Our verdict

The Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is an investment that will give a lot of returns. We believe that this is the case where a high price tag is absolutely justified. For us, this shoe is an instant top pick in the durability and stability departments. And for sure, it is among the best options for outdoor use that we've seen in a while. If Nike fixes its firm midsole and trims down the weight for the next iteration, we are ready to claim it as THAT SHOE.

kyrie low 3 basketbalschoen paars Pros

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  • Outstandingly durable
  • One of the most stable shoes
  • Wide platform
  • Very secure lockdown
  • Reliable traction on all courts
  • Breathable enough
  • Sustainable materials

kyrie low 3 basketbalschoen paars Cons

  • Firm sole with poor impact protection
  • Heavier than average
  • Break-in needed

Audience verdict

79
Good!
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Who should buy

Having tested the limits and capacities of the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020, we consider it an excellent option for the following:

  • small forwards who need tonnes of support and stability
  • athletes who mostly play on outdoor courts
  • savvy buyers who are willing to pay more for premium durability

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 review

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Having tested the previous version of the Cosmic Unity, we believe that the v3 is a bit of a letdown when it comes to cushioning and weight. If you want a softer and more responsive Zoom Air cushioning, go with the v2. We also found that it is a whopping 2.3 oz (65g) lighter!

Another great alternative, in our opinion, is the Nike AS M Mens Sportswear Air JKT Jacket WVN University Red BLACK. It is 1.7 oz (48g) lighter, has plusher and bouncier cushioning, and is just as great for outdoor courts.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 lab test

kyrie low 3 basketbalschoen paars | Breathability

When we first saw all those layers of mesh and knit embracing the upper of the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020, we instantly thought "Uh-oh, here comes a toaster." And yet, our smoke machine test proved that this Nike shoe found a way to ventilate the interiors.

Based on the amount of smoke passing through the upper, we assessed its breathability with a rating of 3 out of 5.

It is clear from the transparency test below which parts of the upper are responsible for the airflow.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 3
Average 2.4
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The wear resistance of this Nike shoe is INSANE!

In addition to its mesmerising looks, the embroidered upper of the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is also impressively strong. It survived our 12-second Dremel test with very minor damage and deserved the highest rating of 5/5. No wonder it is advertised for outdoor use!

Seeing what the same test did to the cheaper Nike Lebron Witness 7 (£120), Спортивні шорти для бігу nike.

nike cosmic unity 3 toebox durability comparison 20020499 720

Of course, we couldn't help but explore the shoe's upper under our microscope in an attempt to reveal its secret durability formula.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 microscope 1

We can see how multiple layers of woven fabric create several layers of defence on the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020. This shoe is ready for some serious wear and tear.

nike cosmic unity 3 microscope 2 20020529 720

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 41 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Back in the heel, the collar padding also showed excellent results in our Dremel test. Pressing the tool against the material for 4 seconds, we saw smaller damage compared to basketball shoes on average.

In this part of the upper, we rated the Cosmic Unity as 3 out of 5.

nike cosmic unity 3 heel padding durability result 20020500 720

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 38 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The shoe's unmatched durability includes the outsole as well.

Measuring the hardness of its rubber with a durometer, we found it to be 86.5 HC. This is harder than 81% of our lab-tested basketball shoes. And in our experience, it takes much longer to wear through hard rubbers.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Outsole hardness

This fact in combination with our playtests allows us to wholeheartedly recommend the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 for outdoor use.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 outsole

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 86.5 HC
Average 81.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
59.5 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

kyrie low 3 basketbalschoen paars | Outsole thickness

We also use a calliper to check how thick the outsole is. At 3.5 mm, it is not among the thickest we've seen.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Outsole thickness

But we wouldn't be so concerned about that because the nature of the treads on the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 looks very reassuring. Wide and deep, these lugs are not easy to wear off.

Based on all of our findings in the durability department, we can claim this Nike shoe to be one of the best for outdoor use.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 3.5 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Weight

Apparently, being a durable shoe has its price.

The Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 gained some serious weight compared to its predecessor. It now tips the scales at 15.7 oz (444g) whereas the average of our lab-tested hoop shoes is 13.7 oz (387g).

It feels very substantial underfoot but it seems to be the trade-off for the unmatched wear resistance and overall support.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 15.66 oz (444g)
Average 13.90 oz (394g)
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

The shoe's cushioning comprises a drop-in midsole that sits on top of an embedded midsole. We measured the combined stack height of these two.

In the heel, our calliper shows 27.9 mm of stack, which is slightly thinner than average but still in the medium jam.

Less cushioning typically translates to a better ground feel and we can confirm that the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 feels more grounded.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Heel stack
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 27.9 mm
Average 29.3 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.6 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured the stack height at 20.7 mm. It is also considered average for a basketball shoe. It is neither too thin to hurt the ball of the foot not extra cushioned.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Forefoot stack
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 20.7 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
18.0 mm
Forefoot stack
29.2 mm

Drop

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This slight elevation of the heel above the toes is right at the average of hoop shoes. We believe that it will suit most players.

Bigger guys and gals, on the other hand, may benefit from a higher drop as it gives more impact protection in the heel. Some shoes like that include the Nike Air Max 2090Magma Ojam GS Magma Ojam Grand Purple Habanero Red Black CJ4066-800 (10.4 mm).

