Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka

Air Force 1 Fontanka

Inspired by European rave culture, the Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka is a welcome addition to the AF1 collection. The bottom half is quite chunky, with a slightly higher midsole that meets the upper in a straight line rather than a curve as it wraps around the shoe. The groove along the top of the midsole lacks stitching, and the heel contains a brick of soft React Foam, granting comfort along with energy return. A rectangular section of indented diagonal lines decorates the area between mid and forefoot, creating a subtle effect that moves into the outsole below. Here, the lugs around its edge are set closer together in a continuation of these lines. 

Underneath, the sole has been split down the middle, with one side shifted slightly forwards to establish a clear division between the two halves. This means some of the outsole, which curves up at the back rather than remaining straight, juts out beyond the midsole.

Up top, there are also a number of compelling design elements that define the Air Force 1 Fontanka, one of which is its unusually shaped sections of real and synthetic leather. As well as the classic panels on the forefoot, midfoot and heel, the eyestay has an additional layer that starts at the second eyelet. It then extends beyond the highest one, culminating in a winged edge. A small piece of material pokes out in between the upper and lower ones around the middle of the laces, almost appearing like an extension of the swoosh, which it nearly touches. 

The arced swoosh itself features a second layer that runs along its lower half and cuts up through its centre, adding a variation in texture through the use of alternative materials like suede or synthetic leather. The tongue has also been doubled up and contains three Nike swooshes – branding specifically given to the AF1 Fontanka. The heel panel has been separated into three segments, a larger one in the middle which is flanked by two narrower sections, sometimes in a different colour or material. 

Dynamic zigzag stitching connects these distinct parts, revealing another feature that enhances the style on this model: intricate stitching drawn in offbeat patterns across the upper. Two rows of stitches skirt the perimeter of the toe box, where they cross over each other before straying from the overlay to the section below then back again. Extra thread is also woven into the midfoot and over the middle of the swoosh. Finally, the toe perforations are arranged in a random pattern, creating an idiosyncratic aesthetic that sums up the quirky Air Force 1 Fontanka.