Nike’s Air Force 1 Pays Homage To The Fighting Game Community

In 2021, Nike quietly released an Air Force 1 as a homage to the famous Evo Moment 37 match between Justin Wong and Daigo Umehara.

The pair arrives packaged in a canvas back with “IT’S NOT OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER,” a direct quote from Justin Wong during a match of Marvel vs. Capcom 2. The second reference is the Nike branding on the heel and sides mimicking the K.O. graphics after a player knocks someone out in a round of Street Fighter. Shiny-blue lace dubraes and Air branding on the midsole reference the super meter players build up over time to unleash a brutal attack combo. The white canvas base is a call back to the iconic white fits seen on the fighting characters. For the finishing touches, the offering features Umehara’s game-winning combo on the inside of the tongue that he used to defeat Justin Wong back in 2004.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strict lockdown procedures, the shoe was only released at select Nike outlet locations. Fortunately, members of the sneaker and gaming communities have a chance to purchase a pair online via GOAT and StockX. Before you jet, hit up our Sneaker Release Page for more updates on the latest releases.