A bygone sneaker trend has reemerged in full force this year with Nike’s push of patent leather versions of its classic Air Force 1 sneaker.
The most visible of the recent bunch is rapper Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys collaboration from May, a tricolor look which combined Lucky Green, Mystic Red and University Gold. But outside of the collaboration space, Nike has released numerous general release looks that call back to the 2000s heyday of patent leather pairs, namely the energy surrounding A Bathing Ape’s colorful Bape Sta styles. Soon, a new colorway will join the fray with an eye-catching Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black combination.
Nike’s official product description for the upcoming patent leather Air Force 1 Low is light on context, likening the new style to fresh fruit: “Imagine a fresh berry, ripe and ready for the picking. Now imagine your new favorite pair of kicks. Did you see this bright, patent leather take on the classic AF1?”
Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (pair).
Nike
While there may not be an overelaborate backstory for the pair, it’s also the sort of style that doesn’t need much of an introduction as the design does the talking. By combining two tones of patent leather pink across the upper, the look is balanced with bright blue shoelaces and black branding. Considered also was the midsole, which adopts a glossy pink opaque appearance.
Other recent Air Force 1 updates of note include a winterized version with waterproof Gore-Tex liners and Vibram outsoles, a premium style with a quilted lining and metal hardware and more.
Despite its warm-weather color connotation, this new Nike Air Force 1 Low will arrive weeks before winter with a Dec. 5 release scheduled on the Beaverton, Ore.-based brand’s Snkrs app and from select Nike Sportswear retailers. Retail pricing for the pair, which has a style code of IO4489-600, is $120.

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (lateral).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (medial).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (top).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (heel).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (outsole).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (detail).
Nike

Nike Air Force 1 patent leather sneakers in Pink Cooler/Mulberry Rose/Hyper Blue/Black (heel detail).