Battle of the Boroughs: Nike Air Force 1 ‘NY vs. NY’

Since its inception in 2017, Nike’s ‘NY vs. NY’ tournament has become more than a battle of boroughs – it’s a summertime institution. What began as a grassroots celebration of New York’s most iconic basketball courts has evolved into a full-blown cultural showcase, where hoop dreams, hometown pride, and sneaker heat collide. From Dyckman and Lincoln Park to Watson and West 4th, the city’s best young hoopers hit the blacktop to prove which borough truly runs NYC.

Nike’s latest Air Force 1 Low ‘NY vs. NY’ celebrates the tournament’s legacy with a design that’s every bit as bold as the games themselves. A pristine white leather upper sets the stage, while a lenticular Swoosh shimmers between orange and peach – echoing the heat and hustle of a city court in mid-July. Gradient ‘NY vs. NY’ logos blaze across the tongue and heel, wrapped in ‘Court Blue’, ‘Hyper Pink’, and ‘Bright Mandarin’ – an eye-popping palette straight from NYC’s outdoor hoops scene. A translucent blue outsole completes the look.

The model is also generating buzz among New York’s top brass, with Knicks stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles McBride debuting the pair during the Playoffs, bringing local pride to the national spotlight.

Retailing at $130, the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘NY vs. NY’ lands summer (in the Northern Hemisphere) 2025 via SNKRS and select stockists.

For more on New York sneaker heat, make sure to check out – a tribute to his NBA journeyman father.