November 8, 2022

When Did White AF1 Come Out? Know The History

White AF1 is one of the popular Nike shoes that has played a massive role in the company's success we see today. The eye-pleasing white look made people their fans when it was first released, and even today, the demand has not slowed down. Wondering when this shoe was launched by Nike?

White AF1 came out in 1982, and Nike is still manufacturing this shoe even after three decades have passed. The company briefly stopped its production in 1984 but quickly had to reverse the decision because of public demand. Now, they are called one of the best white shoes ever because of their design, style, and comfort.

Let's know more about the AF1.

AF1 History- Key Details

Nike first started shoe manufacturing in the 1960s. It was first known as Blue Ribbon Shoe and was only available in Oregon at first. These were not basketball shoes either. They were just regular ones that didn't get much popularity. In the early 1970s, the name changed to Nike, and the first track shoes were manufactured in 1972.

Then, the next phase of Nike started when they entered Basketball shoe manufacturing. Wondering what was the first shoe they made? Yep, it was White Air Force 1s or AF1s. The White AF1 shoes were launched for everyone in 1982, and it was an instant hit because of their comfort, quality, and affordability.

AF1 Early Popularity- 1980s

Due to its early success in 1982, Nike released Air Force One Low in 1983, which was also an elegant-looking basketball shoe.

When the AirForce 1 was launched, Nike hit big by signing top NBA players to endorse it. They were:

Michael Cooper
Moses Malone
Jammal Wilkes
Mychal Thompson
Calvin Natt
Bobby Jones

It was called the Original Six at that time.

1984- When Nike Discontinued White AF1

White Air Force 1 was enjoying huge success, but Nike still made the decision to stop its manufacturing after two years, which was shocking for everyone. Despite being unavailable, the demand for these white shoes still stayed high, which made Nike rethink their decision.

Nike Reversed The Decision on AF1

Due to public pressure and demand, Nike then announced to resume the production of White AF1 shoes. The announcement was highly appreciated by the shoe maniacs and shortly, people could again buy them from the market easily.

But this time was a little different.

Nike added a new touch of different tri colors to the White that looked a lot more elegant. That is why these new AF1 shoes sold out even faster than the last time in 1982 and 83. In Baltimore, the 3000 units were sold within a few days.

Time passed and Air Force 1 was one of the top-selling sneakers in the country till the end of the 80s. During this time, Nike used to launch a new sneaker every month.

White AF1 in 1990s

When people were already loving Nike AF1 shoes, the company outdid itself by releasing an all-white AF1 collection in the 1990s. The whole Air Force 1 shoe was white, which looked really cool. Nike kept on releasing new editions of this All-White AF1 till the end of the century.

White AF1 in 2000s

Nike kept cashing in on the popularity of the AF1 shoes and continued manufacturing AF1 shoes. They were called "Limited" or "Premium" shoes which always attracted people.

In 2001, Nike also launched the women's special Air Force shoes. But that’s not the only different thing that happened.

In the 20th century, Air Force 1 was only considered a sneaker for sports and for jogging/exercise only. But in the 21st century, Air Force sneakers rose to new fame when Musicians and Actors started wearing them in their albums and movies. This made White AF1 a fashion icon.

80s and 90s kids can’t forget Roc-a-Fella Records. Air Force 1 was worn in them, and that's why the music world also started talking about cool sneakers. Nike also specifically designed shoes for these records, and it was one of the best decisions the shoe manufacturing company has ever made.

Then, top artists like Jay Z, Nelly, and G-Unit also endorsed White AF1 sneakers. This led Nike to manufacture signature shoes for these famous people as well.

In 2007, Nike hit a home run. The company launched Air Force 1 Low Anaconda Lux, which took the world by storm. Shoe freaks from all over the world started purchasing it, even though the price was 2000$. Months later, Air Force 1 Low CB was also released to market, which was a multi-color shoe.

Nike shortly after released Air Force XXV. It was on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The New York Times reported on this occasion that Nike has risen to new popularity as more than 11 Million units were sold in the last 12 months.

2010 to Now

Nike does not stop the momentum AF1 shoes have picked up in the last two decades. The company manufactured new white-on-white shoes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AF1.

We also got SF Air Force 1s which were a true classic. Recently, Valentine's Day AF-1 was released in 2021, which was also praised by shoe lovers.

Until now, Nike has released more than 2000 versions or editions of AF1 shoes.

It is expected that we will see some more designs, colors, and styles with Air Force 1 shoes in the future. The company does not have any plans to stop its production as it did in 1984.

So, watch out for any breaking news about White AF1, as the new limited editions will be out very shortly.

Final Words

All-inclusive, White AF1 came out in 1982, and since then, it has been loved by everyone. The company enjoyed success for two years straight, and then AF1 production was canceled.

Then, public pressure made Nike re-introduce these shoes in 1985, and they have not been stopped since then. Nike celebrated the 35th anniversary of AF1 in 2017, which is a clear message that these basketball shoes are too good to be shut off.

The company is also planning to release more special editions of these shoes, and you will see them in the near future.

That's all about the history of White AF1.

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