Nike Court Vision vs. Air Force 1: What’s the Difference?

Have you always wanted a pair of Air Force 1s? Do you tend to get them confused with Nike Court Visions? If so, then you need to start by learning the difference between Air Force 1 and Nike Court Vision shoes.

Doing so can help you determine which is the best decision for your needs. While they make look the same at first glance, you will soon see that there are some major differences between the two.

See below for an in-depth guide on the Nike Court Vision and Nike Air Force 1 models. We promise you’ll be able to discern the two from this day forward.

What is Nike Court Vision?

Whenever someone thinks of basketball shoes, they tend to think of Jordans. These shoes always have an iconic shape and style about them that rivals the decade in which they originated: the 1980s. 

Nike Court Vision shoes got their inspiration the same way. Originally known as the Nike Tennis, the company behind the Swoosh decided to change its name to the “Nike Court” in 2014, along with making a few modifications.

The Nike Court Vision was turned into a hybrid culmination of many different shoes. Its thick and blocky design (which makes it look similar to the Air Force 1s) is inspired by the basketball shoes of old. 

Some of the old Nike Tennis designs can still be seen in the wide sole, which compliments the side-to-side style. 

Some people swear by the Nike Court Vision Mids due to their Jordan-like appearance. They go with almost any outfit, whether you’re rocking jeans, joggers, or athletic shorts. People wear them both casually and during light games of pick-up basketball.

The Nike Court Vision Lows come in many different colors, although the most standard one is the all-white aesthetic; the one that’s most commonly confused with Air Force 1s. If you are a big fan of sneakers, why not customized pins for your sneakers. Not only are they unique decorations, but they are also souvenirs of your sneaker collection. They are more abrasion resistant than sneakers, and you can even create a unique display to store your sneaker pins. You can also customize pins for your teammates as a symbol of your team’s unity! When you’re wearing sneakers and chic pins together, you’re the best looking kid on the street! If you want a nice pin like the one in the picture, then I highly recommend a custom soft enamel pins, which is inexpensive and can perfectly show off the lines of your shoes.

What is Nike Air Force 1?

If there was ever a shoe that had the 80s to thank for its success, it’s the Air Force 1s. This now-iconic shoe model was initially tossed aside by Nike after only 2 years.

Named after Air Force One, the plane that transports the President of the United States around, this shoe carries a timeless street basketball shoe design. It has a cult-like following these days and is most popularly seen in the white-on-white (all-white) colorway. 

The original Air Force 1s were created by Nike shoe designer Bruce Kilgore, then released in 1982. As we previously mentioned, Nike stopped production on them in 1984 after a lackluster sales trajectory.

Only years later, in 1986, the Air Force 1s were reproduced and became the must-have shoe for inner-city kids. Even though the AF1 has been around for over 30 years, very little has changed about its design. Nike only ever tweaks its iconic look when they feel it can benefit the dedicated followers. 

If you’re looking for a way to discern Air Force 1s from Court Visions right off the bat, then look for the gold medallion on the bottom lace of the AF1s (all of them have it). Much like Nike Court Visions, you would primarily wear Air Force 1s for leisure or playing street basketball. 

The Main Differences in Nike Court Visions and Air Force 1s

Now that you know the backstory between both brands, let’s take a look at the most telling differences.

Aesthetic Details

If you were to line up a Nike Court Vision and Nike Air Force 1 side by side, you’d see notable differences in their design; it’s primarily the white on white color that confuses people.

Air Force 1s, have an AF1 logo and the medallion located on the bottom lace of each shoe. Their tongue is larger than that of the Nike Court Vision and the AF1 Lows are a bit higher on the ankle than the Nike Court Vision Lows.

The upper body of the shoe is similar—both are even made of leather—but if you look closely, the Air Force 1 has more layers around the heel and toe.

Price Point

Granted, this isn’t an aesthetic difference. However, different people choose one or the other depending on what they’re looking for.

For example, if they’re simply looking for an all-white Nike shoe that’s cost-efficient, they’ll likely go with the Nike Court Visions, which are $65, $25 cheaper than Air Force 1s.

That said, many people are happy to pay the extra $25 to get their hands on one of the most recognizable shoes of all time. If you’re set on purchasing Air Force 1s, then don’t settle for anything else!

Nike Air Technology

The Air Force 1s were the first ever shoe to have the Nike Air technology ingrained in their design. As a nod to that, Nike has always kept the “Air” logo prominently featured on the side of the AF1’s midsole.

Nike Air Force 1s have a taller and wider midsole than the Nike Court Visions, which just have a generic sole to them. Because of this, Nike Court Visions often look longer than AF1s because of the dimensions.

Make sure that you compare the two for yourself to see which one you prefer. The Air technology would come in handy if you plan on wearing them to play in.

Nike Court Vision vs Air Force 1s: Buy Your Preferred Look

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide comparing the Nike Court Vision vs the Air Force 1s, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

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