For years, fans of the Air Force 1 Low have been pleading with Nike to bring back the 2001 version of the shoe. The specific period of Air Force 1 releases was associated with numerous now-coveted colorways, ranging from regional exclusives to collaborations and everything in between.
The Swoosh has finally answered the call this year, which we saw in the Nigo x Nike Air Force 1 Low "LO2” release and even several friends-and-family exclusive colorways from Victor Victor. Now, Nike is releasing the Air Force 1 ’01 on a larger scale, including the classic white-on-white iteration.
With that being said, we’re taking a look at the new Air Force 1 ’01 retro compared to the standard ’07 variation. Buy your pair early now on Complex.
The upper and shape of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 and ‘01 Retro
Nike says the ‘01 version of the Air Force 1 Low uses premium leather, which is a bit more supple than the standard ‘07 variation. The overall shape for the upper of the ‘01 is also more rounded.
The toe box of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 and ‘01 Retro
Speaking of a more rounded shape, this is better shown on the ‘01 pair’s toebox, which curves downwards more in comparison to the ‘07 version.
The Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 and ‘01 Retro collars
The ‘01 version has thicker padding on the collar as compared to a thinner collar on the ‘07 pair. The ‘01 pair also features nylon lining, whereas the ‘07 variation uses mesh.
The heel of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 and ‘01 retro
Despite both versions still featuring the traditional “Nike Air” embroidery, the heel on the ‘01 pair is curved, while the ‘07 has a more squared-off design.
The midsole of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 and ‘01 Retro
Nike says the texture of ‘01’s midsole is true to the releases from the 2001 era, including more refined “Air” branding on the heel. Overall, the midsoles are very similar between the two versions.
The box of the Nike Air Force 1 ‘01 Retro and the ‘07
The Nike Air Force 1 ‘01 will come in the classic two-tone orange and brown box, which is entirely different from the grey box that comes with the ‘07 pairs.
