The latest star-dominated Nike Air Force 1 has sent sneakerheads spiraling into nostalgia, immediately drawing comparisons to the legendary 2006 NBA All-Star Game Dunk Contest footwear that dominated highlights that February weekend.
Featuring constellations of metallic silver stars across midnight blue premium leather, this 2023 AF1 iteration seems to directly channel the galactic aesthetic of the mid-2000s All-Star events in Houston - particularly Andre Iguodala's unforgettable custom "Starry Night" AF Mids worn during the competition with Allen Iverson.
Crossover Appeal: From Hardwood to Concrete
What makes these parallels particularly interesting is how the basketball/casual dynamic has reversed. Where 17 years ago NBA stars were adopting court-ready silhouettes with extravagant city-themed looks (Nate Robinson's NYC AF1s remain iconic), today's crossover has upscale lifestyle versions alluding to pivotal basketball moments.
"The 2006 All-Star designs basically mapped city skylines and solar systems onto shoes meant for ballistic athletic performance. Now we're seeing that energy interpreted for streetwear luxury," notes Complex's footwear editor.
Release Details & Specifications
- Colorway:
- Materials:
- Exclusive Features:
- 3M reflective star map on heel
- All-Star (2006) lace dubrae
- Co-branded insole with equatorial coordinates
- Price:
- Materials:
Available now at select Nike Consortium retailers and the SNKRS app, though predictably sizes are disappearing faster than Mike Carey's notorious 2006 ASG disappearing stunt.