Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka

The smooth leather upper of this Air Force 1 Fontanka incorporates a series of distinctively shaped segments all in Phantom. This muted shade of white gives them an understated grace that sits well alongside the sinuous lines of stitching that wind their way over the various overlays of the outer. Extra layers can also be found throughout the design, from the suede heel panel, which has leather patches sewn into its edges, to the suede swooshes, which have boomerang-shaped leather sections laid over them, and the bundle of eyestays. This structure comprises a base layer in the usual position with a wavy-edged overlay on either side that starts and ends higher up on the shoe, before a final piece of suede with an additional, unused eyelet sticks out from the middle. More stacking occurs on the tongue, which has a thinner duplicate underneath it with Light Smoke Grey branding. Nike text in the same colour appears on the cream-coloured insole, while three embroidered swooshes decorate the tongue. These come in red, blue and green to add a sprinkling of colour to the top of the shoe.

Meanwhile, the sole unit features a pleasant sandy tone called Beach. This covers both the textured midsole, which contains extra-soft cushioning in the form of a large piece of Light Smoke Grey React foam through the heel, and the outsole. The latter component reflects the individualistic nature of the Fontanka design through the split line down its centre, which adds to the stylish, asymmetrical aesthetic that defines this sneaker.