3×1 is lending its expertise in denim to Nike for an upcoming collaboration to be released later this spring.
The Air Force 1 “Denim Pack” is an homage to both the classic Nike silhouette and the premium denim that 3×1 and its founder, Scott Morrison, are known for. The sneakers in the Denim Pack will come in two contrasting upper styles, one in black denim and the other in a more traditional medium-washed indigo.
The upper on the indigo model features contrasting segments, with light indigo on the toe that graduates to a darker hue at the heel. The Nike Swoosh and the lace guard on this model, however, are composed of the same wash of black denim found on the other style. Contrast stitching also makes an appearance, with bright orange framing the swoosh and red stitching where the upper meets the midsole, suggesting a selvedge influence.
The black denim style includes the same red stitching at the base of the upper. It also features a contrasting colorway, although it is much more subtle than the indigo version. Both the lace guard and the Swoosh embellishment on this style are in a darker denim than the rest of the upper, which is slightly faded by comparison.
This isn’t the first time Nike has released its Air Force 1 silhouette in a denim upper. Previously, the Air Force 1 “Denim” was released as a design from the silhouette’s original creator, Bruce Kilgore. This style was popular among Nike sneakerheads and still sells on resale platforms for upward of $250.
It’s also not the first time 3×1 has collaborated with a sportswear brand. In February, Jason Wu and 3×1 announced a collaboration using 3×1’s premium denim to create a women’s wear capsule that launched at the beginning of March.
Neither brand has announced an official release date, but the line is expected out later this spring.