Our verdict
- Our top pick in nike kd 8 gs grey silver sail white
Pros
- Historical silhouette (first-ever visible Air Max)
- Responsive Air Max cushioning
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH SPIDER-MAN ORIGIN STORY GS 24cm
- Extraordinary durable
- Lighter than expected
- True to size and fit
Cons
- Lacks breathability
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- Cheap materials (fake leather and suede)
Audience verdict
- The Air Max Pre-Day Joins The Sun Club Collection Nike sneakers
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NIKE AIR MAX 90 SE TRAINERS SUN CLUB SAIL LT MADDER ROOT DM0036 100 UK | Comparison
The most similar sneakers compared
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Audience score | 91 Great! | 91 Great! | 85 Decent! | 93 Great! | |
Price | $140 | $145 | $150 | $100 | |
Style | ClassicSporty | ClassicDadRetroSporty | ClassicRetroSportyChunky | DadRetroSporty | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Breathable | Warm | |
Weight lab | 13.3 oz / 378g | 13.5 oz / 383g | 14 NIKE AIR MAX 90 SE TRAINERS SUN CLUB SAIL LT MADDER ROOT DM0036 100 UK | 12.9 oz / 366g | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Firm | Balanced | Soft | |
Material | Mesh | MeshSuede | LeatherMeshSuede | LeatherMesh | |
Season | SpringWinterFall | SpringWinterFall | Summer | SpringWinterFall | |
Inspired from | Running | Running | Running | Running | |
nike air pegasus 30x all black mens newest athletic sneakers 803268 002 super deals | Medium | Medium | Medium | Wide | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Medium | Wide | |
Leather/suede quality | Fake suede | Real suede | Real leather | Real leather | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
nike metcon 7 flyease particle grey marathon running shoessneakers | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Heel stack lab | 32.2 mm | 35.4 mm | 34.8 mm | 32.3 mm | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | |
Tongue padding | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Drop lab | 12.1 mm | 11.1 mm | 10.3 mm | 10.0 mm | |
Forefoot | 20.1 mm | 24.3 mm | 24.5 mm | 22.3 mm | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heel tab | None | None | None | None | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
NIKE AIR MAX 90 NRG RECRAFT 27.5cm | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Reflective elements | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | |
Closure | Laces | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Low top | Low top | Low top | Low top | |
Ranking | #38 Top 50% | #27 Top 36% | #72 Bottom 5% | #9 Top 12% | |
Popularity | #30 Top 40% | #12 Top 16% | #47 Bottom 38% | #9 Top 12% |
Taylor King left in the Nike KD II
You can't walk past the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 if:
- you are building an Air Max collection (Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 White Black Racer Blue)
- you want an iconic sneaker that doesn't cut corners on comfort and support
- Nike Air Force 1 Low voorschools Schoenen
- retro kicks are your fancy
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If you really want an Air Max silhouette but the shoe's fake leather-suede upper annoys you, consider getting a slightly more expensive Premium version of the sneaker ($150-160) or consider the Nike Air Max 95.
On the other hand, if you want to experience the Air Max cushioning in a more affordable package, we highly recommend the Nike Air Max Excee.
Breathability
It is easy to be misled by the shoe's seemingly breathable mesh upper. But in reality, it hardly lets any air in or out of the interiors.
Our smoke-pumping breathability test makes it very clear that the shoe's ventilation capacity is little to none. Its toebox fabric failed to expel any smoke, unlike the much more breathable NB 57/40 shoe on the right.
Our additional search for ventilation holes didn't retrieve any results either.
Even in our microscope test, the shoe's upper fabric proved to be incredibly tightly woven with no pores in between the threads.
Thus, we couldn't rate the white high-top Air Force 1's breathability any higher than 2 out of 5.
This sneaker is not a good choice for warm summer days. We recommend looking into the Nike Zoom Vomer 5 among nike lebron 15 low university red white mens basketball shoes if you are after highly breathable kicks.
