Nike Remake the Air Force 1 Using Hemp
is gradually being no longer associated as the byproduct of one of the world’s favourite plants and has found mainstream legitimacy as a viable alternative textile. With the backing of brands like and its use in iconic sneakers like the , hemp will only continue to be regarded as a feasible material.
As part of the Swoosh’s general push towards more environmentally friendly production methods and materials, they’ve explored various options including recycled processes and traditional textiles. Hemp sort of overlaps both areas, as the natural fibre has been used for millennia, but modern technology allows it to be applied in more sophisticated ways. For these AF-1s, the fabric is thick and chunky, almost like a woollen knit. This allows for a durable, relatively soft and flexible upper that follows the original Uptown pattern. The ease of dyeing is also demonstrated here with the contrasting Swoosh and heel tabs. Underfoot, Nike’s Next Nature ethos is proven by the speckled rubber midsole, which likely means a portion of it has come from recycled sources. These eco shoes are finished with stitched branding and a tongue calling out its hemp composition, adding a rustic look.
Keep an eye out for these AF-1s to hit Nike retailers later this year.