The New Celestial AF1 That's Turning Heads
Nike's latest limited-edition Air Force 1 release has sneakerheads drawing immediate comparisons to the legendary 2006 NBA All-Star edition. Dubbed the "Starry Night" AF1, this silhouette features an eye-catching galaxy print that covers the premium leather upper, complete with metallic silver Swooshes that shimmer like distant stars.
What makes this release particularly special is the constellation-like arrangement of perforations on the toe box - a design cue directly borrowed from the iconic 2006 All-Star colorway that honored Houston's hosting of the midseason classic.
2006's Galactic Footwear Legacy
The original 2006 All-Star Air Force 1 celebrated Houston's connection to NASA with cosmic detailing that included 3M reflective panels (representing rocket ships), constellation patterns, and a color gradient mirroring deep space. That shoe became so sought-after that DS pairs now command upwards of $3,000 on resale platforms.
Howard White, Vice President of Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball reminisced: "The '06 All-Star was a cultural touchstone. We'd never done space-themed storytelling on that scale before. When we revisited the concept this season, we knew we had to respect those intergalactic roots while pushing the visual further."
Modern Updates to a Classic Formula
The 2024 iteration improves upon the original with technologically advanced materials including:
- Glow-in-the-dark constellations in the outsole
- Debossed star-map lining
- Space-themed lace jewels featuring planetary designs
Early reaction from the sneaker community has been overwhelmingly positive, with collectors noting the thoughtful incorporation of both nostalgia and innovation. Complex Sneakers declared: "This is how retro inspiration should be handled – honoring the past while clearly evolving the concept."