![The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Breathability upper material under microscope](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-breathability-upper-material-under-microscope-21524662-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 2 |
Average | 2.9 |
Durability
Leather/Suede quality
Gone are the days when you could cop a genuine leather sneaker for $140. As the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 shows, you can expect nothing more than synthetic materials at this price point.
And if you want a touch of real leather or suede, you have to shell out $160 for the kick's Premium version.
We think that even an untrained eye can see the fakeness of materials on this Nike sneaker. But we still tested every major panel on its upper with the help of a butane torch.
Both "suede" and "leather" patches quickly caught fire and melted the moment we applied the torch, proving our assumptions.
white high-top Air Force 1 | Fake suede |
NIKE AIR MAX 90 SE TRAINERS SUN CLUB SAIL LT MADDER ROOT DM0036 100 UK | Toebox durability
The shoe's mesh fabric may lose points for breathability but boy its durability surpasses nearly every mesh sneaker we've tested!
After being exposed to sandpaper for 12 seconds at a 5K RPM speed, the fabric showed nothing more than a chafe!
Meanwhile, most kicks ended up with see-through holes like the one on the right.
On a 1-5 scale, we eagerly rated the white high-top Air Force 1's toebox durability as 4.
In addition, the shoe's upper is protected by a large fake suede overlay around the perimeter. Proudly called the "mudguard" by Nike, it made us chuckle because it is actually a magnet for dirt and stains.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 4 |
Average | 3.8 |
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Granted, the durability of the white high-top Air Force 1 surpassed our expectations.
Even such an easily damaged part of the shoe as the heel lining proved to be immune to our abrasive Dremel.
The textile remained nearly unscathed after a 4-second encounter with sandpaper.
This is impressive considering that most sneakers in our lab end up with considerable damage (as the shoe on the right illustrates).
Such resistance to abrasion earns the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 a high score for heel lining durability - 4 out of 5!
white high-top Air Force 1 | 4 |
Average | 3.5 |
Outsole hardness
Last but not least, the rubber outsole of this iconic sneaker stood up to the challenge just as brilliantly.
It proved to be made of a rather hard compound which returned 90.0 HC on our Shore C durometer. As one of the hardest outsole measurements in our lab, it promises a great deal of longevity as well.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 90.0 HC |
Average | 85.2 HC |
Outsole durability
To check if that's true, we raised the speed of our Dremel to the relentless 10K RPM and extended the drilling time to 22 seconds.
The white high-top Air Force 1 did not disappoint taking all of that abuse with minimal damage!
Measuring the depth of the dent created by the Dremel, our tread gauge showed only 0.8 mm. A bit shallower than average, it proves that this Nike sneaker has the potential to outlast most lifestyle sneakers in your closet.
![nike air max 1 outsole durability test 21524633 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-outsole-durability-test-21524633-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 0.8 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
We must also note that the thickness of rubber on the white high-top Air Force 1 comes in high at 5.7 mm. It further proves our point that it will take a while to blow through this kick.
![nike air max 1 outsole thickness 21524634 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-outsole-thickness-21524634-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 5.7 mm |
Average | 5.5 mm |
Weight
We were amazed at how Nike managed to keep the weight of the white high-top Air Force 1 below average. Our scale shows a moderate reading of 13.3 oz (378g) in a men's US size 9.
It is lighter than both the Vattentäta sneakers från nike (14.8 oz/420g) and the Nike Air Force 1 07 (16.4 oz/465g).
Considering the shoe's stack height, the Air units, and the somewhat beefy upper design, it feels pretty light on the foot.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 13.33 oz (378g) |
Average | 14.07 oz (399g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Loaded with a large Air Max unit under the heel, it is no surprise that the white high-top Air Force 1 has a taller-than-average stack height.
Our caliper returned 32.3 mm as we measured its thickness in the heel.
