This Star-Studded Air Force 1 Is Reminiscent Of This 2006 All-Star Gem
Nike's latest celestial-inspired Air Force 1 has sneakerheads drawing immediate parallels to a legendary 2006 All-Star release, proving that stellar designs never go out of orbit.
A Cosmic Connection Across Generations
The newly unveiled Air Force 1 "Constellation Pack" features a midnight navy upper speckled with reflective silver stars, immediately calling to mind the iconic NBA All-Star edition from 2006 that honored the Houston game. Both designs transform the classic white-on-white silhouette into a celestial canvas, though this new iteration shows greater restraint with fewer bolder stars versus the densely-packed galaxy of the 2006 version.
Key Similarities:
- Dark Blue Galaxy Base:
- Star Pattern Treatment:
- All-Star DNA:
- Star Pattern Treatment:
Notable Differences:
- Star Density:
- Accent Colors:
- Materials:
- Accent Colors:
Why The 2006 Pair Remains Legendary
The Air Force 1 Low "All-Star 2006" represented a high point in basketball sneaker culture. Released on All-Star Weekend in Houston with only 500 numbered pairs, the shoe became instant grail status. It commemorated the 20th anniversary of the original AF-1 while celebrating the star power of the NBA's best. The midnight-and-silver colorway directly referenced Houston's MCC (now Johnson Space Center) relationship to space exploration.
"That 2006 All-Star AF1 was like catching a supernova in your hands. The new constellation version gives collectors who missed out a second chance at owning footwear magic." - Marcus Rivero, owner of SolesBySir
Stellar Innovation Meets Tribute Design
While clearly inspired by past glories, the 2023 starfield AF1 introduces contemporary details: razor-thin decal stars that shift from silverwhite to celestial blue under different lighting, and a special Hubble Telescope imaging pattern pressed into the insole. Still, designers clearly wanted sneaker historians to recognize the reference without creating a direct retro rerelease.
The Air Force 1 "Constellation Pack" releases December 15th via Nike SNKRS and select retailers at $160, a relative bargain versus the sky-high resale prices that 2006 All-Stars now command in deadstock condition.