Iconic Royal Blue and Yellow Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers

The Iconic Nike Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1, commonly referred to as AF1, is one of the most iconic sneakers ever created. Originally designed as a basketball shoe in 1982, the Air Force 1 has become a streetwear staple and cultural icon, known for its clean silhouette and colorway options.

The History of the Air Force 1

The Air Force 1 was created by legendary Nike designer Bruce Kilgore. It was the first basketball shoe to feature Nike's revolutionary Air technology in the sole, allowing for better impact protection and comfort. Originally released as a high-top in white leather with a contrasting swoosh, the shoe saw early adoption among basketball players and hip hop artists.

Over the years, Nike has released the AF1 in over 1,700 color combinations, leading to its popularity across various subcultures. The white-on-white colorway remains the most iconic, but the Royal Blue and Yellow combination has also become a fan favorite.

Royal Blue and Yellow Air Force 1

The Royal Blue and Yellow Air Force 1, also known by the style code #315121-414, features a two-tone color blocking that really makes the shoe pop. The leather upper is primarily Royal Blue, with Yellow accents on the swoosh, heel tab, tongue tag, and sole. Small details like the white outsole and white laces add nice contrast.

This crisp color combination is bold and instantly recognizable, perfect for making a statement. As the AF1 has historically been adopted by various subcultures from hip hop to skateboarding, this bright blue and yellow combo allows you to show your personality and stand out from the crowd.

Release and Collaborations

Nike has released this royal blue and yellow Air Force 1 Low colorway multiple times over the years, both in standard general releases and more limited collabs.

Notable collaborations on this style include shoe designer Jeff Staples and Japanese clothing brand A Bathing Ape in the mid-2000s. These limited collab shoes are highly sought after today by sneaker collectors.

More recently in 2022, Nike launched a new version called the Royal Blue Fury, changing the yellow accents to orange. Celebrities like Travis Scott have been spotted rocking this updated look.

Styling the Royal Blue and Yellow AF1

One of the reasons for the Air Force 1's sustained popularity is its versatility to pair with a variety of outfits. The royal blue and yellow colorway specifically lends itself well to creative styling choices.

Casual Wear

For casual settings, you can keep things lowkey with black joggers or cuffed jeans and a white or gray hoodie or tee. The bold blue shoes will pop against more muted shades. Distressed light blue denim also looks great to complement the pops of yellow against the royal blue leather.

Streetwear Style

Given its background tying into hip hop, skating, and other street cultures, the AF1 begs to be styled with streetwear. Oversized t-shirts, cropped pants, dad hats and retro racing jackets all pair nicely with this look.

For colors, try matching shades like yellows, oranges and blues on top for a monochromatic vibe. Alternatively go with neutrals like black, white and gray to make the sneakers the focal point.

Athleisure and Active Wear

Joggers, leggings, basketball shorts and athleisure apparel like windbreakers and track jackets also stylize nicely with these shoes off the court thanks to their athletic heritage.

Blue shades also lend themselves perfectly to athletic outfits if you want to color coordinate. Wearing black activewear on bottom and blue on top (or vice versa) also allows you to cleanly divide the colorways.

Caring for the Air Force 1

The Air Force 1 is built to handle wear and tear. But taking proper care of your shoes will help extend their lifespan so you can enjoy rocking them for longer.

Cleaning

Over time dirt, stains, and creases are inevitable on white leather shoes especially. For regular cleaning, gently wipe down with soft brushes and mild soap and water. Take the laces out first to clean more easily.

For tougher stains, a sneaker cleaner solution specifically made for leather can help lift deposits out of the nooks and crannies of the material.

Storage

When storing or traveling with your Air Force 1's, keep them in the original box if possible, or use a protective case or bag. Make sure they aren't crammed too tightly, allow some breathing room.

Newspaper or acid-free tissue paper can help the shoes retain their shape inside boxes during storage. Avoid excess humidity which can damage the glues and materials.

Stuffing the toes lightly with paper helps counter the crushing tendency when stacked or piled high. Periodically check for any mold or rotting odors which require immediate cleaning.

Finding Your Pair

The Nike Air Force 1 Low in the iconic Royal Blue and Yellow colorway remains easy to find today. As a standard general release, this style is widely available at retail stores carrying sneakers as well as big box stores.

Online shops like Nike.com of course carry this exact pair year round. Resale sites like StockX and GOAT also offer brand new and gently used pairs.

For limited collabs like the Staples or BAPE versions which released years ago, eBay and consignment boutiques may have lightly worn collectibles still floating around.

This classic colorway on an all-time great silhouette is certainly a staple pair perfect for summer days or anytime you want that instant streetwear cred. The next time you pull these blue and yellow beauties out of the box, you can wear them with confidence and style.

FAQs

When did the royal blue and yellow Air Force 1 first release?

The exact origins are unclear, but this colorway is believed to have first released in the early 2000s. It has since been rereleased multiple times, including notable collaborations with Staple and BAPE in the mid-2000s.

What makes the Air Force 1 such an iconic shoe?

The Air Force 1 was revolutionary as the first basketball sneaker featuring Nike's Air cushioning technology. Over the years it became a streetwear staple, appreciated for its clean silhouette that pairs well with various styles. Over 1,700 colorways have released to date.

How can I style my royal blue and yellow AF1's?

These shoes pair nicely with casual relaxed fits like joggers and hoodies, as well as streetwear aesthetics featuring oversized tees, cropped pants and dad hats. You can also coordinate shades of blue or opt for neutrals on top to make the kicks stand out.

Where can I buy these shoes?

This being a general release colorway, the royal blue and yellow Air Force 1 Low is widely available at mainstream sneaker retailers globally and online at Nike.com. Resale sites also offer brand new and gently used pairs.