Back in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, Nike officially expanded into Japan. Lots of stores. Lots of new sneakers. But few were like the the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Linen.’ Unveiled as part of the Concept Japan line (or Co.Jp, for short), this trainer was made exclusively for stores in the country and wasn't sold anywhere else (sad!). However, after over two decades, it's finally getting a global drop (not sad no more!)
Originally released back in 2001, at one point, these Air Force 1s were one of the rarest sneakers in the world. Outfitted in a full leather build, the materials are apparently a lot more premium compared to conventional pairs. The upper is painted mostly in ‘Linen,’ and it is accented by a pink ‘Atmosphere’ Swoosh that glides across the lateral and medial sidewalls.
Additional Nike branding is stitched on the tongue tag and heel badge, and down below, the midsole is dipped in a ‘True White’ tone. It's then infused with the American sportswear company's ever-popular Air tech for extra comfiness and bounciness – because this is still a basketball shoe, at the end of the day.
If you're a fan of Japan-exclusive trainers, then 2024 is going to be your year. Not only is the Air Force 1 ‘Ueno Sakura’ from 2005 making a comeback, 2001's Dunk Low ‘Plum’ will also be returning. As if that wasn't enough, 1999's Dunk Low ‘Reverse Curry’ is scheduled to hit shelves again, too: all of them local exclusives that found fans across the world.
The Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Linen’ is set to re-release sometime in Summer 2024. Unlike its original drop, it'll be available via Nike, the Snkrs app, and select stockists – huge news for sneakerheads who took a L the first time around (which was pretty much everyone).
