The “Escape” color scheme from the early 2000s is trending as of late. First, we were reminded of the all-knowing Nigo rocking a pair of Air Force IIIs in the iconic colorway earlier this year. Now, we’re learning that Nike is bringing back this 2005 classic twenty years after its original drop.
Officially revealed as part of their 2024/2025 showcase on SNKRS Live, the Air Force 1 “Escape” made an unexpected appearance as part of next year’s seasonal showcase. True to the original specs, including the suede overlays and perforated toe-box, these unforgettable AF1s continue a string of classic re-issues as part of Nike’s Cult Classics series that just produced a retro of the Linen Air Force 1s.
The “Escape” colorway dates back to 1988 as one of the original colorways of the Air Force III. While most of the colorways featured the over-sized “FORCE” logo on the tongue label, there were two version that featured an “ESCAPE” tag on the tongue. In addition to the brown pair seen below (via DeFY), a second black/grey/white also released back in 1988.
Throughout the early 2000s, the brown colorway was referenced through a number of different shoes, including the Air Force 1 Low, the Air Force II in 2003, the Air Max 90, and the Air Huarache.
As of the publishing of this article, a release date for the Air Force 1 “Escape” has not yet been confirmed, although they are indeed expected inside the first three months of 2025.
