Throwback Thursday – Air Force 180 Pump

A few weeks ago we posted one a Charles Barkley PE Air Force 180, but though many consider that shoe a high top sneaker, Nike took that model one step higher. In the early 90’s Nike responded to Reebok’s Pump with their own series of basketball sneakers that featured Air Pump technology that gave the wearer a better fit about the ankle. David Robinson was the signature athlete to represent the high top Nike Pump series that included the Nike Air Pressure, Nike Air Command Force, and the last (and this week’s Throwback) Nike Air Force 180 Pump.

Like Chuck’s version, the shoe has cosmetic touches such as speckled and fading midsole, but the sheer high top of the shoe and its hefty pricetag of $175 made the shoe a tough sale in the not so strong economy in 1992. So far, Nike has not brought back any of the Air Pump shoes as retros, but our fingers are crossed that at least one of the three models will return. We have taken several photos for your viewing pleasure and have also posted one of the commercials that Nike broadcast to promote the shoe featuring the Admiral.