Nike Gamma Force

Gamma Force

During the 1980s, Nike established itself as one of the top designers of athletic footwear. Tennis shoes like the Mac Attack were well-received, while popular basketball shoes such as the Air Force 1 and Dunk went on to become beloved lifestyle sneakers in their own right. In 2023, Nike chose to honour this proud sporting heritage through the Gamma Force – a new women’s exclusive silhouette that pays homage to the brand’s 80s classics.

Layered leather panels bring compelling depth and durability to the upper of the Nike Gamma Force, with hints of suede and mesh delivering a touch of textural variation. A plastic heel clip adds further to this material complexity while also improving stability. Perforations on the forefoot and sidewalls are a nod to 80s design that, when combined with the vintage mesh collar, provide cooling ventilation across the foot. Swoosh logos adorn the flanks, while classy Nike branding shows up on the heel tab and tongue patch, enhancing the model’s nostalgic look.

The sole unit of the Gamma Force is filled with a generous amount of plush foam cushioning that both softens the step and gives an elevating boost. A small Swoosh appears on the lateral midsole, with an embossed band running around the back of the heel, just like on the AF1. The outsole also seems to be influenced by Nike’s 1982 classic, with concentric circular grip patterns on the forefoot and heel, lugs around the edges and star-shaped nodes on the toe. This offers excellent traction and produces a bold aesthetic, especially because of the enlarged Nike text through the midfoot. Its surface is also lightly speckled, suggesting the use of recycled Nike Grind rubber, which makes up at least 5% of the outsole.

The Nike Gamma Force was released in spring 2023, with four colourways being designed for the launch. Each one has a clean, elegant look that evokes the stylish colour blocking of 80s basketball shoes. White is the main tone, while colourful accents highlight the branding, the underlays and the outsole. Details like this make the Gamma Force a versatile throwback sneaker that offers captivating retro vibes alongside classic everyday comfort.