Treated to so much cushioning underfoot, we felt pretty comfortable spending a whole day in the white high-top Air Force 1.
It is not as cozy as the brand's walking-oriented shoes like the Nike Motiva but it is one of the few fashion-statement sneakers that are actually foot-friendly.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 32.2 mm |
Average | 29.6 mm |
Forefoot stack
Having cut the shoe in half, we were pleasantly surprised that it comes with an additional Air unit in the forefoot!
It is not as large as the heel unit but offered a very welcome touch of comfort and support for the balls of our feet.
It also added a couple of millimeters to the shoe's forefoot stack which showed 20.1 mm on our caliper.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 20.1 mm |
Average | 18.8 mm |
Drop
WIth a drop of 12.1 mm, the heel of the white high-top Air Force 1 is notably elevated above the toes.
However, once the shoe is loaded with the wearer's weight, the Air Max unit compresses and lowers the drop slightly.
In the end, this Nike shoe feels like most other sneakers, with the heel placed slightly higher on the platform to take the pressure off the Achilles.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 12.1 mm |
Average | 10.9 mm |
Midsole softness
If you haven't inconversant Nike sneakers with Air Max cushioning before, you might be surprised with the Air's somewhat firm nature. That's because it is basically a sealed bag with pressurized gas.
But when it's loaded with your body weight, the Air Max comes into play adding a bit of bounce to your step. And the great thing about it is that it doesn't compress over time like the cushioning foams do!
By the way, we also checked the softness of the midsole foam that carries the Air bubble. With a durometer reading of 21.1 HA, it is 45% softer than average!
It adds a great deal of comfort to this Nike sneaker as well.
P.S. The Air Max unit of this particular iteration is smaller than it was in the original The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 shoe from 1987. Nike decided to make it smaller in response to numerous complaints of the airbag cracking in low temperatures.
But if you prefer the look and feel of the larger Air Max unit, you might enjoy the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 '86 edition called the "Big Bubble." It was released in 2023 to commemorate the silhouette's 35th anniversary and recreate the authentic design. The retail price of this edition is a bit higher at $150-160.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 21.1 HA |
Average | 29.5 HA |
Insole thickness
The white high-top Air Force 1 features a pretty minimal insole that is only 3.6 mm thick. It makes the shoe feel less cushy but you get to experience the Air Max more closely in action.
![The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-insole-thickness-21524644-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 3.6 mm |
Average | 5.4 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Despite its air-based cushioning, the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 doesn't feel wobbly one bit!
The shoe's sturdy platform with raised sidewalls offered a very firm containment, never letting our feet or ankles get out of control.
We think that this Nike sneaker might even suit people with moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot).
Torsional rigidity
Our manual test proved that it is nearly impossible to twist the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 sideways.
We gave the shoe a solid 5 out of 5 in a torsional rigidity assessment. It makes the foot feel very well-supported and stable.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 5 |
Average | 3.5 |
NIKE AIR MAX 90 NRG RECRAFT 27.5cm
A considerable amount of support also comes from the shoe's heel counter which is structured, well-padded, and reasonably stiff.
Giving it a push-and-squeeze in our manual test, we assessed its level of stiffness at 3 out of 5.
Holding the back of our foot firmly in place, the shoe's heel counter prevented any unwanted slippage or shifting.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
The platform of the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 is neither too wide nor too narrow. It sits right at the average of most sneakers on the market.
Showing 107.9 mm in the widest part of the forefoot, it proved to be sufficiently wide to keep us surefooted.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 107.9 mm |
Average | 108.8 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
We also found the heel of the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 to be broad enough to provide stability.
It shows 81.8 mm in the widest part of the heel which is nearly the same as the average.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 81.8 mm |
Average | 83.3 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
With its substantial midsole and rigid construction, the white high-top Air Force 1 wasn't very eager to bend along with our foot. This was especially apparent at the toe-off.
