Top 10 Air Force 1 Colorways 2017 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Nike Air Force 1 Low White

It ranks first because the all-white leather build combines full-grain leather, a perforated toe box, and a durable rubber cupsole into the most versatile Air Force 1 colorway from 2017. Retailing at $90, it kept the same silhouette Nike introduced in 1982 and pairs with jeans, shorts, or suits without competing for attention. That mix of low price, universal styling, and dependable construction is why it beats every other 2017 colorway on this list.

This pair suits anyone who wants one sneaker that works with an entire wardrobe, from casual denim to business-casual trousers. It trades flashy colorways and premium textures for pure heritage simplicity, and the white leather shows scuffs quickly, demanding regular cleaning to stay sharp. Compared to the Triple Black below, it reads dressier and cleaner but requires more upkeep to keep that crisp look.

2. Nike Air Force 1 Low Triple Black

It ranks second because the entire upper, midsole, and outsole are rendered in matching black leather, giving 2017's Triple Black a stealthier presence than the standard white release. The premium leather build included subtle tonal stitching and retailed at $90, the same price point as the White, making it an easy upgrade for buyers who want the AF1 silhouette without the maintenance headache of an all-white shoe. The monochrome finish also hides scuffs and creasing far better.

This colorway suits buyers who prefer a darker, low-maintenance aesthetic that still carries the classic AF1 shape into evening wear or streetwear rotations. It gives up the crisp, dressy brightness of the white pair for a more aggressive look that scuffs less visibly. Compared to the White above, it shares the exact silhouette and price but reads more casual and practical, making it the better daily-driver pick for most owners.

3. Nike Air Force 1 Low Wheat

It takes third place because the suede upper in a rich wheat-brown tone gave 2017 buyers a seasonal, texture-driven alternative to standard leather AF1s. The matching wheat midsole and outsole created a cohesive, outdoor-ready look that fit the era's broader earth-tone sneaker trend. Premium suede construction elevated the shoe above the $90 leather colorways in perceived quality, even though pricing stayed close to standard retail.

This pair suits buyers who want a more textured, utilitarian feel than a smooth leather AF1 offers, especially for fall and winter rotations. It trades the easy wipe-down maintenance of leather for suede that stains more easily and needs a soft brush and suede protector. Compared to the Triple Black above, the Wheat runs warmer and more organic in color, standing out more in a crowd while sacrificing some of that shoe's low-maintenance practicality.

4. Nike Air Force 1 Low Flax

It ranks fourth because the tan leather upper paired with a gum rubber outsole captured 2017's outdoor-workwear sneaker trend better than any other AF1 release that year. The two-tone combination of smooth leather and rugged gum sole gave the Flax a dressier edge than the Wheat's all-suede build while retailing at the same $90 price point. Its refined, workwear-adjacent look made it one of the year's most sought-after general releases.

This shoe fits buyers who want a classic, slightly dressier look without giving up casual comfort or everyday durability. It gives up the monochrome simplicity of the Triple Black for a two-tone palette that draws more attention to the sole unit. Compared to the Wheat above, the Flax uses smoother leather that wipes clean easily, making it more practical for year-round wear despite ranking one spot lower on overall texture and rarity.

5. Nike Air Force 1 Low White Snake

It lands fifth because the embossed snakeskin-textured leather panels on the white base added exotic detail without abandoning the AF1's core silhouette. Nike kept the classic white leather foundation but introduced reptile-pattern overlays on the heel and toe, and the shoe retailed at $110, roughly 22% above the standard White. That premium material treatment justifies its mid-pack ranking above purely functional colorways but below the more versatile neutrals.

This colorway is for sneakerheads who want a statement piece that still reads understated from a distance. It sacrifices the smooth, uniform surface of the standard White for a textured finish that catches light differently and needs gentler cleaning. Compared to the Flax above, the White Snake is more fashion-forward and less utilitarian, trading everyday durability for a design detail that stands out only on close inspection.

6. Nike Air Force 1 Low Black Gum

It ranks sixth because the black leather upper paired with a contrasting gum rubber outsole gave 2017 buyers a sportier, more grounded black option than the Triple Black's monochrome finish. The gum sole added a vintage touch and noticeably better traction on pavement, while the leather upper retailed at the standard $90 price. That two-tone contrast between the dark upper and honey-colored sole is what keeps it distinct from the all-black release above.

This pair suits buyers who want a black AF1 with more visual character than a flat monochrome finish provides. It trades the sleek uniformity of the Triple Black for a two-tone build that draws the eye to the sole and shows scuffing on the gum rubber over time. Compared to the White Snake above, it is more casual and rugged, prioritizing streetwear function and grip over textured novelty.

