Images: Nike

If you didn't know the city of Chicago has a deep love for the Nike Air Force 1, if it was possible some of us Chicagoans would claim it as our signature shoe. This season Nike is celebrating those who view this sneaker as a symbol within their communities focusing on NYC, LA and Chicago.

In Chicago, a shoe was designed that was inspired by the barbershop community. The barbershop is a staple in any community and is usually the place where conversations surrounding community, art, sport, and culture take place.

If you're from the city of Chicago then you might be familiar with Drew Henderson aka Drew The Barber. Henderson is the owner of the local barbershop No Cuts No Glory. Together Henderson and Nike crafted a Nike Air Force 1 through the lens of the barbershop community. Welcome the AF-1 ALL FOR 1 – CHICAGO. The design maintains the classic elements of Air Force 1 while incorporating both functional and style elements from Chicago, the barbershop setting and the barbershop community it represents.

Let's get into the details of the sneaker, shall we? The Air Force 1 features high quality tumbled leather with rolled edges, making it functional so that hair being cut can be easily removed. There's also the wax laces to make sure hair doesn't get trapped and the lace tips that are inspired by the traditional barbershop pole but features a light blue stripe, a nod to the Chicago flag. The heel tab is black ponyhair to represent, hair of course while the front tongue tag features a visual of the Nike swoosh and the Chicago skyline that transitions into the silhouette of a comb. The top of the tongue includes a small white edge to represent the white tissue paper barbers use around customer’s necks. The inner-lining of the tongue is nylon red and white pinstripe, a nod to the classic barbershop cape used by Drew and many others.

A metallic silver deubré, to represent the razors used in the shops with a pretty cool ice outsole that features black and white diamond pattern that reflects classic barbershop flooring. And last but least the green insert that represents Drew’s first barber chair.

“It means so much to me to be involved with the production of a shoe that represents some of the most important things in my life: Chicago, the barbershop and the community. I’ve had a passion for cutting hair my entire life and, while I never thought to myself I’d be able to inspire a shoe, it is an honor to shine a spotlight on the city, industry and community that made me who I am and motivate me every day. I share this with all of them” says Drew.

Drew's Nike AF-1 ALL FOR 1 – CHICAGOwill be sold in select Chicago retail locations and on Nike.com starting December 7, 2019.