The Nike Air Force 1 Low Ueno Sakura Is Not Releasing In 2023

The world of sneaker collecting has its legends, and the Nike Air Force 1 stands as a monumental pillar within this realm. When one thinks about the rarest and most sought-after AF1s, the Ueno Sakura inevitably comes to mind. Abdul, a renowned AF1 enthusiast, recently sent the sneaker community into a frenzy when he revealed a 2023 sample of the cherished Nike Air Force 1 Low Ueno Sakura on the feet of Wade L. Ray, a Global Product Line Manager at Nike. The pair currently fetches more than $5,000 in the resale market.

While the sneaker's reveal stirred whispers of a possible 2024 retro release, Brendan Dunne from Complex took the initiative to get to the bottom of things. He contacted Abdul directly, who clarified that the pair displayed was merely a sample with no intentions for a commercial release. Highlighting its rarity, he mentioned, "There are 2 samples of it and this is one. Other sample the lasering is messed up" and decisively added, "It got scrapped tho. Not coming out."

This particular AF1 has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts due to its exclusivity as a Japan-only release, presented in an exquisite wooden box. The design draws its muse from the cherry blossom season in Japan, zeroing in on the Ueno region of Tokyo. Ueno Park, a cherry blossom haven, is essential in its design inspiration. The sneaker boasts a luxe suede upper adorned with laser-etched cherry blossom patterns. An embroidered homage to the park graces the heel. To tie it all together, the sneaker sits atop a crisp white midsole complemented by a delicate pink outsole, resonating with the cherry blossom theme.

Though the Nike Air Force 1 Low Ueno Sakura is not seeing a retro release, we’ve got word that plenty of AF1 classics will return in the next year. This includes a retro of the Nike Air Force 1 Linen and CPFM’s two-pack of AF1 Lows that featured Air More Uptempo branding. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.