketball shoe design was a challenge to Nike at that time. Fortunately, Bruce Kilgore was able to create the shoe by drawing idea from a Nike hiking boot. Pivot circles on the outsole are Bruce Kilgore improvement to the traditional herringbone pattern that basketball shoes used to have in the 80s.
The OG Air Force 1 was given to wear-testers to test its performance. Among the testers, was Tinker Hatfield, who joined the company a year earlier. That was 1981.
Hatfield joined the company as a corporate architect, but after he was amazed by the performance of Air Force 1, he went on to become a Nike footwear designer instead of a building designer. A few years later, Hatfield designed the Nike Air Jordan 3. As of now, Tinker Hatfield is one of the Nike legendary footwear designers.
Moving on, some of the wear-testers did not like the strap that came with the original Air Force 1, but that did not stop them from praising its performance. They loved the shoe to the extent that they refused to return it to Nike.
In 1984, Nike discontinued the production of the Air Force 1. When that happened, many fans did not take it lightly. They were asking distributors about the shoe. So, the distributors asked Nike about the possible return of the shoe. The idea of reproducing a shoe that was out of production was new to Nike during that time. As a result of the high demand for Air Force 1, Nike reconsidered bringing it back.
In 1986, the Nike Air Force 1 finally made a comeback. That was when the idea of Nike retro shoes started.
Over the years, there have been many releases of the Nike Air Force One in different colourways. The most recent one is the Air Force 1 LV8 Utility.
10 comments on “Nike Air Force 1 LV8 Utility Review”
Mojisola Kupolati (Debbie)
June 14, 2020 at 1:25 pmHi Stephen, thank you for your review of the newly released “Nike Air Force 1 LV8 Utility Sketch Pack” and educating us about the features and specifically informing about choosing the right size. My son will find it suitable, more so it is reasonably priced. Though you couldn’t say much about the durability, however, Nike brand is generally known for good quality.
Stephen
June 14, 2020 at 2:51 pmThanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
It’s a new shoe so it’s difficult to say how durable it will be. That being said, Nike Air Force 1 shoes are quite durable so this one won’t be an exception.
Hope your son won’t be disappointed.
Stay safe
hillarydandy
June 15, 2020 at 12:00 amHello there! thanks a lot for sharing this well written and thorough review with us. Great job! After hearing lots of amazing testimonies from most of my friends, I decided to buy mine a few days back and I was so glad I did. These shoes are so nice and super comfortable. I highly recommend them.
Stephen
June 15, 2020 at 6:02 amThanks for letting us know, man.
mondayjosep
June 15, 2020 at 12:02 amHello dear, thanks for sharing such a great and beautiful article Nike Air Force 1lv8 utility review, Nike shoes have been a very good product I can still remember the amazing experience I got when I bought my first Nike shoe I was very comfortable wearing and using it, i must commend your efforts on this resent release the 1lv8 utility looking forward to get one for myself
Stephen
June 15, 2020 at 6:01 amThey may run out soon. The white with race blue accent is sold out on Nike, but you can still get it on Foot Locker UK or Ebay.
evansese
June 15, 2020 at 12:05 amso thoughtful of you to share such anmazing and information preview of the newly released “Nike Air Force 1 LV8 Utility Sketch Pack”… I must say that I appreciate your time and effort in making such a tentative research on this product and sharing it to everyone… I love it and I look forward to getting it
Stephen
June 15, 2020 at 5:59 amThanks. I bought one of the colourways. So, I have some experience with the shoe. Research helps me know more about the features and the history of Nike Air Force 1 in general.
edahnewton1
June 15, 2020 at 12:13 amHey nice article you have there, your thoughts are indeed invaluable. When it comes to me buying shoes, I do go for quality. And Nike has been my preferred choice for ages due to its built and comfort o derived from it. However, the Nike Air Force 1 really looks good with it’s amazing colors. Purchasing one to enhance my dressing will be a perfect idea for me
Stephen
June 15, 2020 at 5:56 amYeah, I think many people prefer quality. But there are some that don’t bother by it as long as the kick is aesthetically good looking.
The colours are dope