This Star-Studded Air Force 1 Is Reminiscent Of This 2006 All-Star Gem
Published October 26, 2023
The sneaker world is buzzing with the arrival of a dazzling new Nike Air Force 1 Low. Cloaked in a deep, cosmic black suede, the shoe is immediately striking. But its true brilliance is revealed in the details: a spectacular, all-over shimmering silver star print that catches the light from every angle. This celestial glitter, paired with crisp white midsoles and sleek black outsoles, creates a shoe that is both effortlessly cool and undeniably glamorous.
For seasoned sneakerheads, this new release has triggered a powerful wave of nostalgia. It's a direct callback to one of the most iconic collaborative Air Force 1s ever created: the 2006 Nike Air Force 1 "Lux Edition" by Rakim "The R" Myers, released for that year's NBA All-Star weekend in Houston.
The original 2006 gem was a masterpiece of its time. It shared the same foundational DNA: a premium black suede upper elevated by a meticulous, metallic silver foil star pattern. The parallels are unmistakable. Where the new model utilizes a printed glitter, the Rakim-designed pair employed a more lavish foiling technique, adding a subtle texture and luxury feel. It was a shoe that perfectly encapsulated the opulent, celebratory spirit of the mid-2000s sneaker culture.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
While the new iteration draws direct inspiration, there are nuances that set them apart:
- 2006 AF1 'Lux' by Rakim:
- 2023 AF1 'Star-Studded':
More Than Just a Colorway
This resurgence of the star-studded black AF1 is more than just a rehashing of an old idea; it's a tribute. It acknowledges the deep cultural impact of the 2006 design and brings its visionary aesthetic to a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts. It proves that truly great design is timeless.
The original Rakim AF1 Lux is a crown jewel in any collection, a piece of sneaker history often admired behind glass or in vintage online listings. This new "Star-Studded" Air Force 1 offers a chance to own a piece of that legacy, to wear a design that pays homage to an All-Star gem. It’s a brilliant move by Nike, connecting its rich past directly to its vibrant present.