Nike SB Launches Color of the Month Series with Four Global Partners

Nike SB is launching a new Color of the Month series for the Air Force 1, bringing together collaborators from around the world to design regional-exclusive colorways. The program marks a callback to the original Color of the Month initiative that launched in 1984, just two years after the Air Force 1’s debut. When Nike nearly discontinued the basketball shoe, East Coast retailers requested the company keep the model alive while offering rotating exclusive colors. The effort became a turning point for the sneaker, saving it from discontinuation and establishing a template that would sustain the silhouette for decades.

Now, over 40 years later, Nike SB is applying that same strategy to its skateboarding-modified Air Force 1. The SB team has enlisted four global partners to each design their own AF1 colorway: Nocturnal from Philadelphia representing the US, Instant Skateboards handling Japan, Fly Streetwear for China, and Ben-G from Amsterdam representing Europe.

Ben-G’s contribution comes dressed in Light Chocolate brown suede with Court Purple accents across the Swooshes, outsoles, and Nike branding. The heel features Ben-G’s logo on both shoes. The Amsterdam shop’s take follows the suede construction trend Nike SB has established with recent Air Force 1 releases.

The Nike SB Air Force 1 Low has become a staple in skateboarding since its introduction as a performance-focused alternative to the original basketball silhouette. The SB version maintains the iconic low-top construction while adding reinforced panels and grip-focused materials designed for the demands of skateboarding. Past collaborations have explored various material combinations, from canvas to premium leathers, establishing the model as a versatile canvas for creative partnerships.

The Ben-G pair is expected to release in October 2026 as a European regional exclusive, priced at $120. Additional colorways from the other three partners are expected to roll out throughout the remainder of 2026, each tailored to their respective regions.

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