1017 Alyx 9SM has taken on the Nike Air Force 1 High a number of times between 2018 and 2021, and after a two-year gap of Swoosh-branded product, the Matthew Williams-led label is now taking on the low-top version for the first time.
At first glance, the Alyx Air Force 1 Lows appear as if they’re just the staple all-black and all-white colorways. It isn’t just the brand’s name printed in silver on the lateral heel that makes the difference, though. Alyx has opted for a premium full grain leather across the upper with a noticeably different patina, while it takes over the branding for a metallic silver lace dubrae to match a single matching eyelet second to last on each shoe’s lateral side.
The mustache branding has also been reduced to a Swoosh without “Nike” or “Air word marks and is debossed instead of embroidered. Rounding out the tweaks are co-branded tongue tags and mismatched, co-branded insoles. Alyx has also called out “premium laces,” although the photos don’t belie the difference.
Perhaps the greatest source of relief will be the price tag. For Alyx’s luxury updates, the price has been raised to $155, just $40 more than the traditional pairs with matching color schemes.
On Monday, Williams and Givenchy announced they’d part ways after his three-year term as the label’s creative director. He says he now plans to focus on his own label, which just so happens to have this high profile release as a quick follow-up to the news.
The Alyx x Nike Air Force 1 Lows will first release this Thursday, Dec. 7, through the label’s website before hitting the SNKRS app Dec. 15.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
