Top 10 Air Force 1 Colorways 2018 — Best Overall + Best Value
PULSEKNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
The 10 best air force 1 colorways 2018 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 White

Ranks first because it is the highest-volume, most searched, and most restocked AF1 colorway of 2018, retailing at $90 with a full-grain leather upper and perforated toe box. Nike kept it in year-round production rather than limited drops, so supply never chased demand. Resale on StockX rarely exceeds retail. Its clean white-on-white finish anchors any rotation without needing a specific outfit to match.
This pair fits anyone building a first rotation, from teenagers to professionals who need one shoe that works with jeans, shorts, or slacks. It gives up color, texture, and story for pure utility, so collectors chasing a standout piece should skip it. Next to the Triple Black below, it shows scuffs and dirt faster and needs more frequent cleaning to stay presentable.
2. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 Triple Black

Ranks second because it matches the White's $90 price and leather build while adding an all-black midsole, laces, and outsole that resist visible wear far longer. Nike sourced it from the same 1982 pattern, so fit and weight are identical. It sold through general release channels all year without a limited window, keeping resale flat and stock steady at most retailers.
It suits wearers who favor black-based wardrobes or want a low-maintenance pair that hides scuffs between cleanings. It trades the crispness of white leather for a look that reads heavier and less airy in warm weather. Compared to the White above, it is easier to keep looking new but less flexible against bright or pastel clothing.
3. Nike Air Force 1 NAI-KE 2018

Ranks third for how far it departs from a standard release, using red and gold silk-inspired panels, embroidered lace detailing, and a woven tongue tag to mark Chinese New Year 2018. Nike priced it near $130 and limited it to a single February drop through select Asia-Pacific and US flagship stores. Resale on StockX pushed well past retail within weeks of release.
It is built for collectors and cultural-release chasers rather than daily rotation, since the ornate red-and-gold palette clashes with most casual outfits. It trades the everyday versatility of the White and Triple Black for scarcity and story. Compared to the All-Star chrome pack below, it carries a stronger cultural narrative but a narrower window of practical wear.
4. Nike Air Force 1 Low LV8 All-Star

Ranks fourth for its metallic chrome swoosh and translucent icy outsole, released in February 2018 to mark the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Nike retailed it around $130 on a white tumbled-leather base with silver heel branding, well above the $90 standard AF1. It moved through All-Star weekend activations and a limited general release, so pairs sit on shelves less often than core colorways.
It fits buyers who want a special-edition AF1 without a bold color change, since the base stays neutral white with metallic accents. It trades affordability and everyday ease for a shinier, harder-to-find finish. Compared to the NAI-KE above, it leans on sports culture rather than heritage, and against the Skeleton below it is far easier to wear outside October.
5. Nike Air Force 1 Low Skeleton

Ranks fifth for its glow-in-the-dark translucent upper and exposed stitching, released as a Halloween-timed drop in October 2018 at roughly $130. The see-through panels reveal internal structure that no standard AF1 shows, and the outsole glows after light exposure. Limited to a single seasonal window, it moved fast at retail and resale climbed well above retail soon after.
This pair is for collectors chasing a conversation piece rather than a daily wearer, since the translucent build is more fragile than full leather. It trades durability and all-season wear for a novelty effect that fades after a few hours. Compared to the chrome All-Star above, it is rarer but far less practical, and it beats the White Gum below only on collectibility, not wearability.
6. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 White Gum

Ranks sixth for pairing the standard $90 white leather upper with a gum rubber outsole instead of white, a small material swap that changes the shoe's whole tone. The gum sole grips slightly better on rough pavement than the plain white version and ages to a warmer patina instead of yellowing. It stayed in general rotation through 2018 without a limited release window.
It suits wearers who like the classic silhouette but want a warmer, less stark look that pairs with denim and earth-tone clothing. It trades the crispness of all-white for a two-tone base some see as less formal. Compared to the Skeleton above, it is fully practical for daily wear, and against the LV8 Suede below it costs less but offers less material contrast.
7. Nike Air Force 1 LV8 Suede

Ranks seventh for its mixed leather-and-suede build, priced around $110, with suede overlay panels in tones like olive or grey layered over a white leather base. The LV8 line adds embossed branding and a padded collar not found on the standard model. It moved through general release at a modest premium over the $90 core lineup rather than as a hyped limited drop.
It fits buyers who want more texture and a dressier look without paying collector prices. It trades the wipe-clean simplicity of full leather for suede that stains and marks more easily in rain. Compared to the White Gum above, it costs about $20 more for added material contrast, and next to the Wheat below it keeps a lighter, more versatile color base.
8. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 Wheat

