Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium Mark Smith 2003

Description

Over his 20 year career with Nike, Mark Smith has been a part of some of the company’s most interesting and successful ventures. Arguably, one of the most memorable came in 2002 when Smith joined Nike’s Innovation Kitchen after a brief hiatus – working on bringing Nike’s new laser technology to the sneaker market. Utilizing the newly introduced laser, Nike released the 2003 Nike Laser Pack.

This incredibly rare sample pair is truly unique in its design and laser application. With a black leather upper, burnt orange lining and laces, the minimal color choice brings out the most of Mark Smith’s highly detailed laser engraving to nearly the entirety of the sneaker.

The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. Previously realized in running shoes, the introduction of Nike’s ‘Air’ technology in the midsole was a revolutionary concept for basketball sneakers. Tasked with bringing the concept to life, designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer brought the project to fruition with a hiking boot inspired, ankle strapped, high top. Kilgore’s first basketball sneaker, the Air Force 1 was brought to market in 1982.