Nike is Bringing Back 2002’s Tear-Away Air Force 1 “I Believe” CO.JP

It’s been a big, big year for Nike’s CO.JP releases, with a slew of once Japan-exclusive drops, including the Air Jordan 1 High “Metallic Silver”and “Midnight Navy”, the Ugly Duckling Dunks, and more, releasing for the first time outside of the island nation. Just this month we saw Nike bring back the Air Force 1 CO.JP “Wheat”, which will now be joined by another Japan-exclusive Uptown, 2002’s Nike Air Force 1 “I Believe”

Originally releasee in Japan to commemorate the FIFA World Cup of 2002, the “I Believe” phrase was used by fans to root for the Japan national team, while the traditional Japanese Daruma doll on the heel with its left eye filled in signified a good luck wish that Japan would win the cup. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it past the Round of 16, but the sneaker, for those who caught a pair, is a nice consolation prize. The original release saw it’s white upper feature a crosshatch pattern and a shimmery finish, but you can expect something a little different from this year’s reissue, with a smooth finish akin to that found on G-Dragon’s upcoming PARANOISE Air Force 1 collaboration. Like that pair, the paint on the upper can be peeled off to reveal a red Daruma doll-themed layer underneath. Another notable change is the inclusion of a fully translucent outsole in place of the gum-tinted translucent of the OG, while the red insoles have been replaced with white insoles, though it does feature the same “I Believe” and Daruma doll motifs found embroidered on the heels.

Grab an official look at the upcoming Air Force 1 “I Believe” here below and be sure to keep your eyes glued to the official HOUSE OF HEAT Twitter account for further updates on its release.

Nike Air Force 1 CO.JP “I Believe”

Style Code: DD9941-100
Asia Release Date: January 9th, 2020