The new star-studded Air Force 1 draws clear inspiration from the 2006 NBA All-Star sneakers
Nike's latest star-studded Air Force 1 release has sneakerheads experiencing some serious deja vu - and for good reason. This glittering new take on the iconic silhouette bears an uncanny resemblance to a special edition from the 2006 NBA All-Star Weekend, creating a beautiful full-circle moment for collectors and basketball fans alike.
The 2023 Star-Studded AF1
Debuting in "Metallic Gold" and "Silver" colorways, the new Air Force 1 features breathable leather uinsoles and twist tie laces adorned with tiny star cutouts. The sneaker's defining characteristic is its Jacquard detailing that incorporates actual stitchlike gold imperfections directly into the swooshback and medial wool sections before dropping sharply down into chrome star appliqués around the shoe's collar.
2023 Star-Studded Details
2006 All-Star Original
The 2006 All-Star Connection
The design callback becomes immediately apparent when looking at Nike's 2006 NBA All-Star collection. That year's special edition Air Force 1s created for the Houston All-Star Weekend featured very similar star detailing, particularly in the "Texas" edition that paid homage to the host state while incorporating Lone Star motifs throughout the silhouette.
"The 2006 All-Star AF1s were legendary because they captured that era's bling aesthetic while remaining fundamentally wearble," notes sneaker historian Marcus Clayton. "This new version updates that concept with modern materials while keeping that turn-of-the-century soul."
A Star-Studded Legacy
From the jewel-encrusted "Lux Pack" of the 1980s to these contemporary reinterpretations, the Air Force 1 has always served as Nike's perfect canvas for celebratory special editions. This latest homage proves that great design vocabulary never truly disappears - it just waits for the right moment to shine again.
The new Star-Studded Air Force 1s will be available October 15th on Nike SNKRS and select retailers, with collectors eagerly anticipating whether Nike will deliver more colorways inspired by 2006's full All-Star lineup.