Style
Nike taps Ambush to help reissue the Air Adjust Force for the first time
A new white version of the sneaker hints at an imminent release.
Last year, Ambush received a notable amount of hype for its collaborations with Nike, which included remodeled versions of the Dunk and Converse Chuck 70. Now, the streetwear label, run by designer Yoon Ahn, is testing its clout with a revamp of an archival sneaker from 1996. Teased on Ahn’s Instagram, an Air Adjust Force sneaker boasts a chunky build, multiple white Swoosh logos, a removable Velcro overlay, and jeweled details, the latter of which seems to be the designer’s most visible contribution.
Ambush’s take on the Air Adjust Force marks the first time the sneaker has been retroed, or reissued, since its late ‘90s debut, despite its status as a cult classic. Originally worn by Nike Basketball-sponsored teams — including the University of North Carolina, Maryland, and others — the hefty shoe was beloved for its performance features and interchangeable straps, most of which Ahn seems to have kept intact.
A new look — The designer initially teased the sneaker in a September Instagram post showing photos of a sole made with recycled materials (presumably Nike Grind scraps). Another preview came in February, highlighting the Air Adjust Force in a black color scheme accented by a pink and purple bubble. A white iteration of the sneaker has now surfaced, offering the closest look we’ve had at Ambush’s Air Adjust Force yet.
The latest version of the shoe bears black Swooshes at its sides, toes, tongues, and heels, the latter of which is accompanied by matching black Ambush branding. A removable Velcro overlay — sans its original “NIKE” branding — wraps around the shoe’s center, covering its laces and switching out the lateral Swoosh for a white Swoosh housed in a black bubble. Wearers can choose whether or not to wear the Velcro overlay depending on what look they’re feeling.
Coming soon? — Neither Nike nor Ahn have announced a release date for the Ambush Air Adjust Force, but a drop is expected in the coming months. The latest images of the shoes — courtesy of sneaker leak pages @solebyjc and @sneaktribe — are the first shared by someone other than Ahn herself, alluding toward an upcoming release. Past Ambush sneakers have retailed for $180, and now resell for up to $480, so expect these to come in around the same price.
