The Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Shoe Dog” will be released in Spring 2027. Inspired by Phil Knight’s early days selling shoes out of the trunk of his green Plymouth Valiant, this special edition celebrates Nike’s beginnings before it became one of the world’s biggest sportswear brands.
Nike Sportswear continues to build its Air Force 1 ’01 lineup, and this pair connects back to Nike’s roots, even before the AF1 was launched in 1982. After bringing back the original 2001 shape earlier this year, the brand is now honoring its co-founder with a colorway that looks back at the company’s earliest years.
Before the Swoosh became a global icon, Phil Knight was selling imported running shoes from the trunk of his car at track meets throughout the Pacific Northwest. That chapter now serves as the inspiration for the Air Force 1 ’01 “Shoe Dog.”
This Nike Air Force 1 Low features a White, Metallic Silver, and Pear Green color scheme, inspired by Knight’s Plymouth Valiant. Metallic Silver covers the leather overlays, while Pear Green appears on the laces, sockliner, and outsole. White leather lands on the base, helping balance the brighter accents.
Several details separate the “Shoe Dog” from a standard Air Force 1. The lace dubraes feature Phil Knight’s “PK” initials, while the tongue and heel branding use vintage serif lettering that reflects Nike’s early days. Inside, the sneaker is finished with a satin-like liner that gives the pair a premium appearance, while “Thank You Phil” appears on the insoles.
More Nike Air Force 1 Low Releases
Nike Air Force 1 01 Shoe Dog Release Date
The Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Shoe Dog” will be released during the Spring 2027 season at select Nike Sportswear retailers, including Nike, Foot Locker, Shiekh, and Finish Line. At the time of writing, Nike has not announced the retail price. Once we have more details, we will update you.
Bottom Line
The “Shoe Dog” Nike Air Force 1 ’01 tells one of the most important stories in Nike history through a clean, understated design. By drawing inspiration from Phil Knight’s earliest days building the company, the release connects one of the brand’s most iconic sneakers with the origins of the Swoosh itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
The nickname references Phil Knight’s memoir Shoe Dog and his early years selling running shoes before Nike became a global company.
No. While it honors Phil Knight, the “Shoe Dog” is an in-line Nike Sportswear release rather than an external collaboration.
Images: Modern Notoriety
 in White/Metallic Silver-Pear Green releases Spring 2027. See the release date.){kind=link}