Nike’s New Air Force 1 Is Being Compared to a Popular Vans Sneaker

Nike’s Air Force 1 sneaker may be most commonly associated with leather builds in monochromatic black and white colorways, but the iconic 1980s model has much more to offer for fans looking to switch things up. Some of the brand’s most coveted Air Force 1 designs have been those which get experimental with their shades and textures, such as this upcoming “Bouclé” style.

With its Desert Moss/Fierce Pink/Midwest Gold/Baroque Brown color combination, dyed canvas upper and shaggy shoelaces, the upcoming Bouclé Air Force 1 Low has been compared on social media to the popular Vans Old Skool “Souvenir.” Side by side, the similarities are apparent, with the Air Force 1’s faded green canvas and textured pink laces resembling the upper, Sidestripe and liner of the Vans style.

Nike’s product description describes the new Air Force 1 as having a “bouclé upper, full of curled fabric covered in lush colors.” In addition to the aforementioned dyed canvas upper and fuzzy pink shoelaces, the Air Force 1 includes pink tongue branding and a beaded multicolored border around the Swoosh.

While the timeline makes it unlikely Nike was inspired by the Souvenir Old Skool — sneakers typically take years to make it through production, and the Vans shoe was released earlier this year — the comparisons being made by fans on social media are understandable. 

Vans’ own Souvenir Old Skool sneaker took inspiration from another source: Chanel’s graffiti-inspired On the Pavements Messenger bag featured in the French fashion house’s Karl Lagerfeld-designed spring 2015 “Boulevard Chanel” collection. 

The new Nike Air Force 1 Low “Bouclé” will be released Dec. 19 for $120 from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers. The style code for the pair is IO4474-300.