In the realm of sneakers, few have sparked as much intrigue and controversy as the Black Air Force 1s. This iconic Nike shoe has found itself at the epicenter of a popular internet meme, with its reputation humorously questioned in the process. In 2020, Supreme even released a pair with a discrete Supreme box logo which are still regularly restocked to this day.
The Infamous Black Air Force 1 Meme
The popular sneaker, a staple in Nike’s sneaker lineup, have become associated with a peculiar stereotype. The meme, which originated on Black Twitter, humorously suggests people who wear them are likely to be shady characters.
The meme’s origin can be traced back to early 2018, when YouTuber RDCworld1 uploaded a video humorously suggesting that wearing Black Air Force 1s was a sign of a person’s potential for unpredictable behavior. This video, which has garnered over 1.7 million views, sparked the meme that would spread across the internet.
The meme continued to gain traction. Numerous Twitter users and even Urban Dictionary entries perpetuating the stereotype associated with the shoe. The meme reached a peak when the Pittsburgh Steelers received a pair of the shoes from their coach, Mike Tomlin. The team’s official Twitter account even referenced the “Black Air Force” energy, further fueling the meme’s popularity.
The Impact on Sneaker Culture
While the meme has brought a lot of attention to the shoe, it’s also a testament to the impact of social media on shaping perceptions. The meme has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the sneaker community and entering mainstream conversations.
In the world of sneakers, wear and tear is a common occurrence. A phenomenon known as star loss, the fading of the star pattern on the soles of sneakers, is a common sign of use. For more on this, check out our previous article on star loss in sneakers.
The Black Air Force 1s have become more than just a shoe. They’re a symbol of a humorous internet meme, and a testament to the power of social media in shaping perceptions. Whether you’re a fan of the meme or just love the shoes, there’s no denying the impact of the these sneakers.

