The Intriguing History Behind Nike’s Best-Selling Shoe

The Intriguing History Behind Nike’s Best-Selling Shoe


June 13, 2023 | Eul Basa

The Intriguing History Behind Nike’s Best-Selling Shoe


Nike is one of the world's largest and most iconic sportswear brands, known for its innovative designs and commitment to performance. Among its extensive range of products, Nike's best-selling shoe is the Nike Air Force 1.

First launched in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 was designed by Bruce Kilgore and was the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology. The shoe was named after the presidential airplane and was originally intended as a performance basketball shoe. However, it quickly became popular among sneakerheads and the wider streetwear culture.

One of the reasons for the Air Force 1's popularity is its versatility. The shoe can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Its classic design features a chunky sole, a perforated toe box, and the iconic Nike swoosh on the side.

Over the years, Nike has released countless iterations of the Air Force 1, from collaborations with celebrities like Travis Scott and Off-White's Virgil Abloh to limited edition releases like the 2007 "Scarface" edition. The shoe has also been released in a range of materials, including leather, suede, and canvas.

However, despite its many variations, the Air Force 1 remains true to its original design, with its iconic silhouette and Nike Air technology providing comfort and support for the wearer. Its durability and quality construction also make it a shoe that can withstand daily wear and tear

In recent years, Nike has also made efforts to make the Air Force 1 more sustainable. The company's Move to Zero initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of its products, including the Air Force 1. Nike has released a low-carbon version of the shoe, which uses less energy and water in its production.

Overall, the Nike Air Force 1 is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its versatility, comfort, and iconic design have made it a staple for sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. As Nike continues to innovate and push the boundaries of performance and design, the Air Force 1 remains a constant reminder of the brand's legacy and influence on sportswear culture.

READ MORE

SMART SPENDING

I bought a house with a shared fence. My neighbor doesn't take care of his side and now he wants me to pay for his upgrades. What are my options?

Buying a house with a shared fence might seem simple—it's just a fence what could go wrong? Well, it's all fun and games until your neighbor neglects their side and suddenly wants you to pay for upgrades.
December 19, 2025 Jesse Singer
Young Adult Using Laptop look stressed
SMART SPENDING

I refinanced my student loans to save money. Now the new lender doubled my rate. Can they legally do that?

Refinancing often starts with optimism. A lower monthly payment seems within reach, along with a clearer payoff timeline and the sense that you’re finally doing something that supports long-term stability. That’s why the shock lands so hard when a new lender suddenly pushes the interest rate far above what was originally promised. The shift feels like a breach of trust, as if the whole point of refinancing has been upended. And once the confusion settles, a tougher question emerges: can a lender legally hike the rate after offering a lower one, or did the fine print quietly allow it all along?
December 19, 2025 Miles Brucker
GUIDE

We just moved into our new house but the previous owners put in a deck that violates city code. The city set a court date for next month. Now what?

You just moved into your house, but now the city is saying the deck put in by the previous owners is in violation of building codes. We look at what to do and what not to do
December 19, 2025 Penelope Singh
GUIDE

We were promised that plastic waste would be recycled into new products, but most of America’s plastic ends up burned, buried, or shipped overseas.

Consumers were told that recycling programs would save the planet. But the reality is that plastic recycling isn't economically viable, and the system was built more on marketing slogans than economic reality.
December 19, 2025 J.D. Blackwell
Business hopes dashed.
SMART SPENDING

I bought a used boat to start a charter business. It sank on the first trip. Am I completely out of luck?

You picture the dream clearly. A used boat, a little sweat equity, a few weekend upgrades, and suddenly you’re running sunset tours or quiet coastal rides for visitors who want something personal. Then the impossible happens. The boat barely makes it out of the marina before it takes on water and slips under the surface. One minute you’re launching a new chapter, the next you’re staring at ripples where your business was supposed to begin. If you’re in that spot now, the biggest question racing through your mind is simple: “Are you completely screwed, or is there a way to get out of this mess?”
December 19, 2025 Marlon Wright
CAREERS

My dad retired, then started three side hustles. Is that retirement, or denial?

Discover why some retirees dive into multiple side hustles and how to support a parent who can’t stop working after retirement. This engaging guide explores identity, purpose, balance, and healthy boundaries—helping you understand whether your dad’s new ventures are reinvention, denial, or simply modern retirement.
December 18, 2025 Jack Hawkins

Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.




Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team




✕

Want to read more?

If you like humaverse you may also consider subscribing to these newsletters:

Healthcare AI News
5 minutes or less is all it takes to elevate your Healthcare knowledge with our expert-curated weekly AI newsletter. The Sweaty Startup
Join 46,000+ people who read my weekly newsletter about real-estate, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to succeed long-term. The Yellowbrick Road
Want to make more money in the stock market? Our AI tool reads and summarizes 100s of stock articles every day and sends the best in our free, daily email. Join 10,000+ smart investors.