Nike has teamed up with Chicago’s top retailers to design an Air Force 1 and Air Max ’86 that captures the essence of the Windy City. Created in collaboration with LDRS, Notre, RSVP, Saint Alfred, SVRN, and Succezz, the “Chicago Pack” in inspired by the resilience of Chicagoans past and present. Together, the two shoes tell the story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and how Chicagoans came together in its aftermath.
The story starts with the Air Force 1, which features tones of Burnt Black and Claystone Red to represent the city’s architecture before the fire. The legend goes that the fire was started when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern. Due to high wind and dry conditions, the fire quickly spread from the O’Leary barn and engulfed a large percentage of the city. The design team nods to this legend with a cow print Swoosh on the medial side panel. Cracked leather and a vintage-style midsole give the shoe a timeworn look.
The second pair in the pack, the Air Max 1 ’86, is inspired by residents came together after the fire to rebuild. It comes dressed primarily in grey with Blue Chill accents that nod to Chicago’s modern architecture, representing the steel, concrete, and glass that took the place of the charred wooden structures. Chicago became a whole new city after this rebuild, hence the nickname “second city.” The blue reflective Swooshes represent the mirror image of downtown’s skyscrapers that reflect onto the waters of Lake Michigan. Both pairs feature Chicago’s iconic skyline on the tongues and insoles.
The Nike Sportswear “Chicago Pack” launches October 20th at Chicago retailers, followed by a wider release on October 21st on SNKRS and at select retailers. Check out official images of both pairs below.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 “Chicago”
Color: Summit White/Gym Red-Coconut Milk
Style Code: FQ8743-121
Release Date: October 20, 2023 (Chicago)
Release Date: October 21, 2023 (SNKRS)
Price: $145 USD
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 “Chicago”
Color: White/Blue Chill-Wolf Grey
Style Code: FQ8742-100
Release Date: October 20, 2023 (Chicago)
Release Date: October 21, 2023 (SNKRS)
Price: $170 USD
