Nigo and Nike can’t quit the Air Force 3. The two collaborators are releasing their fifth capsule of the undersung Air Force sneaker, now with a theme of bringing beauty out of imperfections.
The Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 is getting two new colorways inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of pottery repair. On both, the upper features two distinct elements split by an uneven gold line intended to replicate the use of the metal to seal cracks on broken pottery. Each colorway also features mismatched sneakers, trading the arrangement of white and ceramic-like halves.
The first of the two colorways uses a gray ceramic treatment for the rear of the right shoe and the front of the left. White leather is also given the texture of pottery, and the mustaches, lining and heel stabilizers are mismatched in black and cream. The outsole is then rendered in cream, while the outsole flips applications of black and gum.
A similar treatment is used for the second variant, which trades the appearance of gray ceramic for a more natural tan. The usage of gold is then dialed up, appearing on the trim of the collar, lining and mustache of the right shoe.
Nigo has become increasingly conceptual in his takes on the Air Force 3, as he started with a range of primary colors on white before moving on to a “Planet of the Apes” homage. The Japanese designer’s most recent capsule of the sneaker featured Levi’s denim uppers, a material that’s also popping up more and more in Nike releases.
The new duo of Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Lows will release Saturday through the Humanmade website and Dover Street Market. A wider release will then follow Nov. 20 on the Snkrs app and through select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $160.
Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (pair)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (right lateral)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (left medial)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (above)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (heel)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (pair)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (right lateral)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (left medial)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (above)

Nigo x Nike Air Force 3 Low (heel)