[Update 6 Jan 2023] The Nike Air Force 1 “University Blue and Summit White”, or more affectionately known as “Command Force”, has a confirmed release date now. This pair of AF1—which features the Air Command Force’s OG “Lyon Blue” colorway—will drop on 18 January with a price tag of US$130.

Over the course of four decades, the archetypal Air Force 1 has been the canvas for which some of the most creative ideas have been manifested onto. New colorways, new textiles, new constructions; the DNA of other silhouettes in Nike’s back catalogue have also been transposed and reapplied onto it. Of all the aforementioned, the last one is the MO that they adopt for the Nike Air Force 1 “Command Force”.

This iteration takes its design cues from another pair of basketball shoes, the Air Command Force from 1991, which was even co-signed by “The Admiral” himself, David Robinson. While the Air Force 1 silhouette is largely untouched, it does get dressed in some of the Command Force’s finest detailing. The color palette features a patriotic combination of the red, white, and blue of the American flag.

Starting with the “FORCE” text imposed on the tongue, the same typography is reapplied to the Nike branding on the heel, culminating in an appearance on the insole. The lace dubraes also break out in red as opposed to the standard silver.

The die-cut Swooshes on both sides and the vamp comes in blue, accenting around the tongue and the sock liner as well. Supporting the upper is a Sail midsole for the aged aesthetic, a callback to the heritage of the two legacy sneakers.

A release date isn’t known yet but a 2022 release window is possible. In other AF1 news going around, you might want to find out more about the incoming UNDERCOVER x Nike Air Force 1 Low