Nike's latest celestial-themed Air Force 1 design has sneakerheads flashing back to one of the most iconic All-Star releases from 2006. The new star-speckled iteration bears striking similarities to the legendary "Las Vegas" All-Star AF1 that debuted during the NBA's weekend festivities nearly two decades ago.
A Cosmic Connection
The recently unveiled Air Force 1 features an obsidian black upper completely covered in shimmering silver micro-stars, creating a mesmerizing night sky effect. This bold astronomical aesthetic immediately called to mind Nike's special 2006 All-Star edition, which used a navy blue base with metallic gold constellations.
2024 Star AF1
- Solid black leather upper
- Holographic silver star detailing
- Translucent icy outsole
- Special constellation-embossed insoles
2006 All-Star AF1
- Deep navy blue upper
- Metallic gold star patterns
- Gold-plated lace hardware
- "Las Vegas" embroidery on heel
Evolution of Celestial Design
While both designs celebrate the cosmos, they represent different eras of Nike storytelling. The 2006 version reflected Las Vegas' glamorous casino ceilings when the NBA held its All-Star weekend there. The new 2024 interpretation leans into a more universal space theme with refined details.
"The star pattern used in the original 2006 was hand-placed to mimic the night sky seen from Nevada," explains historian James Weiland. "Today's technology allows for precision laser etching that creates a more consistent astronomical feel."
Availability
The new cosmic Air Force 1 is scheduled to launch in limited quantities on December 16, 2024