Are Nike Air Force 1 sneakers larger in fit? Do they tend to run smaller? Can the AF1 be relied upon for their standard sizing? What is the fit like for both men and women?
These queries are quite valuable, particularly if you’re considering the purchase of a pair of AF1s for the first time.
I will provide responses to these inquiries, followed immediately by an evaluation of the recently introduced Nike Air Force 1 Craft.
Prepare for some astonishment, as the Crafts have elevated the Air Force footwear series to an entirely new echelon. Be sure to peruse the review provided below for more insights.
Do Nike Air Force 1 Run Big, Small, True To Size
Air Force 1 Craft
Eric
For those who are curious about the fit of the Nike Air Force 1, it’s advisable to either stick to your true size or opt for a half size smaller. It’s crucial not to choose a larger size, as the Nike Air Force 1 tends to run a bit large.
Personally, I usually wear a true size 9 and my feet are slightly wider. Depending on the specific release, I can comfortably go a half size down or stay true to size.
For instance, when dealing with the standard Air Force 1 White on White model from Foot Locker, I would likely opt for a size 8.5, down half a size.
However, in the case of variations like the Stussy Air Force 1 or the Travis Scott Air Force 1 featuring the shroud over the tongue, I find that my true size 9 fits well.
In the context of the Air Force 1 Craft, despite its slightly more cushioned insole, I’ve found that going a half size down works perfectly. This provides a snug fit that remains comfortable.
Therefore, for the Air Force Crafts, I would suggest sticking with your usual Air Force 1 size, which usually means going down a half size.
To reiterate, based on my experience, it’s best to either choose your true size or opt for a half size down; avoiding selecting a larger size is key.
Brad
Regarding the fit, the Air Force 1 Crafts tend to align quite accurately with the expected sizing.
Personally, I acquired these in a size 10, and I’d likely propose that if you possess notably broad feet, increasing by half a size might be a viable option. Nonetheless, for the majority of individuals, I would recommend adhering to your true size when selecting the Air Force 1.
Be sure to delve into the review of the Air Force 1 Crafts provided below.
What about the fit of the Air Force 1 Nike Connect NYC edition?
Air Force 1 Nike Connect NYC
The AF1 Nike Connect fits just like any other AF1 Low. For me, it’s true to size. For you, it might be something different, but I would definitely suggest going for your regular AF1 size.
Travis Scott Air Force 1
The Travis Scott Air Force 1 Low does seem to fit true to size or at least just like every other Air Force 1 Low.
Air Force 1 Low React
When it comes to sizing and how they fit, it appears that the Air Force 1 Low React generally maintains a true-to-size fit. Interestingly, its fit closely resembles that of the regular Air Force 1 Low, with perhaps a slightly snugger feel.
However, my recurring advice remains: if you haven’t previously owned or tried on a pair of AF1s, it’s a prudent idea to visit a nearby sneaker store and physically try on a pair. This will help ensure that the sizing aligns well with your preferences.
Nike Air Force 1 Craft Review
For the purpose of this segment, I will provide an evaluation of the Nike Air Force 1 Craft in the Summit White color variation.
I will proceed by outlining several positive aspects, some potential drawbacks, and offer guidance on whether it’s a worthy purchase.
This particular shoe originally debuted in 2020, carrying a retail price of $120. The official color scheme is denoted as White, Summit White, and Vast Gray.
At an initial glance, this Air Force 1 rendition exudes an air of simplicity and immaculateness. Nonetheless, as implied by its moniker, the Air Force 1 Craft stands as a notably enhanced and superior rendition of the standard Air Force model.
Box
The Air Force 1 Craft arrives in a distinctive black AF1 box, setting it apart from the typical gray AF1 box. The box top prominently showcases the Nike Air logo, the iconic swoosh, and the ‘Air Force 1’ label.
Upon opening the box, you’re greeted with a premium-grade star-patterned tissue paper specifically designed for the Air Force 1 Craft. An intriguing observation regarding this tissue paper is the subtle print featuring a collection of stars and the inscription ‘EST. 1982.’ While seemingly a minor detail, it’s a nuanced touch that adds a touch of uniqueness to the packaging.
Upper
In terms of the upper, the AF1 employs an exquisite choice of premium, velvety tumbled white leather. This feature notably enhances the overall aesthetic, providing a luxurious appearance and an equally velvety tactile experience.
The toe box maintains its traditional design, complete with perforations distributed across its surface. Complementing this, an additional layer of the same tumbled white leather is elegantly draped around the outer rim of the toe box.
This leather continues its coverage across the eyelets, mid-panel, and the swoosh embellishment on the upper part of the shoe.
There is, however, a distinctive variation on the upper rear section. Instead of the standard Air Force 1 branding, this portion features a plush brushed gray suede, creating a striking textural contrast. Below this suede overlay, a cutout of the tumbled leather showcases the iconic Nike swoosh and AF1 branding, followed by a further continuation of the leather running along the central line of the heel.
Situated underneath the laces, the tongue boasts a construction of white-colored nylon material. At its apex, the iconic Nike swoosh and Air Force 1 insignia are proudly displayed, maintaining brand recognition and continuity.
Laces
Adjacent to the base of the laces, a dubrae or lace lock is present. Initially appearing gray, it actually boasts an attractive iridescent finish that catches the eye. Similar to other sections, the iconic Nike swoosh and AF1 branding are incorporated here as well.
Unlike some versions, this pair doesn’t include additional laces specifically. However, the laces provided are of a more refined, luxurious quality in comparison to the standard Air Force 1. Adding to the upscale perception, the lace tips are crafted from metal, further enhancing the premium and sophisticated essence of the footwear.
