The Nike Air Force 1 ‘3M Snake’ Should Slither Back in 2021

One of the quieter stories of recent years is the occasional retro of Nike Air Force 1 colourways that first released in that sweet spot of the mid-1990s to early-2000s. It seemed to begin back in 2016, when the ‘Linen’ was reissued, followed by other sought-after editions like the ‘Hong Kong’, ‘Taiwan’, and ‘Ivory Snake’ in subsequent years. Now it’s looking like this pattern continues, with the return of the ‘3M Snake’ in 2021.

As previewed by solebyjc, these AF-1s are a remake of a co.jp release from 2001, and are definitely full of period details. As their nickname suggests, the key features include judicious use of 3M reflective panels and reptilian Swooshes. Contrasting the shiny upper sections are stark black leather inserts on the toe box, mid panel, heel tab, and tongue. Similarly, the shoe laces and outsole are also rendered black.

For Uptown-spotters, some may decry the squared-off heel tab, and slightly puffy toe spring, and are likely waiting to verify if the Nike Air branding will be the correct shade of dark blue. But for everyone else, most will be absolutely stoked a classic AF-1 is returning in wearable and uncracked form.

*Nelly voice* ‘Give me two purr…’ Stay tuned for drop details.