If you aren’t already aware, Cordura is a lightweight, durable fabric with some deep military roots. Originally developed by DuPont for products and situations that required a ton of abrasion resistance, it’s now used for everything from motorcycle apparel to hiking gear.
Nike has had some trouble using the mil-spec material on its Air Force 1s in recent years. Not every example was a dud but they always seemed to favor either the AF1’s classic aesthetic or the ruggedness of Cordura, but never both. After a few years of mixed results, however, the athletic giant might have finally figured it out.
Building on Four Decades of Excellence
Designed by Bruce Kilgore for its 1982 release, Air Force 1 was a revolutionary basketball shoe when it first dropped but has transformed into one of the most beloved streetwear sneakers around. Sneakerheads will tell you that, after becoming the first Nike shoe to feature Air cushioning technology, the AF1 has since served as a blank canvas for countless iterations and collabs. But what sets this Dark Obsidian release apart is how it respects that heritage while also being practical about when and where you would actually wear these shoes.
Materials That Matter
Previous attempts of Nike using the material have leaned heavily into suede overlays that inevitably detracted from the Cordura’s intended effectiveness. However, this upcoming model will pair the military-grade fabric with glossy leather instead, which feels more rugged while also looking a lot more similar to the original 1982 silhouette.
For its construction, Cordura ballistic nylon covers the toe box, quarter panels, and heel areas where your wear would typically show up first. Meanwhile, premium leather overlays keep the AF1’s refined aesthetic. Likewise, metal eyelets and reinforced stitching further help with durability.
We love the deep navy blue, nearly black, color scheme of the Dark Obsidian, which is worked throughout the upper, midsole, and outsole for a stealthy, monochromatic look that can pair well with literally anything. The Nike Swoosh almost blends into the backdrop, while a small Cordura tag hangs below it for some more minimal branding.
All-leather uppers can make for a very heavy shoe but the integration of Cordura will keep these guys lightweight. Plus, the glossy choice for the leather here gives you some extra style points.
Spec Sheet
Model: Nike Air Force 1 Low Cordura “Dark Obsidian”
Colorway: Dark Obsidian/Black/Metallic Silver/Dark Obsidian
Upper: Cordura ballistic nylon base with leather overlays
Midsole: Classic Air-cushioned midsole in Dark Obsidian
Outsole: Rubber in matching Dark Obsidian
Hardware: Metal eyelets, reinforced stitching
Release: Fall (expected)
Pricing & Availability
Expected to drop this fall on Nike’s website and retailers, the Air Force 1 Low Dark Obsidian is sure to sell like hot cakes. Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet but our guess is that it’ll be somewhere between $100 and $130.
Recap
Nike Air Force 1 Low Dark Obsidian
Nike finally cracked the code of using mil-spec Cordura on its classic Air Force 1s with this Dark Obsidian variant, which opts for glossy black leather and a monochromatic appeal.
