2025.08.30SAT
SaveHistory
NEW New content added
Members-only content has been added!
Register as a member for exclusive articles and events.
2025.08.29
CULTURE

The King and Pinnacle of Sneakers: Why Is the 'NIKE AIR FORCE 1' So Wildly Popular?

#Nike
#Air Force 1
#Sneakers
#SKIT
#Katsushige Kamamoto
Copied to Clipboard
*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
so there may be errors in the reading.
Debuting in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 is an undisputed classic known by all. Fusing high performance with stellar design for its era, the model soared in popularity, transcending its basketball roots. The 1990s hip-hop boom catapulted its fame, making it a household name even among those who weren't sneakerheads.
To uncover the history, secret origins, and the reasons behind its incredible rise to fame, we sat down with Katsushige Kamamoto, owner of the sneaker shop SKIT.

The Mastermind Behind the Design: Bruce Kilgore

The Air Force 1, now a legendary classic, was introduced in 1982 as the very first basketball shoe to incorporate 'Nike Air' technology. Kamamoto sheds light on its origin story:
This simple, all-white shoe, from the upper to the outsole, is affectionately known as the 'Triple White.' It's arguably the best-selling sneaker of the past two decades. 15,400 yen (incl. tax)
This simple, all-white shoe, from the upper to the outsole, is affectionately known as the 'Triple White.' It's arguably the best-selling sneaker of the past two decades. 15,400 yen (incl. tax)
"The designer was Bruce Kilgore, who would go on to design the 'Air Jordan 1' and 'Air Jordan 2.' Before he joined 'Nike,' his background was in designing automotive equipment and home appliances.
He was tasked with creating a basketball shoe featuring 'Nike Air'—the same technology used in the historic 'Tailwind' running shoe. The 'Air Force 1' was the fruit of his labor."
Share Article
Copied to Clipboard
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.
TOP ARTICLES
What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu
1

What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu

CULTURE
Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?
2

Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?

RESEARCH
Tokyo's Only "Grateful Dead" Specialty Shop: Experience the Charm at "Chi Chi's"
3

Tokyo's Only "Grateful Dead" Specialty Shop: Experience the Charm at "Chi Chi's"

CULTURE
The Rise of Vintage Anime T-Shirts Led by "AKIRA" – Pop Culture from "chillweeb"
4

The Rise of Vintage Anime T-Shirts Led by "AKIRA" – Pop Culture from "chillweeb"

CULTURE
Why Has GATSBY Been a Bestseller for Over 20 Years? A Developer Reveals the Secret Behind the Beloved "Medicated Deodorant Body Paper."
5

Why Has GATSBY Been a Bestseller for Over 20 Years? A Developer Reveals the Secret Behind the Beloved "Medicated Deodorant Body Paper."

BEAUTY
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.

CATEGORIES
BUSINESSRESEARCHPHILOSOPHYCULTUREBEAUTYINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
FEATURESSERIESPROJECTSEVENTSARTISANABOUT US
Follow Us
©️ZOZO NEXT, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
fashion tech news is a registered trademark of ZOZO, Inc.
CATEGORIES
businessBUSINESSresearchRESEARCHphilosophyPHILOSOPHYcultureCULTUREbeautyBEAUTYinfoINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
featuresFEATURESseriesSERIESprojectsPROJECTSeventsEVENTSMy adventure at the SHIGARAKI CERAMIC CULTURAL PARK（Catherine GIANOLA）ARTISANAbout usABOUT US
Follow Us
CONTACT
If you have any questions or enquiries, please enter your details in the form below.
Enquiry item必須

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic.
For further information please read our Cookie Policy.