Nigo and j-hope Bring New Energy to an Icon Through the Nike x Nigo Air Force 1 World Tour

Nike and Nigo are at it again, debuting another exclusive style of the Air Force 1 that calls to mind the Japanese artist’s longstanding influence across fashion, music and culture.

For the latest collaboration, Nigo teamed up with BTS’s j-hope to remix a classic and deliver on his signature hobicore aesthetic.

What began as mutual admiration evolved into a creative partnership rooted in rarified taste, artistry and design — brought to life through a vibrant expression of the 2001 Air Force 1, which Nigo and Nike designers reprised for his multi-season Air Force 1 journey.

“I think j-hope is one of the few people who can become a true ambassador for culture and help carry it forward to the next generation,” says Nigo.

Classic 1990s Tokyo nostalgia meets modern global stardom on Nigo and j-hope’s reimagined silhouette. Inspired by the creative worlds of both collaborators, the design features a glossy Burnt Sunrise and Metallic Gold leather upper, Chlorine Blue accents and signature squirrel graphics that embody j-hope’s energetic spirit.

The result is a silhouette that feels deeply personal to both collaborators and stands to inspire a new generation of artists around the globe. For j-hope, the shoe’s standout details and materials create a balance between nostalgia and elevated design.

“I really like the harmony of the enamel material color that Nigo expressed,” says j-hope. “And the special shoelace details that I haven’t seen often bring out the charm of the sneakers even more. It’s so good.”

For decades, the Air Force 1 has served as a canvas for self-expression across sport, style and music. Nigo is honoring that legacy throughout his Air Force 1 World Tour while connecting the silhouette to a new generation of cultural innovators.

Future styles will continue to draw on Nigo’s friends, influences and personal history while bringing forward the sleek vintage look of the 2001 Air Force 1.

The Nike x Nigo x j-hope Air Force 1 will launch exclusively October 17 at humanmade.jp, followed by a global launch October 22 on SNKRS and at select retail locations.

View and download photos of Nigo’s Air Force 1 collaborations below, and keep watch for additional styles to come from Nike and Nigo’s Air Force 1 World Tour.