Nike's latest constellation-inspired AF1 (left) alongside the 2006 All-Star edition (right)
Nike's recent release of a star-covered Air Force 1 has sent shockwaves through sneakerhead communities, not just for its celestial aesthetics but for its uncanny resemblance to the legendary 2006 All-Star Game Air Force 1.
The new iteration, dubbed "Starry Night," features a dark blue premium leather base dotted with metallic silver five-point stars across the entire upper. A staggered execution of constellation patterns gives the illusion of depth, while a glow-in-the-dark outsole completes the astral theme.
"It's impossible not to see the parallels," explains sneaker historian Mark Chen. "The 2006 All-Star AF1 had a similar cosmic approach - sterling silver stars on a midnight navy background, created specially for the Houston-hosted All-Star weekend. That shoe is now incredibly rare, so this new version gives collectors a contemporary alternative."
Comparing the Two Galactic Designs
- 2006 NBA All-Star:
- 2023 Starry Night:
- Shared DNA:
- 2023 Starry Night:
This isn't the first time Nike has revisited design elements from their archive. In recent years, we've seen obvious callbacks to
"What makes the original so sought-after isn't just looks - it represents a specific moment in sneaker-basketball crossover culture. Players wore them off-court throughout All-Star weekend, creating genuinely organic hype." - DeAnne Cortez, Sole Collector Magazine