Issue link: http://theflywire.uberflip.com/i/182166
+rewind Text: Nikia Wainwright, William Payne Jr. Photo: Courtesy of Nike, Inc Fresh out of the box, Nike Air Force Ones can only be worn maybe four times. Why? Because after that, they are not fresh to def. Ask any sneaker mogul. Nothing makes an outfit more complete than the look of a fresh pair of Air Force Ones. Really, and to think, they almost would not have been around if it weren't for Baltimore. That's right. Come take a journey in the history of this hip-hop sneaker and why Baltimore plays a core role in its 25th anniversary. Created by designer Bruce Kilgore, Nike Air Force ones were originally released in 1982.Air Force Ones were the first basketball sneaker to use the Nike Air technology. Since its creation, very little has changed about the sneaker. However, the original stitching on the side panels no longer exists on the modern version of the sneaker. There are three different types of the Air Force One; the low, the mid-top and the high-top. The most popular are the all white low-top. Air Force Ones were produced in 1982 and discontinued in 1983. Nike felt that it was ready to discontinue the sneaker for newer styles. However, three Baltimore retailers, Charlie Rudo sports, Cinderella Shoes, and Downtown Locker Room came together as one to have Nike executives reconsider. Nike agreed to have these local retailers continue selling the sneaker. The local retailers had great success in marketing the sneaker. Baltimore was the only place to get the popular shoe.Through word of mouth people traveled up and down the east coast to purchase the shoe. Air Force Ones were hot and to have the hottest look people would come and buy dozens at a time. Baltimore was the exclusive city to get them and it was well worth it. After a fifteen year exclusive run in Baltimore, Nike executives were convinced Baltimore was right and re-released the sneaker nationally in the mid 1990's. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sneaker. Since the shoe is worn among the elite Hip-Hop artists today, Nike commissioned a song in its honor. The song, "Better Than I've ever Been" was produced by Grammy winner Rick Rubin (99 Problems). The song featured Kanye West, Nas, and KRS-One. DJ Premiere created a remix that features Rakim. Because of Baltimore's fashion foresight and fortitude, Nike has one of the hottest shoes in the history of Hip-Hop. In our city's honor, Nike created the special 25th Anniversary Nike Air Force 1 Premium '07 Baltimore City Series Shoes including several versions of "Mr. Shoe" and "Bawlmer," that features a dog tag with the address of Baltimore's most famous playground---The Dome. In the history of sneakers, what city can top that? The Flywire 49