The history of sneakers broadly records lists of products created for sport. Performance footwear designed to hone the best of an athlete’s abilities.

Occasionally, history shows us how a sneaker can transcend the athletic arena, into the stadium of the streets for all major urban wear markets. Its new function has become that of a staple style choice for multiple generations and one that continues to show off new materials appropriate for its global audience.

Few examples of sneakers illustrate this phenomenon as accurately as the Nike Air Force 1.

The Nike Air Force 1 was designed by Bruce Kilgore and first went to market in 1982. Kilgore used the inspiration of the Nike Air Approach, a hiking shoe which at the time offered hikers immense stability, superior cushioning, and reliable traction.

These factors established the design framework for the Nike Air Force 1 High. Its stability was evident in a high constrict and reinforced strap. Cushioning was enhanced with a full-length encapsulated Nike Air unit which had never been used on a basketball shoe prior to the Nike Air Force 1. Finally, the modified cup sole featured concentric circles for players to easily pivot around the court.

The edges of the outsole were inspired by design elements of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This inspiration introduced tiny lugs which grounded the player.

In recognition of its superiority and the fact that athletes would be flying across the court in them, they were appropriately named “Air Force 1” – The name given to the airplane used by the American President.

When Nike went to market with the Air Force 1, it signed 6 players to the shoe. Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Bobby Jones, Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson, and Jamal Wilkes.