Insole
I feel like the insoles on this pair are slightly more padded than your normal Air Force 1. They’re lined in this white color at the top and there’s more Air Force 1 branding stamped on the heel.
Midsole
The upper of these Air Force 1s is positioned atop a white-colored midsole. On the lateral side of the rear heel, the customary AIR branding is present.
Housed within the midsole, though not externally visible, is the incorporation of Nike Air sole technology, which contributes to the cushioning and comfort of the shoe.
Outsole
Flipping the shoe to its underside reveals the familiar Air Force 1 outsole. This outsole features the characteristic circular traction pattern on both the forefoot and the rear heel sections. Additionally, there’s Nike branding positioned at the center of the medial side.
Are Nike Air Force 1 Comfortable?
In terms of comfort, the Air Force 1 Craft actually offers a rather comfortable experience. Once again, the insole seems to feature a slightly enhanced level of padding. Furthermore, the upper boasts a remarkably soft texture, giving it a well-worn feel right out of the box.
Notably, there’s no need for an extended breaking-in period, and from the very first step, the shoes felt remarkably contoured to my feet. Although the Air Force 1 Craft does retain a slightly weightier build, it’s worth acknowledging that this characteristic is intrinsic to the Air Force 1 line as a whole.
For everyday wear, I believe these could serve as a dependable option – a shoe that could be conveniently kept by your door without undue concern.
Regarding the materials employed, how does the AF1 Craft’s material quality compare to that of a standard AF1?
Construction
When it comes to the quality and workmanship, it’s probably no surprise to you that the materials used in the Air Force 1 Craft are certainly top-notch.
The leather’s texture and thickness exude a sense of luxury, yet it’s also incredibly supple and already broken-in, offering a pleasantly soft sensation.
Comparatively, when measured against the standard iteration, the Craft version of the Air Force 1 features notably more cushioning in the tongue, and I’d say there’s an equal level of cushioning in the insole.
There’s an intangible element about the Craft version that leads me to perceive it as more comfortable.
From a craftsmanship standpoint and in terms of how Nike meticulously assembled the shoe, I found my pair to be remarkably well-constructed. There were no apparent issues or flaws in sight, further solidifying the overall impression of exceptional craftsmanship.
Styling
The Air Force 1 Crafts are super clean shoes and super easy to wear. You can wear them with jeans, shorts, pants, joggers… However you want to rock it, just do it.
Price
To acquire the Air Force 1 Craft, you’ll be looking at a price tag of $120, which stands $30 higher than the standard AF1.
Upon obtaining these sneakers, I must say that they truly stand as a solid pair. Even at the full retail price, I’m confident in stating that the investment would be worthwhile.
For those individuals who frequently opt for the classic White on White Air Force 1s, especially if you’re accustomed to purchasing the all-white versions from stores like Foot Locker, I’d strongly suggest considering the additional expenditure of $30 or so for something like the Air Force 1 Craft.
The distinction in quality between this pair and the Foot Locker Air Forces is truly substantial. I’m convinced that once you have these in your possession, you’ll genuinely comprehend and admire the difference in quality.
Ultimately, taking into account the price point, the value you receive is undoubtedly commendable.
Pros
My first point of praise is undoubtedly the Air Force 1 Craft’s exceptional premium quality.
While I acknowledge that these come at a $30 premium compared to the usual AF1’s $90 price point, I firmly believe that the superior quality exhibited in these shoes justifies the value and corresponding price.
Inside the shoe, there’s a remarkably soft padding present not only on the interior but also on the tongue. This feature further bolsters the rationale behind the slightly elevated cost, in conjunction with the utilization of other premium materials.
Comfort-wise, the AF1 Craft excels. While I frequently attribute comfort to many Air Force 1 iterations, these particular ones can be categorized as notably more comfortable within the AF1 spectrum.
The Air Force 1s inherently carry an understated and timeless aesthetic. They exude an impression of being gently broken-in and possess a slightly vintage charm.
In fact, I foresee these shoes aging considerably better than the standard Air Force 1. The application of tumbled leather and the vintage-esque feel of the back heel tab distinctly contribute to this perceived enduring appeal.
Con
The sole drawback I could identify is that the AF1 Craft does come with a slightly higher price tag compared to the standard AF1. If the $30 increase isn’t within your budget, these shoes might not offer a substantial additional value compared to the conventional Air Force 1.
For certain individuals, the inclusion of premium materials might not hold significant importance, and if that’s the case, opting for the regular $90 Air Force 1 would likely be the preferable choice.
Overall
I’d describe the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Craft as a premium reinterpretation of the original model. This version possesses a distinct sense of comfort, a worn-in character, and a touch of reduced structural rigidity. It notably deviates from the stiffer and more structured leather appearance of the classic Air Force 1.
The choice between these options will hinge on your personal preferences and budget constraints, but if you already own the standard AF1, I would certainly endorse considering the Craft version.
It wouldn’t surprise me if, as the fervor surrounding dunks gradually subsides, models like the Air Force 1 gain increasing attention and popularity.
In such a scenario, I believe the Air Force 1 Craft would present a particularly compelling addition to your collection, offering excellent value at this juncture. I’m confident you won’t be let down by this choice.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below regarding the Air Force 1 Craft in the Summit White colorway. I’m curious to hear your take on this specific color scheme, as well as your overall perspective on the Air Force 1 silhouette.
When comparing the two options, do you find the $120 Craft version or the standard $90 version more appealing to you?