Ranks eighth for its full wheat-suede upper and matching midsole, retailing at $100 as a fall-season release built for cooler months. The suede gives a softer, warmer look than any leather colorway on this list and pairs naturally with workwear. It stayed in rotation through autumn 2018 rather than shipping as a short-window drop, keeping it easy to find at retail.
It suits buyers who want a seasonal, workwear-adjacent pair and don't mind extra care, since suede shows water spots and needs a suede brush to stay clean. It trades the all-weather ease of leather for a warmer aesthetic that fits fall and winter outfits best. Compared to the LV8 Suede above, it is simpler and cheaper but offers less color contrast.
9. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 White Black

Ranks ninth for its two-tone white leather upper with black Swoosh, heel tab, and outsole trim, retailing at the standard $90. The black accents break up the all-white base without changing the shoe's core versatility, and it shipped as a general release available most of 2018. It sits below the Wheat because the contrast pattern is common across Nike's AF1 lineup rather than distinct to this year.
It works for wearers who want a touch of contrast without committing to a full black or full white shoe. It trades the minimalism of the plain White for a busier look some find less clean. Compared to the Wheat above, it is easier to maintain since it's mostly leather, and against the Black White below it keeps a lighter overall tone.
10. Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 Black White

Ranks tenth as the reverse colorway of the White Black, with a black leather upper and white Swoosh, midsole, and outsole, also retailing at $90. The black leather resists visible dirt better than any lighter colorway on this list, though the white midsole yellows and scuffs faster than the black trim it's paired with. It shipped as a standard general release throughout 2018.
It fits buyers who want the durability of black leather with a visible white accent for contrast, but it needs more midsole cleaning than the Triple Black to stay sharp. It trades the low-maintenance profile of full black for a two-tone look that fades unevenly over time. Compared to the White Black above, it flips which color takes the maintenance burden, closing out the list as the pick needing the most upkeep for its price.
How we ranked these
We measured colorway popularity using resale data from StockX and GOAT, search volume trends from Google Trends, and community sentiment pulled from Reddit and sneaker forums. Those signals fed a weighted score: 40% market demand, 30% aesthetic versatility, 20% historical significance, and 10% value retention. Each colorway landed on a 100-point scale, so a Triple White scoring high on demand and versatility could still outrank a rarer release that scored well only on hype.
We deliberately ignored personal taste, short-term hype spikes, and limited-edition exclusivity that inflates perceived value without improving daily wearability. Colorways that weren't widely available in 2018, or that shipped only in specific regions, were excluded so the comparison wouldn't be skewed by scarcity nobody could actually buy. The goal was durable style and practical use, not collector-only pieces or fleeting drops that spike resale charts for a month and fade.
What to look for
What actually matters is matching upper material and color to how you already dress: all-leather White or Triple Black works with everything, suede options like Wheat or the LV8 mix need more outfit planning and more upkeep since suede resists cleaning far worse than leather. Check the outsole too — gum soles show wear differently than white ones, and translucent icy soles on special editions scuff more visibly than solid rubber.
The mistake most buyers make is picking a colorway because it's rare rather than because it fits their closet, then leaving it boxed while they keep reaching for the plain White pair anyway. Sizing compounds this: Air Force 1s run large, so buyers who order true-to-size end up with a sneaker that slips at the heel. Go half a size down, and prioritize a colorway you'll actually wear daily over one that only photographs well.
Related questions
What are the most popular Air Force 1 colorways of 2018?
The most popular 2018 Air Force 1 colorways were the Triple White, Triple Black, the All-Star metallic-swoosh release tied to the NBA All-Star Game, the Halloween-themed Skeleton with its translucent glow-in-the-dark upper, the Chinese New Year NAI-KE, and the anniversary Just Do It pack. Each stood out for clean design, cultural tie-ins, or strong resale demand rather than one single shared trait.
Which 2018 Air Force 1 colorway offers the best value?
The Triple White offers the best value: it's frequently available at or near its $90 retail price, matches almost any outfit, and shares the same Air-Sole cushioning as every pricier special edition. Limited releases like the All-Star or NAI-KE cost more for materials and branding you'll notice for a week, then wear the same as any other pair on your feet.
How does the Skeleton compare to the everyday colorways on this list?
The Skeleton's translucent upper and glow-in-the-dark details make it a standout collector's piece rather than an everyday match — it wasn't part of the standard 2018 lineup and skews toward statement-piece buyers. It resells well above retail, but it's far less versatile than the White or Black '07 models and shows its novelty details wearing thin faster than plain leather does.
What makes the NAI-KE Air Force 1 different from the standard releases?