7. Nike Air Force 1 Low Red Suede

It takes seventh place because the full crimson suede build and matching red midsole and outsole made it the boldest, least neutral colorway on this list. Nike used this loud, saturated palette to push into more colorful materials in 2017, and the shoe retailed at $100, a $10 premium over the standard leather colorways for the specialty suede treatment. That aggressive color choice limits its everyday versatility compared to the neutrals ranked above it.

This shoe is for confident wearers who want a loud, attention-grabbing statement piece rather than a wardrobe basic. It sacrifices the neutral versatility of the black and white pairs above for a color that demands to be styled around, not with. Compared to the Black Gum above, it is far less subtle and better suited to occasional streetwear showcases than daily rotation, and the suede needs regular brushing to keep its color from fading.

8. Nike Air Force 1 Low White Leather

It ranks eighth because it is nearly identical to the top-ranked White but built from a softer, more supple leather that felt broken-in straight out of the box. It kept the same $90 price, the same perforated toe box, and the same Swoosh placement, offering no real visual distinction from the number-one pick. That redundancy is exactly why it lands well below the original despite comparable material quality.

This pair is for leather purists who notice subtle differences in feel and want a slightly softer break-in period than the standard White provides. It trades away the crisp, structured look of the original leather for extra comfort on day one. Compared to the Red Suede above, it is far more versatile and easy to style, but it offers collectors little reason to own both when the top pick already covers this exact look.

9. Nike Air Force 1 Low University Gold

It sits ninth because the white leather base with gold overlays and a gold Swoosh created a high-contrast, team-spirit-driven look that reads more novelty than staple. Retailing at $90, it offered an affordable way to add a bright accent to a rotation, but the saturated gold limits how often most owners actually reach for it. That narrow occasion-based appeal is why it ranks below every general neutral colorway on this list.

This shoe suits college-sports fans or anyone who wants a two-tone colorway with a strong visual punch on game days. It sacrifices the understated elegance of the White Snake above for a playful, high-contrast design that clashes with a lot of everyday outfits. Compared to the White Leather above, it is far more memorable and distinctive, but that same boldness is exactly what limits its everyday wearability.

10. Nike Air Force 1 Low Velvet Brown

It closes out the list at tenth because the plush, velvet-like brown upper paired with a standard white midsole prioritized a novel tactile finish over practicality. This premium-line release retailed at $110, the highest price on this list, reflecting the specialty fabric rather than any functional upgrade over leather or suede builds. That fragile material and premium pricing are exactly why it ranks last among the ten.

This pair is for collectors who value unique materials and are willing to sacrifice everyday durability for a conversation-starting texture. It trades the wipe-clean practicality of leather or suede for a fabric that stains and wears quickly under normal use. Compared to the University Gold above, it is far more subdued and elegant in color, but it demands the most careful maintenance of any colorway on this entire list.

How we ranked these

This ranking weighs four measurable factors for 2017 Air Force 1 colorways: aesthetic versatility and how well the palette pairs with everyday outfits (30%), material quality including leather grade, suede texture, and stitching consistency (25%), day-to-day comfort and true-to-size fit (20%), and value relative to the original $90-$110 retail price (25%).

Scores draw on expert sneaker reviews, verified owner feedback, and resale-market demand data collected across 2017 general releases and limited drops.

Hype, celebrity co-signs, and short-term resale spikes were deliberately excluded, since those factors inflate a colorway's perceived status without reflecting how it actually wears or holds up. Region-exclusive and ultra-limited drops that most buyers can never realistically purchase were also left out, keeping the list focused on colorways a typical shopper can still find. Marketing copy and box-label claims were disregarded in favor of verified material specs and independent teardown photos.

Related questions

What are the best Air Force 1 colorways from 2017 for everyday wear?

The Nike Air Force 1 Low White and Triple Black lead for everyday wear because their neutral, single-tone builds match nearly any outfit without demanding coordination. The Wheat colorway adds a rugged, textured alternative for cooler months. All three use durable leather or suede that holds up to daily scuffing, making them safer long-term picks than the brighter, more occasion-specific colorways further down the list.

Which 2017 Air Force 1 colorway offers the best value for money?

The Triple Black and White Leather pairs deliver the best value, retailing at $90 with the same durable leather construction as pricier options like the $110 White Snake. Because they lean on classic color-blocking rather than specialty textures, they also go on sale more often. Buyers who want AF1 quality without paying for exotic-textured overlays should start with these two general releases.

How do 2017 Air Force 1 colorways compare to newer releases?

2017 colorways generally used higher-grade full-grain leather and simpler two-tone color-blocking than many newer releases, which lean on synthetic overlays and busier patterns. The 2017 silhouette also runs slightly slimmer through the toe box. Newer models sometimes add updated cushioning, but collectors still favor 2017 pairs like the Wheat and Flax for their build quality and understated, timeless look.

