Throwback To These Matcha-Inspired Air Force 1s
This isn’t the first time the powdery, green tea has gone viral.
From TikTok to our kitchens, matcha is taking over. Despite rising to new popularity at the top of 2025 — and dominating beauty — the powdered green tea has been inspiring footwear for years.
In 2020, Nike updated the Air Force 1 ‘07 LV8 in pastel “Vigor Green,” a shade reminiscent of matcha tea. The familiar silhouette is washed from sole to tongue in the refreshing hue, resulting in a fully tonal sneaker.
Constructed of a pebbled leather upper, the shoe retains the classic Air Force 1 midsole embossed with the “AIR” logo at the lateral. The Nike Swoosh at the lateral and medial are both accompanied by an additional check, this time cut in half and placed upside-down at both sides of the toebox. Tonal laces and Nike branding at the heel and tongue complete the low-top sneaker.
This isn’t the first time, however. In 2018, photographer @Ryustyler shared an installment of #DeliciousKicks, a food-inspired footwear series that reimagined the Air Force 1. The sneaker was created in collaboration with designer Chase Shiel. The series placed the iconic Air Force 1 in settings that ring true for every matcha lover. From wisks to sweet treats you pair with your matcha latte, the food series is the perfect marriage of lifestyles. Take a look at the gorgeously green series here.
In other news, Rema releases “Baby (Is It A Crime).”
