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Nike shocked sneaker enthusiasts in May with the launch of a “Dirty Triple White” version of its classic Air Force 1. The shoe, meant to play along with internet memes of thrashed white Air Forces, was accompanied by a black pair which featured a similar wear-away treatment but didn’t don the same pre-worn aesthetic. For those who would’ve preferred a more aged appearance, Nike has a new black Air Force 1 on the way which looks as though it’s been put through a metal forge.
Nicknamed “Metalwork” or “Exoskeletal” on some platforms, this upcoming Nike Air Force 1 Low features a Medium Ash/Anthracite/Black colorway with some serious pre-distressing going on. The shoe’s upper is given a washed Medium Ash look that appears cracked and faded as if it’s been forged in fire. The weathered look is even carried over to the rubber outsole, which has white staining throughout. Yet despite all of this, the highlight of the shoe is its seemingly detachable Swoosh logo, which features a jagged, raised effect and is held down by screws. The golden rivets also appear on the shoe’s tongue tag.
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Nike’s product description for the upcoming Air Force 1 style is rather vague and does not fully explain the shoe’s inspiration. “Fresh out the forge, these AF1s bring the heavy-metal heat. The riveted tongue label, the jagged, chunky Swoosh, the distressed and subtly elevated platform—you got a shoe that looks like it’s been through it all and is ready for whatever comes next,” reads the shoe’s Snkrs e-commerce page.
Nike has been liberal with its black Air Force 1 renditions in 2025. Along with the aforementioned “Triple Triple Black” style, arriving at retailers now is a new luxe version of the sneaker which features pony hair and faux reptile overlays.
This so-called “Metalwork” Nike Air Force 1 is set to be released Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. from Snkrs and can also be found at select Nike Sportswear retailers. Pricing is set at $130 and the sneaker’s style code is IH4965-254.
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