Nike's latest Star-Studded Air Force 1 release is taking sneakerheads on a nostalgic trip back to basketball's golden era, specifically calling to mind the iconic 2006 NBA All-Star Game special editions.
A Celestial Design Language
The new iteration features a galaxy-inspired pattern of embroidered stars across premium white leather, heavily reminiscent of the All-Star 2006 AF1 that honored the Houston-hosted midseason classic. Both designs share a similar celestial motif, though the 2023 version opts for metallic gold star accents where its predecessor used blue and red tonal stitching.
The 2006 Inspiration
The now-legendary 2006 edition was designed to commemorate Sun Yue's All-Star appearance and featured constellation elements representing the Chinese national team player's astrological sign. Special details included:
- Chinese character embroidery on the heel
- Hidden constellation patterns in the midsole
- Special galaxy-patterned insole
- Limited production of 2006 pairs worldwide
"Seeing the new star design immediately made me think of the 2006 AF1s that people lined up for days to get," notes sneaker historian James Witherspoon. "Nike is obviously playing with that same emotional connection between basketball, celestial imagery, and exclusivity."
Modern Upgrades
While paying clear homage, the 2023 model introduces contemporary elements:
| Feature | 2006 All-Star | 2023 Star |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Premium leather | Recycled vegan leather |
| Star Creation | Embroidered stitching | Laser-etched + metallic foil |
| Release Quantity | 2,006 pairs | 10,000 pairs (estimated) |
The shoes release globally on June 23 exclusively through the SNKRS app, with advance access given to select Nike members.
Will you be trying to cop this cosmic Air Force 1?