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NIKE AIR FORCE 1 GORE-TEX [REVIEW]
NIKE AIR FORCE 1 GORE-TEX [REVIEW]
On November 1, the new NIKE AIR FORCE 1 model, modified by the Gore-Tex membrane, will go on sale. The best example of how classics merge with technology. In this article we will review the upcoming Nike AF1 Gore-Tex High / Low release, but also keep the focus on the most engaging examples of cooperation between these two brands and talk about the essence of the technology.
The article is prepared specifically for the Brandshop store with the support of Nike Sportswear.
Article : Nikita Osaulenko.
Photo, GIF : Timur Caxar, Lilya Prelskaya, NIKE archive.
Editing, layout : Alexander Zabelin.
Article : Nikita Osaulenko.
Photo, GIF : Timur Caxar, Lilya Prelskaya, NIKE archive.
Editing, layout : Alexander Zabelin.
GORE-TEX.
W. L. Gore is a pioneer of the climate membrane industry, and Gore-Tex is its most prestigious brand.
Gore-Tex membrane fabrics produced by stretching heated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; a.k.a. «teflon») to the state of a translucent film. At the micro level its structure begins to resemble a «cell» formed by many crisscrossing fibers. It is proof to water and wind, as the distance between the fibers is 20,000 times smaller than water droplets.
Gore-Tex membrane fabrics produced by stretching heated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; a.k.a. «teflon») to the state of a translucent film. At the micro level its structure begins to resemble a «cell» formed by many crisscrossing fibers. It is proof to water and wind, as the distance between the fibers is 20,000 times smaller than water droplets.
There is enough space between these fibers to water molecules pass through. The membrane itself is relatively easy to pass out coming from the human body evaporation.
Membrane in its «pure» form is not used in clothes and shoes for any reason because of its relatively small strength, inasmuch as its thickness is only 0.01 mm, so it is always connected (glued or stitched) with the front material and lining. The shoes typical design used to mix durable textiles, a membrane and an inner protective layer of fabric. Outer material always comes with a moisture-resistant treatment.
Membrane in its «pure» form is not used in clothes and shoes for any reason because of its relatively small strength, inasmuch as its thickness is only 0.01 mm, so it is always connected (glued or stitched) with the front material and lining. The shoes typical design used to mix durable textiles, a membrane and an inner protective layer of fabric. Outer material always comes with a moisture-resistant treatment.
Cooperation between the two largest American companies in the field
of clothing production began in the 90s with the NIKE ACG line.
of clothing production began in the 90s with the NIKE ACG line.
NIKE Air Minot Gore-Tex [1997]
After Nike Air Approach [1981] – the beginning of the history of Nike collaboration with Gore-Tex – Air Minot brought this technology into urban footwear, positioning itself as a winter commuter model. The aggressive design seems rather more «ACG-like» (as evidenced by the similar design of the later Air Terra Humara [1998]) is made of durable nylon in the heel and toe areas with a leather combination.
Tall silhouette secured the leg using a lacing system (similar to what it has become nowadays in SFB Field [2009]), and tight padding around the ankle. On the sides it represented reflective elements.
Tall silhouette secured the leg using a lacing system (similar to what it has become nowadays in SFB Field [2009]), and tight padding around the ankle. On the sides it represented reflective elements.
NIKE ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex [2007]
Heritage of the classic Nike Wildwood [1990], Wildedge was created to be used in all-challenging trailrunning environments or urban surroundings. Nike TrailFrame upper was a foot-locking sock consisting of a small amount of details and seamless technology for max impact. Wildedge was one of the first Nike shoes with a seamless attachment system, which also had a positive impact on the performance.
The bottom featured a high-profile midsole as well as a waffle-shaped Nike 0.44 Sticky Rubber exterior outsole -- a material grips tricky trails or icy winter city streets.
The last feature that distinguishes ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex from most shoes back in the days is the use of improved Gore-Tex XCR: the structure of the fabric is similar to the classic 2-and 3-layer Gore-Tex, but the membrane and materials are thinner, lighter and stronger. For example, vapor permeability is 25% higher comparing to the classic Gore-Tex.
The bottom featured a high-profile midsole as well as a waffle-shaped Nike 0.44 Sticky Rubber exterior outsole -- a material grips tricky trails or icy winter city streets.
The last feature that distinguishes ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex from most shoes back in the days is the use of improved Gore-Tex XCR: the structure of the fabric is similar to the classic 2-and 3-layer Gore-Tex, but the membrane and materials are thinner, lighter and stronger. For example, vapor permeability is 25% higher comparing to the classic Gore-Tex.
NIKE ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex [2007]
Heritage of the classic Nike Wildwood [1990], Wildedge was created to be used in all-challenging trailrunning environments or urban surroundings. Nike TrailFrame upper was a foot-locking sock consisting of a small amount of details and seamless technology for max impact. Wildedge was one of the first Nike shoes with a seamless attachment system, which also had a positive impact on the performance.
