Air Force 1 LV8 Revives VLONE-Era Look
Nike has released a new Air Force 1 '07 LV8 in Black and University Red, bearing a strong resemblance to the highly collectible 2017 NikeLab x VLONE
Nike has launched the Air Force 1 '07 LV8 in a Black and University Red colorway, a release that Highsnobiety reports feels like a tribute to the iconic 2017 NikeLab x VLONE collaboration. The original sneaker, debuted at ComplexCon in late 2016, became a symbol of peak streetwear hype and now commands prices between $4,000 and $6,000 on resale platforms like StockX.
This new general-release model delivers a remarkably similar visual template at a fraction of the cost. It centers on a pitch-black leather upper, completely covering the toe box, midfoot panels, and overlays. Vibrant University Red accents frame the edges of the Swoosh, the tongue branding, and the heel embroidery.
A Throwback to a Streetwear Peak
The design directly recalls the aesthetic of the VLONE collaboration from the mid-2010s. At that time, the A$AP Mob-backed label VLONE represented a major crossover between music and fashion. While Nike canceled future plans with the brand in mid-2017 and VLONE's relevance has since faded, the black-and-bold color blocking remains one of the most iconic looks applied to the Air Force 1 silhouette.
For collectors who remember the original release, this LV8 edition serves as a nostalgic callback. The source describes it as "an unofficial, accessible tribute to one of the most elusive grails of the past decade." Those who missed out on the 2017 drop, when retail pairs vanished instantly, now have a much more attainable option.
Secondary Market vs. New Release
The financial gap between the original collaboration and this new model is vast. The source provides a clear comparison of the current market positions.
| Sneaker Model | Release Type | Approximate Resale Price (StockX) | Key Accent Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 NikeLab x VLONE Air Force 1 Low | Collaboration | $4,000 - $6,000+ | Orange |
| Nike Air Force 1 '07 LV8 Black/University Red | General Release | Retail Price | University Red |
This table illustrates the dramatic difference in cost and availability. The LV8 iteration replaces the original's bold orange highlights with University Red but maintains the core high-contrast philosophy.
Design Details and Cultural Echo
The sneaker's construction focuses on a smooth black leather build. The color blocking is intentionally minimalist, letting the stark contrast between the black base and the red details define the shoe's character. This approach mirrors the design language that made the VLONE collaboration so distinctive and sought-after during streetwear's most intense hype era.
The release acts as a cultural footnote, reviving the visual memory of a specific moment without the associated brand collaboration. It capitalizes on the enduring appeal of that era's aesthetic. Highsnobiety frames the launch as a throwback to "a pivotal moment in sneaker history," acknowledging the original's legendary status while providing a new, accessible product.
For more on upcoming sneaker releases, check our fixtures. To see how this model compares to other Air Force 1 styles in our collection, visit our squad page. The article concludes by noting the sneaker's role as a wearable piece of recent fashion history, offering the iconic look without the legendary price tag.
