Phil Knight’s early days selling sneakers out of a car are getting a direct nod on an upcoming Nike Air Force 1.

Before Nike had its name, its Swoosh, or anything close to global reach, Knight was moving imported Onitsuka Tiger running shoes at track meets around the Pacific Northwest. His setup was simple: a green Plymouth Valiant, a trunk full of shoes, and the start of what would become one of the biggest sportswear companies in the world.

That story now lands on the Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Shoe Dog,” a pair first shown during Paris Fashion Week. The colorway takes cues from Knight’s old Valiant with Metallic Silver panels and Pear green hits across the laces, outsole, and sockliner. The satin-like liner adds a cleaner finish, while retro-style serif branding on the tongue and heel gives the shoe more of an old-school Nike feel.

The lace dubraes come stamped with “PK” initials, making the Phil Knight connection clear without overdoing it. This pair also uses Nike’s newer Air Force 1 ’01 build, which features a slightly narrower shape and a more padded interior compared to the standard ’07 version.

The Nike Air Force 1 ’01 “Shoe Dog” is expected to release during Spring/Summer 2027 in men’s sizing. Pairs will be available through Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers.

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Photos: Modern Notoriety