Nike is once again tapping into the beating heart of the Big Apple, expanding its legendary sneaker catalog with the upcoming Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 “NYC Knicks.” If there is one city that can claim the AF1 as its unofficial uniform, it's New York. Now, the Swoosh is paying direct homage to the city's deep basketball roots, applying the iconic sports franchise’s signature aesthetic to a timeless court silhouette.
Bridging the Street and the Hardwood
This upcoming model uses the classic low-top construction as its structural foundation, updating the traditional layout to celebrate the undeniable spirit of New York City. The design incorporates distinctive, team-inspired detailing that honors the Knicks, perfectly bridging the historical gap between street-level style and hardwood heritage.
While Nike is still keeping some of the finer details like the specific breakdowns of the upper’s leather panels, tongue branding alterations, and exact color blocking under wraps, sneakerheads can rest easy. The pair maintains the staple design elements that define the beloved ‘01 era.
You can expect all the essential features that make the AF1 a daily staple:
The signature perforated toe box for breathability.
Ultra-durable stitched overlays for a premium feel.
The classic encapsulated Air cushioning hidden inside the midsole to keep you comfortable from the subway to the concrete.
This localized storytelling continues an ongoing tradition for Nike: honoring major athletic markets and historic, die-hard fanbases through its most influential lifestyle shoes.
👟 The Drop Details
Want to secure a pair for your rotation? Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming release:
Name: Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘01 “NYC Knicks”
Colorway: White/Blue-Orange
SKU: JK5361-100
Retail Price: $140 USD
Release Date: Summer 2026
Where to Buy: Nike
💡 Did You Know? (Sneaker & City Trivia)
The "Uptown" Connection: The Air Force 1 is deeply ingrained in New York culture. In the 1980s and 90s, the shoe became incredibly popular in Harlem, earning the widespread nickname "Uptowns."
Historic Colors: The famous orange and blue colors of the New York Knicks weren't just picked at random—they are the exact official colors of the New York City flag!
A First in Tech: When the Air Force 1 originally dropped in 1982 (designed by Bruce Kilgore), it was the very first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology. It literally changed the game for player impact absorption.
The '01 Era: The "01" designation in Air Force 1s usually points back to the early 2000s, an era many sneaker purists consider the "Golden Age" of the AF1 due to the specific shape of the toe box and the premium quality of the leather used during those years.