Nike Air Force 1 Sculpt

Air Force 1 Sculpt

The Nike Air Force 1 Sculpt features a concentric circle outsole tread and toe box perforations alongside a number of unique design details. One of these is the midsole seam, whose lack of stitches brings it a clean look. In contrast, there are several intriguing elements of stitching on the upper, such as the extra rectangle of thread woven into the eyestay just below the lace dubrae. The front overlay also contains a double line of wide-set stitching with a closed end that stops just short of the eyestay. It is set back from the edge to leave a slight overhang of material as well.

On the Air Force 1 Sculpt, the midfoot panel is positioned at the same level as the quarter segment, with hidden stitching joining the two to form a thin seam as well as a more subtle transition between them. The recessed swoosh moves through both before continuing under the heel patch at the rear. This patch has a sculpted, curved edge that has a further dual stitched line and is made of a luxurious material like suede or tumbled leather, depending on the specific design. It has been left unattached from the upper along its sides, leaving a space where the ankle strap would normally go, but the AF1 Sculpt comes without one so that it can be put on and taken off more easily. A final bit of sculpting occurs around the collar, where the ankle is slightly reduced as it slopes down toward the heel.

Another particular aspect of the Air Force 1 Sculpt is its limited branding. Neither the tongue tab, which is also connected to the upper via two rows of stitches, nor the heel patch contains any branding at all—an unexpected sight in a modern Nike sneaker. The insole is also plain, with no sign of branding text, though Air lettering appears on the midsole, and the outsole branding remains. The lace lock also carries a Nike swoosh, completing the understated look that defines this streamlined model.