1997’s Nike Air Force 1 Mid “Independence Day” Returns In 2022

Hate ’em or love’ em, the Air Force 1 Mid will always have its place in the annals of sneaker history. Long viewed as the proverbial middle child of Air Force 1s, the Mid had to do extra work just to keep its esteem from the more well-received Low and High. Still, there are plenty of Mid-tops in history that deserve its spotlight, and few can stand up to 1997’s Air Force 1 Mid “Independence Day”.

The colors and materials used were a true sign of the times; American sport fashion was a streetwear trend, while pearlized leather was the darling material used by competing brands to give their footwear added “umph” for the streets. Few stood out like the Air Force 1 Mid CI, which featured that matte-yet-gloss leather on the upper, tumbled white leather, a Jewel Swoosh, and an opaque outsole. Nike plans on bringing these back for 2022 as part of the influential sneaker’s 40th Anniversary celebration, and we figure these are just one of several classics that will make their way back to the shelves.

See the official images ahead and stay tuned for an official release date.