Nike Air Force 1 Safari

Nike has revived an old school colorway classic in their latest Air Force 1 release. The original Air Safari was released back in 1987. Some might even remember Biz Markie wearing his fresh pair of Safaris on the Album "Biz Is Goin' Off."

Style

Nike choose to stay true to the original colorway in reintroducing the Safari's. The "animal" print can be described as a cross between elephant and ostrich. Old school sneakerheads can reminisce about the Air Jordan III's, which had the same "safari" print. The Air Jordan III also happpened to be released in the same era as the original Air Safari's. It was rumored that with the original Air Safari sneaker, Nike wanted to use an ostrich leather but ended up cutting the idea due to the cost being too high. The reissued AF1 Safari's are made from a soft cow leather.

Design

The "safari" print on the reissued AF1 is more or less identical to the original. One of the major changes you will notice is that the toe box is more rounded in the original Safari's and that it comes up at an angle. In reissuing the Safari as an AF1 model, the toe box is more pronounced and lies flat to the ground. The resulting change makes the front of the sneaker less pronounced while lending a sleeker look to this reissued design.

Conclusion

There has been a particular buzz amongst sneakerheads for this particular design reissue. If you plan on getting a pair, you better hurry. In typical Nike fashion, the AF1 Safari edition sneaker is limited release. It is also available in limited sizing, one of the main reasons this Nike AF1 Safari earned a lower review rating. If you are looking for these in anything beyond a size thirteen, you are out of luck. Yet another reason for the lower rating is, on average, Nike's AF1 limited edition release sneakers have retailed for $85.00. This limited edition AF1 Safari retail is set at $150.00.

On the other hand, Nike should be commended for sticking to their retro roots and reissuing the original Air Safari design in an Air Force 1 edition sneaker. The difference in toe box really does make the sneaker look better.

The AF1 Safari is available exclusively online through the Nike store. You must also be a member in order to view or purchase any products in the Air Force One limited edition shop.