The classic foam midsole of the Air Force 1 is larger to create a platform. The "toothed protrusions" of the outsole are also larger, in a modern version of the original design.

These shoes, originally intended for basketball, were named after Air Force One, the aircraft that transports the President of the USA. In 1982, it revolutionized and changed the game, as it was the first basketball shoe with Nike Air technology. It quickly gained popularity worldwide, from the courts to the streets and the heart of hip-hop culture. Today, the Air Force 1 remains true to its roots and features soft and resilient cushioning, but the Nike Air technology is considered secondary to the iconic image that has been created around these shoes.