Tour de Force 1 feat. Isaiah: Celebrating 40 Years of the Nike Air Force 1

1. Let the people know who you are and what your current hobbies are?

My name is Isaiah Clarke (IG: @izzyclarke_), Scarborough native born and raised. My hobbies at the moment include music recording/production, collecting sneakers and being a coffee connoisseur. I have been around coffee/espresso for over 10 years from my time working at McCafe to now being a barista at both Starbucks and at the Ritz Carlton Downtown Toronto. 

2. How did the classic 40-year-old Air Force 1 first get introduced to you?

Through my older brother, now 31, grew up in the sneaker game back when Limewire was still a thing. He worked at Retro Kicks and through his constant pick-ups (predominantly being Air Forces at the time), led me to a new found appreciation for kicks growing up. 

3. What are your thoughts on the latest AF-1’s being constructed from recycled materials? Do you feel it takes away from the traditional look and feel of a staple, or do you think it’s necessary in order for Nike to move towards a carbon-neutral industry?

As a barista, I'm totally on par with Nike's initiative with their Move to Zero sub-line. We see many cafes now making the transition from plastic straws to biodegradable ones, and this is needless to say beneficial for the environment. Like many other major corporations now making the transition to reduce their carbon footprint, I think it's amazing that a sports giant such as Nike is making the effort to zero emissions on a grand level.

4. Air Force 1 highs, mids, or lows?

Lows for sure just because of the hip-hop culture I grew up in! But, that's not to say that recently mid-cuts have been growing on me with such clean colourways coming out.

5. Favourite memory in the AF-1’s?

The AF-1 is a classic club night shoe for me as I’m not afraid to get them dirty or watch where I'm stepping. They are comfy, easy to slip on and off - I really look for versatility when it comes to my footwear. To this day, necks still be breaking from a crisp, clean pair of white on whites. 

6. What would you like to see change from the silhouette within the next 40 years? 

I’d love to see more collaborations with up and coming streetwear designers, recording artists and other big name retailers to help carry the timeless silhouette into future generations.