Nike Gives the Air Force 1 Low ‘01 a New York Knicks-Inspired Makeover

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Quick Facts

  • Nike is dropping a new Air Force 1 Low '01 to celebrate the New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals
  • The '01 shape of the AF1 is slimmer and has a more athletic fit, similar to what the shoe used to look like in 2001
  • Expect a release in the coming weeks

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Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01
Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01

It doesn’t matter if you’re tired of hearing about the Knicks because this NBA Finals victory means so much to New York City. The last time the team took home a trophy for winning in the Finals, it wasn’t even called the Larry O’Brien; instead, it was dubbed the Walter A. Brown Trophy and looked nothing like the regal gold hardware we know today. A 53-year drought being broken deserves tons of celebrations, and Nike has already begun with an Air Force 1 Low By You for NYC. In addition to the By You Forces, Nike is also dropping an Air Force 1 Low ‘01 primed for any Knicks watch party.

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 NYC Details

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01
Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01

The colorway comes in a simple tri-tone that matches the Knicks' home jersey, with white leather used on the majority of the upper. Pops of blue are found on the lateral Swooshes, the NYC text on the tongue tag and heel, and the “2026” embroidered on the lateral heel. Of course, any tribute to the Knicks isn’t complete without orange details, which are located on the mini Swoosh on the vamp, the medial Swooshes, and the Swoosh embroidered inside the “NYC” and “2026” logos. Inside, the insole features the same “NYC” and “2026” logos alongside a blurry shot of what appears to be inside Madison Square Garden. A white midsole and blue outsole complete the look.

For those unaware, the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 is a “new” variant of the Air Force 1 family, returning to its slimmer, more athletic shape from 2001. It first appeared via an ultra-limited collaboration with NIGO, and since then, we’ve found out that Nike plans on dropping in-line variants like Triple White colorways. It’s possible that Nike had already cooked up this NYC colorway months in advance, but in our opinion, The Swoosh probably fast-tracked this pair to celebrate the Knicks’ championship.

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 NYC Release Info

The Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 NYC has no confirmed release date, but Jersey retailer Sneaker Room did load a product page on June 17 and swiftly removed it. That indicates the pair is dropping soon, so we’ll keep you posted via the Sole Retriever mobile app once we get wind of an exact launch date.


Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com