Nike has opened pre-orders for the Air Force 1 ’01 “NYC”, a retro that returns to the original 2001 silhouette shape and celebrates the New York Knicks with a NYC-themed colorway. Reservations are live through June 19, with pairs expected to ship in October 2026 at $140.
The Air Force 1 debuted in 1982 as a basketball shoe designed by Bruce Kilgore, becoming one of the most influential sneaker silhouettes in history. Nike‘s basketball heritage runs through the shoe’s DNA, and over four decades the Air Force 1 has transcended sport to become a foundational model across casual, streetwear, and collector communities. The shoe’s clean lines and simple construction have made it a canvas for countless collaborations and reissues.
The Air Force 1 ’01 specifically recalls the shoe’s early 2000s iteration, a design period that built a devoted following as one of the most versatile versions of the silhouette. The retro shape has maintained a cult status among sneaker enthusiasts who view that era’s proportions and construction as the definitive form of the model.
What distinguishes this drop is Nike’s expanded use of the pre-order model for a mainline release. Rather than a traditional limited drop with artificial scarcity, the pre-order approach allows anyone who reserves during the window to secure a pair at retail price. Nike handles production based on total orders, a shift away from managed scarcity in favor of meeting actual demand through advanced orders. Nike tested this strategy last year with Tom Sachs collaborations, but this Air Force 1 ’01 release expands the method to a much larger scale and wider retailer network.
The retailer network is notably broad for a Nike pre-order. Beyond the SNKRS app, the shoe is available through Kith, Awake NY, and Sneaker Room, among other NYC-based shops. Each retailer will handle its own fulfillment, though exact logistics across multiple sellers remain unclear as production appears open-ended based on demand.
Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “NYC” in style code JK5361-100 retails for $140 and is live for pre-order now through June 19. Pairs ship in October 2026. Reserve through SNKRS, Kith, Awake NY, Sneaker Room, and other NYC-based retailers. Explore more Air Force 1 colorways and retro iterations across Nike’s catalog.
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