Nike Air Force 1 Shadow

These Air Force 1 Shadows are coated in a set of bold tones. A creamy beige starts things off on the sole unit, covering both the ring-shaped tread pattern of the outsole and the Air midsole. Highlighting the lateral heel of the foam-cushioned sole is black Air lettering and an embossed line, above which is an extra piece of rubber, also in black, with thicker Air text in University Red.

The upper combines these three tones but also adds Summit White to the mix, creating more powerful contrasts across its surface. The toe box and midfoot panels both exhibit this tone, before the two forefoot mudguards switch between Summit White and deep black, the former appearing more on the medial side and the latter stronger on the lateral flank. Over the top of the foot, all four tones have been used. Firstly, the lower eyestay, which only emerges a little from the primary layer above it, is University Red. Secondly, the top eyestay is black with University Red AF1 text debossed into its toe end. Next, the laces come in the same colour as the sole and are secured in place by a matte black dubrae with AF1 lettering. Finally, the mesh tongue is Summit White with a black trim sewn along its top edge.

Impressive variation occurs again on the duo of tongue patches as the upper one has University Red Nike Air branding on a black surface, and the one underneath is black on white. The interior of the shoe is entirely black, all the way up to the collar, where it switches to white as it becomes the outer. The only exception to this is the branding text on the insole, which has been doubled up like many elements on this sneaker. One set is Summit White, while the other is a faded red.

At the back of the shoe, a bright University Red heel panel with white Nike text can be seen poking out from behind a smooth black patch with embroidered branding. Just below this, a tiny hint of white shines out in the form of a heel strip which is mostly covered by the extra layers that have been added to this design. It rests atop a black rear overlay, as do the swooshes. Each flank is overlaid with a leather Nike logo in University Red, but only the lateral side includes a second one printed in black underneath to bring a final piece of layering to this stylish sneaker.