Japanese streetwear designer Nigo has teamed up with global superstar j-hope of BTS and Nike to create an exclusive edition of the iconic Air Force 1 sneaker. This collaboration highlights j-hope’s unique energy and style, described as the “signature hobicore aesthetic.” Building on the classic 2001 Air Force 1 design, Nigo, Nike’s designers, and j-hope worked closely to infuse elements that capture both nostalgic 1990s Tokyo vibes and modern global stardom.
The shoe features a glossy Burnt Sunrise and Metallic Gold leather upper, punctuated with Chlorine Blue touches and j-hope’s personal squirrel graphics. Its color palette harmonizes with j-hope’s association with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, adding depth to the design's appeal. j-hope expressed his admiration for the enamel materials and special shoelace details, saying these elements enhance the sneaker’s charm in a way he hadn’t seen before.
This partnership builds on prior collaborations between Nigo and j-hope, who together launched the HUMAN HOPE fashion line under Nigo’s HUMAN MADE brand. The first season of HUMAN HOPE, released in November 2025, quickly sold out on the HUMAN MADE and HYBE-owned Weverse platforms, with the second season following suit in September 2026. Given this history, the hype for the upcoming Nike Air Force 1 collaboration is exceptionally high.
The Nike x Nigo x j-hope Air Force 1 will be available starting October 17 exclusively on humanmade.jp, with a global launch on October 22 via Nike’s SNKRS app and select retail outlets. This latest release is part of Nigo’s ongoing Air Force 1 series with Nike, continuing his journey to reinterpret iconic silhouettes inspired by his personal history and cultural influences. Fans can expect the highly coveted sneaker to sell out rapidly.
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