No discussion of sneakers is complete without at least some mention of Nike Air Force Ones. These shoes have been the first and most popular choice when it comes to every day shoes and collectors items for over 25 years. Since 1982, air force ones have been some of the biggest, best and most popular shoes available on the market. With each passing year Nike has redesigned and improved the sneaker on the whole and it seems to keep getting better and better with no signs of its popularity waning.



One of the characteristics that make the sneaker so popular is its versatility and the vast array of differing designs. The brand itself has been promoted by athletes and superstars from every walk of life. They can be worn while playing basketball, soccer, running or even just for every day activities. There really is no set single purpose for these shoe and they are some of the most versatile on the market. On top of this, there is a design or color combination for the tastes or interests of any person. While the most popular color choice is the classic white on whites, you are never limited by color. Many collectors go so far as to have a pair that matches every hat or color coordinated outfit. That is proof of just how many colors and designs can be purchased.

While there seem to be infinite options when it comes to the design, there are few defining characteristics that identify the shoe as a brand. The Velcro strap that is attached to both the mid-top and high-tops is a statement on its own. The strap can be left dangling to the side or strapped tight depending on the style or taste you are hoping to display. Also there is a medallion that is tied onto the laces at the bottom. The medallion has the inscription "AF-1" and "82". The 82 is displayed to commemorate the first year that the sneaker was manufactured and the AF-1 simply stands for Air Force Ones. Without this medallion or the Velcro strap you can be sure that the sneaker is not real and may in fact be a knockoff.

Another key characteristic of the shoe as a brand is simply the star power behind it. Anyone who is anyone within the rap industry or professional basketball players has purchased, worn or collected these sneakers in some way or another. Celebrities from P. Diddy to Nelly to Michael Jordan have all become known as connoisseurs of the brand on the whole. Some superstars have even gone so far as to have collections that exceed the hundreds and at times even thousands.

If you are looking to start a collection of sneakers or even just hoping to find an appropriate pair or two then Air Forces Ones should often be the first place you look. No matter the color or design you are looking for, these sneakers have widely become known as the king of all sneakers. Collectors, enthusiasts and moderate consumers alike have all supported and loved this brand for the past 25 years, and quite possibly for the next 25 as well.