Earlier this year, the long-awaited and much-hyped Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers were released, following the untimely passing of Louis Vuitton creative director Virgil Abloh the year prior. Initially offered to Abloh’s close friends and family, 200 pairs of the sneakers were later auctioned through Sotheby’s in association with the late designer’s family, with the units selling for a combined value of USD$23.5million. Proceeds from the sneaker sale went directly to Abloh’s Post Modern Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2020 to provide financial support to Black fashion students.
Now, almost a year after 47 iterations of the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers were initially revealed at the Louis Vuitton SS21 menswear runway, the coveted and covetable sneakers are now available to the public. Both the low-top and mid-top styles were released on the Louis Vuitton webstore on Tuesday 19th July, with a starting price of $4000AUD for the low-tops.
The Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers amalgamate the iconic Nike silhouette with the house codes and craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton, as well as the signature details Abloh made famous through Off-White. With 47 styles available, there’s quite literally something to suit every sneaker aficionado. White leather and black suede sneakers feature the embossed Louis Vuitton monogram print, alongside Abloh’s Off-White style quotation marks.
Two-tone iterations see the white leather take on leather overlays in green, red, or blue, while more eclectic options include all-over metallic gold and multi-coloured pairs. For something different, there’s also a pair that sees the Louis Vuitton Damier print adorned with graffiti by artist Ghusto Leone.
The low-top and mid-top sneakers are available via the Louis Vuitton store, priced at $4000AUD and $5000AUD, respectively.
Words by Theo Rosen
