Is the Nike Air Force 180 Union from 2005 getting a retro? Nike designer Frank Cooke set the rumours in motion with an Instagram story of his own pair. Nike hasn't announced anything yet, but the Nike Air Force 180 Union is suddenly back in the spotlight.
In the story, Cooke held the original pair, captioned with a note that it's time to get busy again. That was all he said. So there's no release date, price or official announcement from Nike yet.
Still, the hint stands out. In a 2021 interview, Cooke already named this pair his favourite sneaker. He also predicted back then that the model could have a new classic moment one day.
There's more clarity now. Union owner Chris Gibbs recently confirmed in an interview with Complex that a retro is in the works. The most striking detail also came from Gibbs: according to him, Nike no longer has the specific Air unit of the Air Force 180. It will have to be rebuilt, which is a fairly expensive process. Adjusting the retro is also an option, Gibbs says.
A collab from the Clerks Pack
The Nike Air Force 180 Union dropped in June 2005 as part of the LA "Clerks" Pack, alongside the UNDEFEATED Dunk High NL and the Stüssy Blazer Mid 73. Union Los Angeles gave Charles Barkley's basketball shoe an outspoken makeover. On a grey and white base you'll find fuchsia accents, safari print and a camo mixing turquoise and yellow. The midsole has a colour gradient too. The colorway is White/Bright Rose-New Slate, style code 312206-161.
A real fan favourite that I'd love to see return myself. On top of that, 2027 marks the 35th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 180. So a retro makes sense.
The pair arrived at a time when collaborations with sneaker shops weren't yet the norm. With the Air unit missing, it remains to be seen how close the retro will stay to the original.
As soon as there's more news on the Nike Air Force 180 Union, you'll read it here first. Until then, you can browse the current sneakers at Nike.
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