A’s and J’s: Nike’s Air Force 1’s And Jordans Lead The Shoe Trend

The School has many fashion trends, but shoes, in particular, are taking off in popularity. Sought-after shoe brands have remained consistent throughout the years, with many students wearing Converse, Vans, Adidas, and Nike. Nike, however, is stealing the spotlight from those previously popular shoes. Air Force 1’s, Air Jordans, and Dunks, all produced by Nike are all over the feet of students at the School right now. 

Nike shoes have always been popular, but recently it’s been one of the only brands that people are wearing. Since their debut in 1982, Nike’s Air Force 1’s have always been popular. But in 2002 a popular rapper, Nelly, released a song titled Air Force Ones, increasing the popularity of the already coveted shoes. Nike’s Air Jordans have a similar story. When Air Jordans came out in 1984, the admiration of the shoe steadily continued. However, when Michael Jordan’s documentary series, “The Last Dance” aired in 2020, it rapidly increased the stylishness, demand, and price of Jordans. 

Recently, Air Force 1’s and Jordans have greatly impacted what kids call “shoe game”, meaning the unique and fashionable styles related to the shoes you own. When asked about shoe game at the School, Meley Haile, a Junior and Jordan Low owner says “ Jordan 1’s and Dunks contribute a lot to good shoe game, which I noticed has gotten a lot better this year.” Leila Haile, a Freshman (Meley’s sister), with great taste in shoes, said “Air force 1’s and Jordan 1’s are the most popular Nike shoes at school. Tiktok has heavily influenced Sneaker culture, making the prices higher.” This relates back to the rise in price after The Last Dance. 

Buck Arney, a Junior who sells shoes in his free time, observed: “People distinguish themselves by going for a variety of colorways in Jordan 1 highs or Nike Dunks.” Nike’s success in remaining popular after all these years is represented on a daily basis with lots of students repping all different colors and styles.

There are plenty of different shoes out there, you just need to find the one that best suits you. If you want to talk to someone with an impressive shoe game and knows what he’s doing, talk to senior Rishi Dhawan! Shoes are the new thing, you might as well hop on the trend.