The Nike Air Force 1 ‘NYC vs NYC’ Pays Homage to Street Hoops

Originally taking flight on the hardwood way back in 1982, the connection to New York City is inextricable. Whole-heartedly embraced by New York’s fledgling hip hop and hoops culture in the 1980s and 1990s, the legendary silhouette was laced by cultural linchpins like Jay-Z, Nas, and Rakim. Worn at the hallowed grounds of Rucker Park and West 4th Street and repeatedly referenced in hip hop bars, it’s hard to find a model that better represents NYC.

Nike are paying homage to this sacred hoops history with their latest Air Force 1 colourway, the ‘NY vs NY’, which celebrates the annual basketball tournament. The event showcases the top high school basketball talent across New York City, with games taking place across various legendary city parks.

Imbued with city hoops DNA, the Air Force 1 features a palette of 'Court Blue', 'Hyper Pink', 'Aquarius Blue' and 'Bright Mandarin'. Perfect for summer shoot-outs, the AF-1 is also accented by a darker blue inner lining, while the tongue label and heel feature a light shade of blue. The most salient design aspect is no doubt the Swoosh, which utilises a gradient design shifting from orange to purple and blue – a homage to NYC’s diversity. The NY vs NY logo is also displayed prominently on the lateral heels and tongue tags, while classic white rubber midsoles and icy blue outsoles round out the model.

The Nike Air Force 1 ‘NYC vs NYC’ is slated to launch on June 25 via the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers.