This Star-Studded Air Force 1 Is Reminiscent Of This 2006 All-Star Gem
Nike's latest star-covered Air Force 1 design has sneakerheads dusting off their nostalgia glasses and drawing parallels to one of the most iconic All-Star sneakers from 2006. The celestial theme feels like a direct homage to what many consider a golden era of basketball sneaker design.
A Galaxy of Stars Returns
The recently unveiled Air Force 1 features an all-over star pattern that immediately calls to mind the legendary 2006 Nike Air Force 1 "All-Star" edition. That original release became an instant collector's item with its midnight blue upper bursting with silver foil stars - a design that perfectly captured the NBA All-Star weekend's cosmic theme that year.
"When I first saw the new star AF1s, I immediately thought about '06 All-Star weekend in Houston," says sneaker collector James Wilson. "That was peak AF1 creativity - the star pattern, the special hangtag, how rare they were. This feels like Nike is bringing that magic back."
Side-by-Side With a Legend
The similarities between the two designs are uncanny:
- All-over exploding star patterns covering nearly every inch of real estate
- Contrasting material textures that make the stars pop
- A premium feel that elevates them beyond basic Air Force 1s
A New Generation Gets Cosmic
While the original 2006 All-Star AF1 remains one of the most valuable (often fetching $1,500+ in deadstock condition), this new interpretation makes the stellar aesthetic accessible to a new generation. Some devotees will always prefer the OG, but the familiar cosmic theme hitting shelves nearly 20 years later proves great design is forever.
"The 2006 pair told a specific All-Star story, but these feel like a love letter to that entire era of AF1 creativity," notes footwear historian Devin Carter. "Nike knows exactly which retro notes to hit."