Release Date: Nike Air Force 1 Mid ‘Izakaya’

An izakaya is a Japanese bar that serves alcoholic beverages and snacks, and is typically frequented after a hard day's work. Etymologically, the word derives from iru (‘to stay’) and sakaya (‘sake shop’). The Swoosh are now paying homage to the legendary Japanese drinking dens with their latest Air Force 1, the appropriately dubbed ‘Izakaya’ set to launch this month.

Celebrating 40 years of the iconic silhouette, the AF-1 ‘Izakaya’ is loaded with plenty of goodies referencing izakaya culture, including a receipt on the tongue that pays homage to a long night at the bar (only in this case, the receipt details a history of the Air Force 1 – a removable detail).

Manufactured with a cream textile base and tan leather overlays, the ‘Izakaya’ colourway adopts black leather Swooshes and sail midsoles. Other details include a star/Swoosh motif on the lateral ankles, while the right displays an anime-inspired beaver – ostensibly a nod to Nike’s Beaverton heritage. Finally, cork material is utilised at the rear while tan outsoles complete the design.

Look for the Nike Air Force 1 Mid ‘Izakaya’ to land on August 25.

In the meantime, make sure to check out our interview with Aussie artist Rawgrind as we celebrate the release of the 2022 Nike Air Max Plus ‘Tide’. And if you’re keen for more AF1s, hit the link below to shop the latest releases on Nike’s webstore.