The  Air Force 1 may be a legend today, but in 1984 – just two years after launching – it was almost lost to history. Nike was readying to phase them out – a move that left Baltimore retailers perplexed. Stores had been selling hundreds of pairs! Harold 'Mr. Shoe' Rudo flew to Oregon, convincing Nike execs to produce special AF1s for Baltimore – the 'Colour of the Month' program. To Nike's surprise, not only did this work but word had travelled down Interstate-95, making the AF1s hot property in Philly and New York. An icon was born.

Before they were 'Uptowns' the Air Force 1 was Baltimore's shoe. It's likely without the actions of those stores, we wouldn't be celebrating this shoe now. The modern version of Nike's "Colour of the Month" program features this latest version which sees a leather upper accented with the famed jewel swoosh. The iconic outsole is finished in a tonal, translucent blue for one final flourish.