Nike Air Force 1 High “University Blue” Remembers Nike’s “Color of the Month” Program

For its 40th anniversary, Nike is looking back at the communities that played a pivotal role in the early days of the Air Force 1’s success. From “Bronx Origins” releases to celebrate the Puerto Ricanand Ghanian communities, Nike is trawling back through the archives to celebrate the day one-ers. For Baltimore, it was the Three Amigos — Cinderella, Rudo Sports, and Downtown Locker Room — who pioneered the initial “Color of the Month” program, which essentially was the brand’s first dive into retro releasing. Each month, the High tops would sell out in weeks (a feat unheard of at the time), showing Nike that there was a huge demand for certain retrospective designs. Though details on that era are hard to come by, this new Air Force 1 High “University Blue” could well have been one of those, as it shares identical blocking to the original “Royal” release — and it does, in fact, resemble the “Columbia Blue” colorway from the early 2000s.

Clad in classic, smooth leather of white, the pair brings OG flavor thanks to the simplified blocking of Uni Blues and other retrospective elements. Here, it’s the Swoosh, ankle strap, liner, and outsole that delve into the hue, whilst classic finishes like chrome dubraes and aged-look midsoles further the retro appeal. In stark contrast to that throwback appeal, modernized Nike Air branding rests at the heel.

Though a release date did not accompany the image set below, you should expect to see pairs of the Nike Air Force 1 High “University Blue” arrive at select retailers soon. While we await further details, grab a quick look at the pair here below, and be sure to keep our eyes glued to our official Twitter accountfor updates.

Nike Air Force 1 High “University Blue”

Release Date: September 30, 2022

Style Code: DX3805-100
Color: White/University Blue-Sail
Retail: $125