Virgil Abloh's latest release, the Air Force 1 Low Off-White Volt - Maxluxes, has garnered a lot of attention in the sneaker community. While the sneaker isn't the first off-white Nike model to hit the market, it is definitely a new one, and one that deserves a second look. Here are a few things you should know about this pair.
Release date
Earlier this year we were treated to the inaugural Off-White x Nike Air Force One, a bevy of snazzy AF1's in black and red, as well as two special editions - the oh-so-fashionable ComplexCon and MoMA editions. Now Virgil Abloh has resurfaced, and as usual, there is more to come. The aforementioned 'Volt' colorway is on the docket, and it is slated to hit select retailers like Footlocker later this month. 'Wipe Out' and 'City Limit' will also make an appearance in the near future. 'Volt' is a nod to the classic AF1's black and red color schemes. It's likely that the upcoming Air Force One's will feature a similar white and black scheme, albeit in slightly smaller scale. As we've seen in the past, the Nike Off-White x AF1 has been a hit with the kids, and the aforementioned aforementioned 'Volt' colorway will surely be no exception.
It's no secret that Virgil Abloh is a huge fan of the ol' black and red - aka ABBA - and the upcoming Off-White x AF1 is sure to be no different. As we've seen in the past, a slew of upcoming AF1's are slated to hit select retailers like Footlocker, whereas the aforementioned 'Wipe Out' and aforementioned 'City Limit' will also feature a similar white and black scheme,albeit in slightly smaller scale.
Reception
Authenticating an Off White Air Force One low is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Luckily, there are a few tricks of the trade to help you make the right choice.
The most obvious is to go for a sneaker that has a good mix of suede, leather and mesh. You'll want to find something that isn't too stiff or too bulky, and has a tongue that isn't too oversized for its own good. Also, the material used in the heel should be smooth and a light color, preferably the same as the lace tabs. If you have a real deal, you'll be able to wear it without fear of getting stepped on.
The best way to get a true sense of a sneaker's wares is to ask the owner, and if you can't, a trip to the nearest shoe shop should do the trick. In fact, you might even be able to pick up an exclusive pair.
Virgil Abloh's influence on the sneaker industry
Virgil Abloh had a big impact on the sneaker industry, but his work goes beyond fashion. His contributions to culture, music, and sports have had a lasting influence on many industries. And he never lost sight of the audience he wanted to inspire.
Virgil Abloh has designed for a variety of sports, including the NBA and Serena Williams. He also created custom Air Force 1's for LeBron James. He worked with Nike on multiple collections, and has had a major influence on the sneaker industry. His sneakers have seen great success and have increased in resale value. In fact, 200 pairs of his sneakers were sold at Sotheby's for $25.3 million in early 2022.
In 2017, Virgil Abloh collaborated with Nike and East Garfield Park in Chicago. He designed and redesigned basketball facilities. He also launched a mentorship program called FREE-GAME, which provided one million dollars to black youth. He invested in the next generation of creative youth, giving them the opportunity to learn from his experience.
'The Ten' collection's impact on the sneaker industry
Virgil Abloh's "the Ten" collection is likely one of the last full collections of shoes produced by a single person. This is because the process took ten months from ideation to release.
The sneaker industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Today, consumers are seeking products that express their personal beliefs, as well as ethical working conditions. This in turn has created an environment where new companies are popping up to meet demand.
Sneakers have always been a defining piece of streetwear culture. Artists are now using sneakers as a means of expressing their social concerns. As a result, the sneaker industry has evolved into a "secondary collecting market." This is where buyers invest in limited edition "deadstock" items.
Sneaker resale websites like StockX and GOAT allow users to buy and sell via custom-designed phone apps. They track real-time sales to ensure the authenticity of items. These sites also provide resellers with a side hustle. They can sell sneakers for anywhere from 15% to 20% more than retail.
No comments yet