Ballerific Fashion: Nike’s “Dirty” White Air Force 1s Are Breaking Every Sneakerhead Rule

In a new drop that feels like a late April Fools’ Joke, Nike is unveiling a line of white Air Force 1s that come already destroyed.

While lifelong Nike fans know that getting a stain on your white Air Force 1s is a cardinal sin, which was written into fashion law by Nelly back in 2002, the athletic brand is looking to break the stigma surrounding dirty 1s.

The “Dirty Triple White” Air Force 1 Low, releasing in early May for $130 via SNKRS, features unsightly marks and creases across its leather upper and tooling, giving it a worn-in appearance. Nike claims this pair has scratch-away panels that will reveal a cleaner version of the shoe through wear, flipping the typical life cycle of a sneaker.

Joining the “Dirty Triple White” is the “Triple Triple Black” Air Force 1 Low, part of the “Smoke and Mirrors” pack. The all-black version also has a wear-away upper, revealing a deeper, richer black as it ages. While it appears the distressed layer is meant to make the sneaker last longer, it could prove a difficult task to get regular AF1 lovers to embrace this new normal.

Both the “Dirty Triple White” and “Triple Triple Black” are slated for a May 7th release for $130 each.