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Drop
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 7.2 mm
Average 7.7 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
4.0 mm
Drop
14.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

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The cushioning of the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is a far-far cry from the brand's claim of "cloud-like cushioning." We repeated the durometer measurement several times to make sure we are not biased and yet every time the tool confirmed our experience - this shoe is firm. At 33.3 HA, the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is about 20% firmer than average. 

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Midsole softness

Because of that, the shoe feels dense (and even thin) and definitely lacks impact protection for our moderate body weight. Unfortunately, it is a downgrade from the second iteration which was 32% softer and felt amply cushioned despite the lower stack height.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 33.3 HA
Average 25.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Insole thickness

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However, if you are wondering, the heel thickness of this component is 14.5 mm.

We are not exactly sure why Nike went with this midsole design. But at least it gives us an opportunity to replace its underwhelming cushioning with something more fun and protective. Not to mention that it gives way to using custom orthotics.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Insole thickness
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 0.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Luckily, the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 comes back strong when it comes to support and stability. This shoe made us feel contained like no other!

The first salute goes out to supportive materials on the upper. All those sturdy woven layers of Flymesh and Flyknit blend together to lock the foot in place. We experienced zero in-shoe movement.

Just look how little stretch (if any) there is in the upper!

Torsional rigidity

Our next shoutout goes to the plastic shank embedded into the midsole. It extends up on both sides, firmly bracing the arch. We haven't seen expanded shanks like that in quite some time.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Shank

This design is responsible for the shoe's increased torsional rigidity. Twisting it is not that easy! On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 4.

We consider it an essential stability component of the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 4
Average 4.5
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe's heel cup was another pleasant surprise. First of all, it is notably stiffer than most basketball shoes. Giving it a good squeeze, we rated its stiffness as 4 out of 5.

Secondly, the shoe's rear foot is designed in such a way that our heels ended up sitting quite deeply in it. Heel slippage is simply non-existent here.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Heel cup

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Finally, we cannot leave the shoe's wide base without attention.

Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a calliper, we found it to be 115.3 mm. This is a little wider than average.

Having a wide landing area, we felt extra confident making sharp direction changes.

nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the forefoot 20020512 main
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 115.3 mm
Average 114.5 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
106.2 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
122.2 mm

Nike Air VaporMax 97 GS 'Metallic Gold'

The Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 also features a wide heel area. We measured its widest part at 91 mm. A solid average for a hoop shoe.

nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the heel 20020513 main
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 91.0 mm
Average 90.4 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
82.4 mm
Nike Air VaporMax 97 GS 'Metallic Gold'
105.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Being such a sturdy shoe, the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 loses a bit on the flexibility front.

It doesn't bend very easily on the foot and as our lab test shows, it's not very bendy per se. It took 44N of force to get the shoe to a 90-degree angle, according to our gauge reading. This makes the shoe 5% stiffer than the average. Not critical but noticeable.

We anticipate that the shoe will get more flexible with use but the break-in period is going to take a while.

We felt less manoeuvrable in the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 but in return, we got smoother heel-to-toe transitions and enhanced stability.

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 44.0N
Average 39.8N
Nike Grey Tops.
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.8N
Stiffness
67.2N

Grip / Traction

The grip is fabulous on the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020. We mostly tested the shoe on a rubberized outdoor court and felt very surefooted. But we can readily recommend it for hardwood and concrete surfaces too.

We had to wipe the dust off much less frequently compared to other basketball shoes.

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

We measured the widest part of the shoe's toebox at 105.4 mm. This is a few millimetres wider than average and is a pretty good sign for wide footers.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 105.4 mm
Average 101.5 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
92.6 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
108.2 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Towards the toes, the toebox goes from being above-average width to simply average. We measured the width at the big toe at 76.7 mm.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Toebox width at the big toe

In our opinion, the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 will accommodate most foot shapes perfectly. Except perhaps the really wide feet. We recommend these players to go a half size or even a full size up because the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is not available in wide.

nike cosmic unity 3 fit 20020533 720

Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 76.7 mm
Average 76.7 mm
Compared to 44 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
71.2 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
85.1 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Surprisingly for its higher-end price point, the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 doesn't have a gusseted tongue.

However, this was never an issue for us as the tongue stayed in place and wrapped around our insteps comfortably.

The tongue is pretty wide and is made of a neoprene-ish material, which apparently makes up a success formula for this Nike shoe.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 None

Comfort

Tongue padding

The shoe's tongue is much thinner than average. At 4.9 mm, it is nearly twice thinner. And yet, it feels fairly well-padded.

We think that more padding in the tongue would be unnecessary as the shoe's upper offers plenty of support and in-shoe comfort as is.

nike cosmic unity 3 tongue padding 20020520 main
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 4.9 mm
Average 9.5 mm
Compared to 50 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Heel tab

Because the edge of the shoe's collar is made of a pliable Flyknit material, having a finger loop to assist with putting it on is pretty handy.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Heel tab
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Finger loop

Removable insole

Remember that taking the insole out of the Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 equates to removing the shoe's cushioning entirely. So you would need to find a thick replacement of at least 12 mm in the heel.

Nike Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Removable insole
Test results
Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 Yes

Misc

Sustainable materials

As a final bonus, the Nike Womens Air Force AF 1 Shadow White Atomic Pink 2020 is claimed to be partially made of responsibly sourced materials. These include recycled post-manufactured and post-consumer waste like yarns, textiles, and plastics.nike cosmic unity 3 laces 20020532 720