Nike Will Release Its ‘Blackest Shoe Possible’ This Holiday Season

In Nike’s expansive archive of footwear, few shoes hold the notoriety of the all-black Air Force 1 Low. Frequently associated with dubious activity, the sneaker has become a full-on internet meme in recent years, but that hasn’t stopped Nike from putting plenty of momentum behind the style. Through limited-edition collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Slam Jam and Stussy, the black Air Force 1 Low remains relevant and soon, Nike will give it a brand new makeover.

First revealed by Nike in June’s SNKRS Showcase product preview, the Air Force 1 Low “Vanta Black” was inspired by Vantablack, the ultra-dark, light-absorbing coating which is said to be the darkest material on earth.

In the SNKRS preview, Nike’s host stated that the brand’s goal was to “make the blackest shoe possible,” a feat it achieved through a mix of special nubuck and suede materials. The shoe appears to have been given a glossy coating to emphasize its lack of light, but Nike has yet to further elaborate on how exactly it arrived at the “Vanta Black” look.

Other notable upcoming releases from the SNKRS Showcase event include the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy,” a Swarovski x Nike Air Max Plus collaboration and the return of the original Nike Air Zoom Spiridon.  

In the detailed product images below, it’s clear that the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Vanta Black” is a premium pair, which will likely result in a higher-than-usual retail price tag. No exact release date has been announced, but Nike stated the sneaker will arrive sometime during holiday 2024. This story will be updated with more details once they are confirmed. In the meantime, readers can browse Nike’s current Air Force 1 offerings here.