The shoe's stiffness was also confirmed in our force gauge test. The latter showed that it takes as much as 30.0N to bend this Nike sneaker to a 90-degree angle. That is 30% stiffer than the average sneaker.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 30.0N |
Average | 23.4N |
Grip / Traction
We rarely find ourselves in dire need of a strong grip in day-to-day life.
But the waffle outsole of the Nike Air Max 2 made us feel quite secure in common lifestyle situations like walking on wet stairs after the rain or stepping on tile floors of the coffee shop.
Size and fit
Internal length
The The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 runs true to size based on our personal experience and lab measurements.
Measuring the shoe's internal length in our men's US size 9, the ruler showed 271.8 mm.
This corresponds to the MM measurements in Nike's shoe size chart and is consistent with other popular sneaker from the brand, including the Nike Air Force 1 07.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 271.8 mm |
Average | 272.1 mm |
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The toebox of the white high-top Air Force 1 also fits our medium-width feet to a T.
It may seem a bit pointy but our toes had an ample amount of space inside the shoe.
Measuring the widest part of the kick's forefoot with a caliper, we got 99.7 mm which is on par with the average.
![nike air max 1 toebox width at the widest part 21524648 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-21524648-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 99.7 mm |
Average | 99.1 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
Measuring the shoe's toebox width at the level of the big toe also showed a standard reading of 74.1 mm.
These are typical dimensions of a D-medium width sneaker.
white high-top Air Force 1 | 74.1 mm |
Average | 74.9 mm |
NIKE AIR MAX 90 SE TRAINERS SUN CLUB SAIL LT MADDER ROOT DM0036 100 UK
The tongue of the white high-top Air Force 1 does not have any gussets or other attachments to the rest of the upper.
![The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 NIKE AIR MAX 90 SE TRAINERS SUN CLUB SAIL LT MADDER ROOT DM0036 100 UK](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-tongue-gusset-type-21524650-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The in-shoe padding of the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 is not overly abundant but it's not minimal either. We found it to be just right for keeping us comfortable.
Vattentäta sneakers från nike Championship Goldenrod via solebox.
![The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-tongue-padding-21524655-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | 9.0 mm |
Average | 9.3 mm |
Heel tab
The white high-top Air Force 1 doesn't provide any loops or pull tabs to assist the on-and-off. You will need to fiddle with the laces a bit.
![nike air max 1 heel tab 21524651 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-heel-tab-21524651-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | None |
Removable insole
The shoe's stock insole can be removed in a matter of seconds in case you plan to use a pair of custom orthotics with this sneaker.
![nike air max 1 removable insole 21524656 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-removable-insole-21524656-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
There are no reflective elements on the upper of the white high-top Air Force 1.
![The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32420/nike-air-max-1-reflective-elements-21524647-main.jpg)
white high-top Air Force 1 | No |
The origins of the The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1
The The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 was not the first shoe to feature the revolutionary Air cushioning unit. It was the Nike Tailwing back in 1979. But the white high-top Air Force 1 did become the very first sneaker to put this technology on public display.
In the '80s, Nike thought of conceiving a footwear design that would keep up with the stiff competition in the shoe industry. While vibrant hues and bold patterns ruled the market, Nike planned on offering a design that is still remarkable without the usually bright and audacious elements.
Tinker Hatfield, the brand's architect at the time, came up with the idea of making the Air unit visible during his trip to Paris. He was inspired by the for design of the Centre Georges Pompidou which looked like the building was turned inside out with its girders and pipes all exposed.
The idea was originally met with resistance from Nike's marketing team and nearly cost Hatfield his job!
And yet, the brand yielded and the very first The Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 came to prominence in March 1987. Did you know that in 2014 Nike declared March 26 the official Air Max day? Since then, the company has celebrated the OG annually releasing new editions and colorways of the shoe.
The AM1's visible Air technology turned the sneaker into an instant classic. Today it is available in countless collaborations and colorways appealing to all genders, ages, and social groups.