The Nike Air Force 1 has been part of Harlem sneaker culture for decades, which gives Harlem’s Fashion Row a pretty natural starting point for its latest project with Foot Locker. Five Black designers were invited to reinterpret the 1982 silhouette, with the finished customs created around HFR’s House on Martha’s Vineyard pop-up.
There are 10 pairs in the collection, and the idea goes further than just changing colors or materials. Each designer used the Air Force 1 as a base for their own work, bringing in elements of fashion, art, and culture while still keeping the shoe recognizable.
The pairs will not see a normal retail release. Instead, all 10 are being sold through a charity auction, with proceeds going to UNCF and its work supporting students through scholarships and education programs.
Choosing the Air Force 1 also keeps the project tied closely to New York. The shoe’s history in Harlem has been well established for years, long before it became the worldwide staple it is now, so the connection here feels deliberate without needing much explanation.
Bidding on the Harlem’s Fashion Row custom Nike Air Force 1 collection remains open through August 14, 2026, at 3 PM EDT. All 10 pairs are available through the project’s online charity auction.
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