LEVI'S, NIGO, NIKE RELEASE AIR FORCE 3 LOW

Levi's, NIGO, and Nike drop the Air Force 3 Low in two colorways on October 16. Features stone washed denim uppers and pre-yellowed sole.

Levi's, NIGO, and Nike collaborate on the Air Force 3 Low sneaker, releasing October 16 in Olive Grey and Enigma Stone colorways with denim uppers.

Summary:

  • Levi's, NIGO, and Nike release the Air Force 3 Low on October 16 in two colorways for $150 USD
  • The sneakers feature stone washed denim uppers, suede overlays, and pre-yellowed soles
  • Purchase through raffle on Levi.com starting October 15 at 7AM PST or at select Levi's flagship stores

Levi's, NIGO, and Nike bring back the Air Force 3 Low with a triple collaboration set to release on October 16. The 1988 basketball silhouette returns in two distinct colorways: Olive Grey and Enigma Stone. Both versions retail for $150 USD.

The shoes blend denim craftsmanship with retro sneaker design. Stone washed denim covers the uppers, paired with hairy suede overlays and chrome Swoosh logos. The sole features intentional pre-yellowing to mimic aged footwear.

NIGO drew from his personal collection of rare denim pieces to inform the design direction. The Levi's Red Tab sits on the right shoe of each pair, a direct reference to the brand's heritage. On the Olive Grey version, distressed surfaces and rougher suede create a worn appearance. The Enigma Stone colorway uses washed indigo denim with brown suede and navy accents.

The collaboration extends beyond the shoes themselves. Packaging includes a vintage Air Force 3 graphic on the box. Old Levi's advertisements appear on the insoles. The heel displays split text reading "Nike Air" on one side and "Ogin Force" on the other, a reference to the designer's name.

Both colorways share the same color palette foundation: Summit White, Navy, and Metallic Pewter complement the primary Olive Grey or Enigma Stone tones. The SKUs are IB1808-001 for Olive Grey and IB1808-002 for Enigma Stone.

The global release happens through two channels. Select Levi's flagship stores will stock the shoes on October 16. Online buyers need to enter a raffle on Levi.com. The raffle window opens October 15 at 7AM PST and closes October 16 at 7AM PST. Winners receive random selection.

This marks another chapter in NIGO's ongoing partnership with major brands. His previous Nike collaborations used materials like patent leather and pony hair. This version swaps those for Levi's signature denim, creating a different texture profile.

The Air Force 3 Low originally launched in 1988 as a basketball shoe. Nike has revived the silhouette periodically, but never with this level of material experimentation. The denim application transforms the retro design into something that bridges sportswear and workwear aesthetics.

Textural contrast defines the design approach. Smooth chrome against rough denim. Soft suede against structured leather. Pre-yellowed rubber against crisp white sections. Each element works to create visual depth.

The Olive Grey colorway leans into the vintage aesthetic more aggressively. Its distressed surfaces and darker tones suggest years of wear. The Enigma Stone version takes a cleaner approach while still maintaining the aged sole unit.

Co-branded tags stitch onto the side panels of both versions. These tags feature logos from all three collaborators. The tags serve as physical proof of the partnership and add another layer of detail to the side profile.

NIGO's archive of vintage denim informed specific design choices throughout the shoe. The stone washing technique matches methods used on classic Levi's jeans from past decades. The suede quality and color selection reflect materials common in heritage denim production.

The release follows the typical limited drop format. Raffle entry provides the fairest distribution method for high-demand collaborations. Flagship stores offer an in-person option for buyers who prefer physical retail.

Pricing sits at $150 USD, positioning the shoes in the mid-tier collaborative sneaker market. This price point makes the release more accessible than some luxury collaborations while still commanding a premium over standard Nike releases.

The October 16 date puts the release in prime fall shopping season. The earthy tones and denim materials align with autumn fashion trends. Both colorways work with seasonal wardrobes.

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Eric Grischott

Eric Grischott

Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.