We’re in somewhat of a slip-on renaissance these days (evidenced by everyone and their brother owning a pair of Birkenstock Bostons), which is encouraging big names like Nike to get in on the action. They did just that with the release of the Calm Mules earlier this year and have been tinkering with the slip-on designs in both active and casual shoes. In fact, a slip-on version of the iconic Air Force 1s, the Air Force 1 Lover XXs, dropped in the Spring of this year, and now Nike is back with the Air Force 1 Lover Wilds, a slip-on mash-up of two silhouettes.
Working to create a comfortable yet durable pair of slip-ons, Nike is drawing upon two silhouettes for these unique kicks: the Air Force 1 Lover XX and the Air Force 1 Wild. For the upper, the Lover XX’s leather top half is on full display, with Air Force 1-style perforations on the vamp. The outsole is taken from the more outdoor-oriented Air Force 1 Wilds, boasting a rubber construction with Nike Air technology to keep you cushioned, and the iconic Air Force 1 teeth on the sides. Finally, it’s finished with a pair of handy pull tabs on the heels for easy wearing.
At the time of writing, the only colorway we can see is the “Earth/Phantom/Racer Blue/Earth” featured here, with a deep brown upper and a speckled outsole. The inner heels also have these stitched blue Nike logos to contrast the brown.
We haven’t received any official news from Nike regarding the release of the Air Force 1 Lover Wilds, but you can stay tuned on Nike’s official channels (especially the SNKRS site) to keep an eye out. They’re expected to come out in 2024 and go for $135 when they officially drop.
