Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider Chanel especially flattered these days. Following a new Vans Old Skool taking clear inspiration from a classic Chanel messenger bag, Nike is joining the party with their own version of the On the Pavement rip on a pair of Air Force 1s.
The Nike Air Force 1 Boucle QS Desert Moss is a mix of brown and yellow canvas in the same style as the Chanel On the Pavement Messenger Bag and the Vans Old Skool Souvenir, with fuzzy pink laces and a multi-color beaded raised outline on the side panel Swoosh. The sole is black with white speckles, the sockliner is deep brown leather, and the tan tongue tag features more pink on the label.
Nike Air Force 1 Boucle QS Desert Moss
Once the pair hit the internet and chatter started about the similarities between the Air Force 1 and the Vans Old Skool that were both inspired by the same Chanel bag, Nike designer Frank Cooke took to Instagram and addressed the sneaker with a laugh. “Same, but different. Great minds, I guess,” Cooke wrote on an Instagram story alongside a laughing emoji and a photo of the Air Force 1. Beyond the inspiration, the real question is, which shoe do you like better?
The Nike Air Force 1 Boucle QS Desert Moss will be released December 12, 2025 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $120. For all the latest Nike news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
