This Star-Studded Air Force 1 Is Reminiscent Of This 2006 All-Star Gem
Nike's latest star-studded Air Force 1 pays direct homage to one of the most coveted basketball sneakers of the mid-2000s, drawing immediate comparisons to the iconic 2006 NBA All-Star Game colorway that graced the feet of legends.
The 2023 "Constellation Pack" Air Force 1 features celestial-inspired detailing
The Constellation Connection
The newly released Air Force 1 "Constellation Pack" features an unmistakable visual link to the 2006 All-Star AF1, with its glittered navy blue leather upper and constellation-style metal lace jewels that mimic the placement of stars on that legendary pair. Where the 2006 version displayed actual star perforations, the 2023 iteration employs debossed leather in similar patterns.
Side-by-Side With the 2006 Classic
2006 NBA All-Star Edition
- Dark navy premium leather
- Gold trim and embroidery
- Star-pattern perforations
- Basketball texture tongue
2023 Constellation Pack
- Glitter-infused marine blue leather
- Pewter metallic accents
- Astronomy-inspired debossing
- Galaxy-patterned insoles
Why The 2006 All-Star AF1 Matters
Released for the Houston All-Star Weekend, the original 2006 pair became legendary for several reasons:
- Worn by multiple players during the celebrity game
- Featured in Sneaker News' "Most Iconic AF1s of the 2000s"
- Rare colorway with only 504 pairs originally available
- Marked the height of basketball-inspired casual sneaker culture
2023 Release Information
The new constellation-themed AF1 is currently available via select retailers and the Nike SNKRS app in both men's and grade school sizing, retailing for $160 USD. Early reaction from the sneaker community suggests this could become one of the most popular general release Air Force 1s of the year.
While not an exact recreation, this newest set clearly winks at collectors who remember the golden era of early 2000s Nike Basketball releases. As Kixify editor Daniel Ramos noted: It walks that perfect line between nostalgia and fresh execution - exactly what you want from a retro-inspired design.