The Air Force 1 tennis shoe was born onto feet in neighborhoods everywhere courtesy of Nike. The Air Force 1, whose name makes a reference to the plane that carries the President of the United States, was the first pair of Nikes that utilized Nike Air technology. The original release of the Air Force 1 was in 1982. It's debut into the market place was a short lived one and it was discontinued in 1983.

Nike reintroduced the Air Force 1 in 1986, and the only major changes to it's styling was the addition of the modern Nike Swoosh on the back. The Air Force 1 comes in 3 different styles. The low- cut and the mid top are most common and easy to find, and the high top proves itself a little more difficult to find.

The Air Force 1 have been a favorite amongst rappers, athletes, inner city youth and the hip hop scene since it's introduction. Rapper Nelly even wrote a song in 2002 about the kicks entitled "Air Force Ones." Originally introduced in white on white and solid black, now the Air Force 1's have been produced in over 1700 color variations. Many sequels to the Air Force 1 have been produced, including the Air Force 2, the Air Force 3, the Air Force STS, and the Airforce 5. In 2007 a twenty fifth anniversary edition was produced called the Air Force XXV. In 2009 Nike released the Air Force 09 which is an update of the original shoe and available in solid black and solid white.

These shoes not only make their way into new closets every year but they are estimated to bring Nike 800 million US dollars a year in revenue. Nike restricts who sells the shoes by limiting the supply, so if you want to pick yourself up a pair don't be surprised if they are a bit difficult to find. Between limited supply and these shoes showing up on the feet of rappers, athlete's, youth, and just your average joe the Air Force 1 has cemented itself a place in shoe history.