The bottom featured a high-profile midsole as well as a waffle-shaped Nike 0.44 Sticky Rubber exterior outsole -- a material grips tricky trails or icy winter city streets.
The last feature that distinguishes ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex from most shoes back in the days is the use of improved Gore-Tex XCR: the structure of the fabric is similar to the classic 2-and 3-layer Gore-Tex, but the membrane and materials are thinner, lighter and stronger. For example, vapor permeability is 25% higher comparing to the classic Gore-Tex.
The bottom featured a high-profile midsole as well as a waffle-shaped Nike 0.44 Sticky Rubber exterior outsole -- a material grips tricky trails or icy winter city streets.
The last feature that distinguishes ACG Wildedge Gore-Tex from most shoes back in the days is the use of improved Gore-Tex XCR: the structure of the fabric is similar to the classic 2-and 3-layer Gore-Tex, but the membrane and materials are thinner, lighter and stronger. For example, vapor permeability is 25% higher comparing to the classic Gore-Tex.
NIKE SFB Field [2009]
For the first time the SFB line presented in 2009, it included shoes designed for soldiers of elite units: lightweight, protected from moisture, perfectly UX – all of these immediately became cool features of the series. SFB dedicated to Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, who served in the 10th mountain division of the United States.
One of the most engaging versions of the SFB was the Gen 2 GTX, released in 2014.
It is noticeable that construction consists of very durable synthetic leather, ballistic nylon canvas and lightweight ankle support system, which in addition has high breathability. Of course, the main feature of this model stands for the Gore-Tex membrane fabrics: together with the breathable upper it becomes possible to use Gen 2 GTX in the most literally severe weather conditions.
One of the most engaging versions of the SFB was the Gen 2 GTX, released in 2014.
It is noticeable that construction consists of very durable synthetic leather, ballistic nylon canvas and lightweight ankle support system, which in addition has high breathability. Of course, the main feature of this model stands for the Gore-Tex membrane fabrics: together with the breathable upper it becomes possible to use Gen 2 GTX in the most literally severe weather conditions.
While the original SFB has already gone through many iterations and has been used by military units for a long time, AF1 Gore-Tex represents rather a fresh, heavy-duty-inspired point of view at how you can bring these «field» features to urban dweller.
NIKE AF1 Gore-Tex High / Low [2019]
The classic silhouette of the Air Force 1 was designed in 1982 by Nike designer Bruce Kilgore. The model had a huge success with NBA players, and later became an icon of street culture. It was Air Force 1 that became the first Nike sneakers that the company re-released due to the huge demand from fans.
The upcoming release is a direct continuation of the military aesthetics and functionality inherent in the SFB series. Both AF1 Gore-Tex models adopted durable wear and abrasion leather, as well as lightweight and breathable canvas made of ballistic nylon.
Two approaches are taken: High and Low.
The Low version appears in a seasonal color options: Olive Green, Yellow and Tan. The overall style of AF1 Low Gore-Tex is made in a classic way – compare to the High ones – with small additions in branding, as well as especially reingeneered materials for these models.
The high model is available in Phantom, Black and Triple Black colorways.
AF1 High Gore-Tex was affected by more radical design changes: it is worth noting two-zone lacing, which were based on the SFB Gen 2 GTX loop system (and replaced the metal eyelets in in 2014).
The fix system is complemented by a vertical tractor zipper and a toe made of insulated rip-stop nylon on the puller with a tie to prevent moisture from entering the top of the sneakers.
AF1 High Gore-Tex was affected by more radical design changes: it is worth noting two-zone lacing, which were based on the SFB Gen 2 GTX loop system (and replaced the metal eyelets in in 2014).
The fix system is complemented by a vertical tractor zipper and a toe made of insulated rip-stop nylon on the puller with a tie to prevent moisture from entering the top of the sneakers.
The AF1 High Gore-Tex outsole has also a more aggressive look-like tread, compare to the Low version, which is allowing it to contact grip in more challenging weather conditions.
NB! If you pay attention to the AF1 High Gore-Tex (White) outsole, you might see the grid-like pattern, which is a reference to Bill Bowerman and the Nike Waffle sole.
Round laces, a THE10TH badge on the lateral collar, a visibly-stitched Swoosh and Gore-Tex embroidery on the rear-quarter round off this tactical AF1, while a grooved Gum AIR sole unit sets off the entire look.
NB! If you pay attention to the AF1 High Gore-Tex (White) outsole, you might see the grid-like pattern, which is a reference to Bill Bowerman and the Nike Waffle sole.
Round laces, a THE10TH badge on the lateral collar, a visibly-stitched Swoosh and Gore-Tex embroidery on the rear-quarter round off this tactical AF1, while a grooved Gum AIR sole unit sets off the entire look.
These new AF1 High Gore-Tex reforms past considerations (including SFB Field tooling) and adds a new twist with a customizable, zippered bootie. Nike Air Force 1 Gore-Tex pack will be released offline and online via Brandshop store at November 1.
