Nike brings BTS member j-hope into its ongoing collaboration with Japanese designer NIGO, introducing a new Air Force 1 ’01 as part of the Air Force 1 World Tour. The three-way project draws from Tokyo street culture of the 1990s and j-hope’s colorful personal aesthetic, known as Hobicore. The sneaker revisits the 2001 Air Force 1 silhouette through glossy materials, contrasting colors, and details that reflect the creative identities of both collaborators.
SNEAKERS
The collaboration grew from mutual admiration between NIGO and j-hope, whose shared interest in fashion, music, and design helped establish the direction of the project. NIGO has approached his Air Force 1 World Tour as an opportunity to explore personal relationships and influences through Nike footwear. His latest release introduces j-hope’s perspective into that ongoing series, connecting the designer’s early experiences in Tokyo with the musician’s global presence.
The design builds on the 2001 Air Force 1, which Nike and NIGO previously selected as the foundation for their multi-season collaboration. This version features a narrower toe box and a more athletic fit than the original 1982 silhouette. NIGO worked with Nike designers to revive these proportions, maintaining the vintage character that defines the World Tour releases.
The upper combines glossy Burnt Sunrise and Metallic Gold leather, creating a warm orange-brown color scheme with reflective surfaces. Chlorine Blue accents introduce a vivid contrast, bringing j-hope’s Hobicore aesthetic into the design. Additional shades of Taupe, Arctic Punch, and Sail complete the official colorway. The material choices reference NIGO’s longstanding interest in expressive footwear, while the energetic palette reflects j-hope’s approach to personal style.
Personal details extend across the sneaker. Squirrel graphics, closely associated with j-hope, appear on the heel and sockliner. The tongue tags and heel branding feature individual J-Hope Air and Nigo Air logos, giving both collaborators a distinct identity within the design. Patterned shoelaces provide another recognizable detail, while special packaging includes a vintage-style box and a translucent co-branded case.
J-hope expressed particular enthusiasm for the combination of enamel-like materials and colors, along with the unusual shoelace details. His comments emphasize the small design decisions that give the sneaker its character. NIGO also acknowledged the musician’s cultural influence, describing him as someone capable of carrying creative ideas forward to younger generations.
The release continues Nike and NIGO’s wider exploration of the Air Force 1. E arlier World Tour designs referenced the Japanese designer’s creative history, including his work with Jun Takahashi on the early 1990s magazine column LO2 and their NOWHERE boutique in Tokyo. The j-hope edition develops this concept through a partnership that connects those influences with contemporary K-pop culture.
The NIGO x j-hope x Nike Air Force 1 ’01 will launch exclusively through the HUMAN MADE website on October 17, 2026. Nike will follow with a global release through SNKRS and select retailers on October 22.