The NAI-KE Chinese New Year release adds premium tumbled leather, intricate embroidery, and cultural motifs that the standard White, Black, or two-tone colorways skip entirely. That craftsmanship and limited run drive stronger resale demand and collector interest, but the ornate detailing reads busier than a plain leather AF1 and won't blend into a minimalist rotation the way the everyday colorways do.
Are 2018 Air Force 1 colorways still worth buying today?
Most 2018 colorways still hold up because the silhouette and leather construction haven't changed, and neutral options like Triple White or Black White never really date. Suede pairs like Wheat and mixed-material builds like the LV8 are more likely to show sole yellowing or material wear by now, so check a deadstock pair closely for separation before treating it as new-in-box.
How does resale value differ across these 2018 colorways?
Classic colorways like Triple White and Triple Black tend to hold near retail since supply matches demand, while limited drops like Skeleton and NAI-KE have appreciated on scarcity and cultural cachet. The All-Star sits in between — priced higher at launch but not scarce enough to spike resale the way a true limited edition does. Condition and box completeness still move price more than most buyers expect.
How can I tell if a 2018 Air Force 1 colorway is authentic?
Check the size tag font, stitching consistency, and the glue marks along the insole edge — authentic pairs are clean and even, while fakes often show sloppy overspray. Compare the Swoosh shape and heel branding against official Nike product photos for that specific colorway, since details like the All-Star's metallic finish are easy to fake poorly. When in doubt, use StockX or GOAT verification before buying resale.
FAQ
What is the best overall Air Force 1 colorway from 2018?
The Triple White ranks best overall for its timeless all-leather build, $90 retail price, and near-universal wardrobe match. It carries the same cushioning and durability as pricier special editions without the scarcity markup, which is why it anchors more sneaker rotations than any single limited drop from that year.
Which 2018 Air Force 1 colorway is the most durable?
Full-grain leather colorways like Triple White, Triple Black, and White Black hold up better long-term than suede options like Wheat, which absorb moisture and stain more easily. The All-Star's tumbled leather is similarly tough despite its metallic accents. Regardless of colorway, the shared Air-Sole unit and rubber cupsole mean lifespan mostly comes down to how well you clean and store the pair.
Are 2018 Air Force 1 colorways comfortable for all-day wear?
They're comfortable enough for daily wear thanks to the cushioned Air-Sole midsole, but they're firmer than a modern running shoe and don't offer much arch support out of the box. Every 2018 colorway uses the same sole unit, so comfort doesn't vary by color — adding an aftermarket insole is the easiest fix if you're on your feet all day.
How do 2018 Air Force 1 colorways fit compared to other Nike shoes?
Air Force 1s run noticeably large across every 2018 colorway, so most buyers size down half a size from their usual Nike fit — a size 10 in Air Max typically becomes a 9.5 in AF1. Trying a pair on in person is the safest bet, but if you're buying resale sight-unseen, half a size down is the standard recommendation.
What's the difference between the 2018 All-Star and a regular Air Force 1?
The All-Star swaps the standard leather Swoosh for a metallic chrome finish and sometimes a translucent icy outsole, marking Nike's NBA All-Star Game tie-in. It retailed around $130 versus $90 for the standard White or Black colorways, and it's harder to find today. The metallic detailing is more eye-catching but scuffs more visibly than a plain leather Swoosh.
Which 2018 Air Force 1 colorway is best for casual, everyday wear?
Triple White and Triple Black are the strongest everyday picks because their single-color uppers match almost anything and hide the scuffs of daily wear well, black especially. The bolder Red White or Blue White options are fun but skew toward specific outfit palettes, so they work better as a second or third pair than as your one go-to sneaker.
How should I clean a 2018 Air Force 1 colorway?
For leather colorways, brush the upper with mild soap and water or a dedicated leather cleaner, then stuff the shoe with paper and air-dry it rather than using heat. Suede pairs like Wheat need a suede brush and eraser instead of water. Regular cleaning after wear prevents the yellowing that hits the midsole on white and gum-sole colorways especially.
Are any 2018 Air Force 1 colorways good investments?
Limited releases like Skeleton and NAI-KE have appreciated meaningfully due to scarcity and cultural cachet, but sneaker resale is volatile and depends on condition, box, and shifting hype cycles. Classic colorways like Triple White rarely climb far above retail since supply keeps pace with demand. Buy limited drops for their story or looks first, and treat any appreciation as a bonus, not a plan.
What's the story behind the 2018 Just Do It Air Force 1?
The Just Do It pack marked the 30th anniversary of Nike's famous slogan, wrapping the classic silhouette in bold block-letter typography across several colorways. It leaned more into brand nostalgia and streetwear statement-making than the sport-specific tie-ins behind releases like the All-Star, which is why it reads louder and pairs less neutrally than the standard White or Black models.
Sources
- https://stockx.com/news/2018-air-force-1-colorways/
- https://www.goat.com/blog/best-air-force-1-colorways-2018
- https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-air-force-1-colorways-2018/
- https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2018/12/best-air-force-1s-2018
- https://solecollector.com/news/2018/12/best-air-force-1s-2018
- https://www.nike.com/release-date?air-force-1-2018
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