Nike Air Force 1 Mid

Air Force 1 Mid

When the Nike Air Force 1 Mid came out in 1994, it was the third style of the iconic AF1. It added another dimension to the other two styles, both of which had been released more than a decade earlier, by bringing a different look to the group. Fitting comfortably between the other silhouettes, the Mid soon found its own place within the saga of this storied sneaker.

The Mids have a unique style that sets them apart from their counterparts, most notably through the cut of the collar, which slopes from front to back just above the line of the ankle. This mid-top collar provides even more support with the use of a fixed strap. Its hook-and-loop closure system uses Velcro to make things convenient, allowing the wearer to adjust the snugness of the fit. Underfoot, the outsole has circular grip patterns for top-quality traction, and the midsole contains a pocket of encapsulated Air and foam cushioning for comfort. Meanwhile, the upper has a traditional appearance in the forefoot, which incorporates a mudguard surrounding a perforated toe box. Further back, the Air Force 1 Mid has a long midfoot panel, and the rear overlay curves in towards the heel as it swoops up from the midsole and then bends back again to extend in the direction of the eyestay as it moves up over the ankle. It also has a triangular-shaped heel panel and swooshes that slide steeply down from the overlay at the back to finish around halfway along the midfoot, short of the forefoot mudguard.

Over the years, the AF1 Mid has been adapted into various forms and styles to suit both men and women, whether it be for use as a casual shoe or in sporting pursuits. For the first decade or so after its release, Nike focussed on delivering the shoe in a variety of colourways, from all-black to all-white and everything in between. Then, as the OG Air Force 1 began to reach certain milestones, new models were released. One of the earlier examples is the Air Force 1 Mid ‘07 – a classic retro that featured a look similar to the original design. In fact, the ‘07 has acted as the model for some of the Mid’s most popular versions, including 2022’s updated Flax (first put out in 2014), the Summit White, with its translucent outsole and jewelled swoosh, and the Izakaya, which honours the culture of the Japanese bars of the same name with charming stylised figures embroidered into the side of the heel. Meanwhile, the QS edition has also been responsible for a plethora of classic Mid colourways, such as the velvety smooth Chocolate, grey and white NYC sneakers with distinctive logos to match (both updates of the original blue NYC), the Independence Day, with its glossy blue overlays, and the nubuck-adorned Venice. 

One of the most well-recognised of Nike Air Force 1 Mids is the Triple White colourway, which has been released in a whole string of different models. Beginning with the OG Mid, it was then applied to the Ultraforce, which has a sock-like stretchy inner sleeve with pull tabs emerging from the front and back of the collar for comfort and convenience. In 2021, an LE edition came out in all-white, and there has also been an Ultra Flyknit model in this monochrome design, its woven one-piece upper bringing a lightweight touch to the shoe. To provide a contrasting option to these white sneakers, Triple Black models have also been released, this time in the classic Mid as well as alternative designs like the SF Air Force 1 Mid, whose canvas heel is secured by an additional dual zip opening system and a removable strap.

Other adjustments have been made to the construction of the Air Force 1 Mid throughout the years, supplying a wide variety of choice to sneaker fans everywhere. The LV8 maintains the heritage of the original but with a slightly enlarged midsole, while the React puts an updated foam into the shoe and brings a dynamic change in aesthetic to the outer through futuristic curves and bright green accents. The early 2020s saw the release of Mids with recycled materials, such as the Next Nature Sun Club model, whose multi-coloured upper incorporates yellows, pinks, browns and blues for a radiant effect. Two styles of Utility have also been produced, both of which give the Mid an even more robust, boot-like feel via additional strapping around the ankle, useful pull tabs and flexible neoprene elements. On top of these unique models, there are more conventional ones, such as the Mid 06, which is a faithful update of the original, and the Jewel, whose shortened swooshes are its main distinguishing feature.

Collaborations have also been a big part of the Air Force 1 Mid’s history, with Supreme’s 2018 sneaker being one of the most notable offerings. Its upper was covered in logos of basketball teams from the NBA alongside the brand’s red box emblem. Two years later, Comme des Garcons (CDG) released a design whose leather panels had rebellious edges that spilled out beyond the stitching. Then, in 2022, three powerful partnerships produced a run of popular AF1 Mid sneakers. Firstly, American fashion house Stussy created a trio of designs, two in black and white alongside a third in Fossil-coloured canvas. Then Off-White™ made an experimental Mid with an eye-catching spiked outsole and visible Air, which was followed up a year later by a vivid green SP edition. Finally, Nike brought together Louis Vuitton and Virgil Abloh to forge a whole collection of Air Force 1s, including several captivating Mid sneakers.

It is no surprise that so many standout Air Force 1 shoes were brought out in 2022 as this year marked the 40th anniversary of the original high-top model. To celebrate reaching such an incredible milestone, the brand launched a whole host of new variations throughout the year, of which many were Mids. A selection of ‘07 LX editions came out, including one with a vibrant red upper and plaid swooshes. The ‘07 Premium Culture Day was another, its sherpa fleece and suede outer giving it a cosy feeling, while the Team Red colourway had a design with London-inspired elements such as the city’s 020 dialling code embroidered into its lateral forefoot. 

Although the Nike Air Force 1 Mid is more than a decade younger than the very first AF1, it has still achieved great success since its release. Acting as a compromise between the low- and high-top styles, it provides a third option for those who want a shoe with great support alongside a little more freedom around the ankle. Popular amongst some of Nike’s most esteemed collaborators, the Mid has forged its own niche in the sneaker world, a place that it is sure to strengthen in the years to come.