October 18, 2023
Nike's latest constellation-inspired Air Force 1 immediately evokes nostalgia for sneakerheads, drawing direct parallels to the coveted 2006 NBA All-Star Edition that graced the courts during Houston's midseason spectacle. The new star embellishments create an uncanny visual connection to that limited-quantity classic.
Cosmic Design Language
The 2023 iterations features scattered silver foil stars across the side panels and heel, nearly identical in placement to the celestial motif that made the All-Star pair so distinctive. Both designs utilize:
- Metallic silver starbursts with tapered points
- Contrast stitching around each celestial element
- Iridescent hit on the leather base
- Custom star-patterned insoles
The 2006 Heritage
Released for the NBA's 55th All-Star Game, the 2006 pair (officially called the "Air Force 1 Mid All Star 2006") captured basketball's biggest night with galaxy-inspired detailing. Only 400 pairs surfaced worldwide, making it one of the most sought-after AF1s of the mid-2000s. The star motifs represented Houston's "Space City" nickname and the stellar lineup of that year's game, featuring rising stars like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
"That 2006 All-Star AF1 was celestial perfection. Seeing Nike revisit the star concept feels like receiving a long-lost love letter from sneaker history."
- Javier Cabral, Complex Sneakers Editor
Modern Galaxy Twists
The 2023 version updates the formula with:
| 2006 All-Star | 2023 Star AF1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole | Solid white | Glitter-infused |
| Eyelets | Standard metal | Star-shaped cutouts |
| Tongue Label | NBA All-Star logo | Nike Cosmic Series script |
Sneaker historian Lucia Rodriguez notes, They've preserved the magic while catering to contemporary tastes—the glitter midsole catches light like actual stardust now.
The Star AF1 (Style Code: DX2549-100) releases November 3 via SNKRS app and select Nike Sportswear retailers, priced at $$160—considerably more accessible than the $1500+ aftermarket value of pristine deadstock 2006 pairs.