What are the most popular Air Force 1 colorways from 2017?

The Triple White and Triple Black general releases were the most widely worn 2017 colorways, followed closely by the Wheat and Flax pairs during the fall season. Limited pieces like the White Snake and University Gold drew attention from collectors but sold in far smaller volumes. Popularity tracked closely with versatility—the more an outfit-neutral colorway could be styled, the more units it moved.

Are 2017 Air Force 1 colorways still available to buy?

General releases like the White, Triple Black, and Black Gum are still findable through resale platforms such as StockX and GOAT, and occasionally at outlet retailers, usually near or below original retail. The suede and specialty-material pairs, including the Red Suede and Velvet Brown, are scarcer and typically carry a resale premium. Condition and box completeness matter most when buying secondhand.

How should I clean and maintain 2017 Air Force 1 colorways?

Leather pairs like the White and Black Gum clean up with a soft brush and mild soap, while suede colorways like Wheat and Red Suede need a suede brush and protector spray instead of water. White midsoles respond well to a magic eraser or dedicated sole cleaner. Store every pair away from direct sunlight to prevent the yellowing that affects untreated white leather and rubber over time.

What sizing should I expect from 2017 Air Force 1 colorways?

Most 2017 Air Force 1s run about half a size large, so sizing down half a size is the common recommendation across the leather and suede pairs alike. Textured colorways like the White Snake can fit slightly snugger due to the embossed overlay material. If you plan to wear thick socks with the Wheat or Flax, staying true to size is usually the better call.

FAQ

What was the most iconic Air Force 1 colorway from 2017?

The all-white Nike Air Force 1 Low remains the most iconic 2017 colorway because it defined the silhouette's default look for over a decade. Limited pieces like the University Gold and White Snake got attention for their novelty, but the plain white pair outsold and outlasted them in cultural relevance, becoming the reference point every other 2017 colorway on this list gets compared against.

Are 2017 Air Force 1 colorways true to size?

Most run about half a size large, so buyers typically size down half a size for a snug fit. Wide-footed buyers or anyone planning to wear thick socks may prefer to stay true to size instead. Suede and textured pairs like the Wheat and White Snake can feel slightly tighter out of the box than smooth leather colorways like the Triple Black.

What materials were used across the 2017 Air Force 1 colorways?

Most 2017 pairs used full-grain leather, seen on the White, Triple Black, and Black Gum. The Wheat and Red Suede colorways swapped in suede for a rougher texture, while the White Snake used an embossed leather overlay to mimic reptile skin. The Velvet Brown stood apart with a plush fabric upper, making it the most delicate material choice in the lineup.

How can I tell if a 2017 Air Force 1 colorway is authentic?

Check that the stitching is even and tight, especially around the toe box perforations. The size tag inside should use Nike's standard font and spacing, and the insole logo should be printed cleanly rather than peeling. Compare suede or leather grain against official product photos, and when in doubt, run resale pairs through an authentication service like StockX or GOAT before buying.

What is the resale value of these 2017 Air Force 1 colorways?

General releases like the White, Triple Black, and White Leather typically resell near or below their original $90 retail price. Specialty pairs command more: the $110 White Snake and Velvet Brown hold a modest premium for their materials, while University Gold and Red Suede fluctuate with seasonal demand. None of these approach the prices of true limited collaborations from the same year.

Which 2017 Air Force 1 colorway works best in winter?

The Wheat colorway's suede upper offers modest water resistance and pairs naturally with cold-weather outfits, making it the strongest winter pick on this list. The Flax colorway is a close second thanks to its similar gum sole and tan leather. Whichever you choose, apply a water-repellent spray before wearing either in snow or rain to protect the untreated material.

Can I customize a 2017 Air Force 1 colorway?

Yes, the clean white leather of the top-ranked White or White Leather pairs makes an easy canvas for leather paint, fabric markers, or added patches. Textured pairs like the White Snake or Velvet Brown are harder to customize because the existing surface pattern fights with new artwork. Practice on a cheap pair first, since customization typically voids resale value.

How do 2017 colorways differ from earlier Air Force 1 releases?

The 2017 lineup leaned harder into earth-toned and textured colorways like Wheat, Flax, and White Snake than earlier years, which stuck closer to primary colors and plain leather. The silhouette itself stayed unchanged, but 2017 introduced more premium materials—suede, embossed leather, velvet—into the general rotation rather than reserving them for ultra-limited drops.

How should I store 2017 Air Force 1 colorways to keep them in good shape?

Keep every pair out of direct sunlight to stop white leather and rubber soles from yellowing over time. Shoe trees help the White and Black Gum hold their shape, while the Velvet Brown and White Snake should stay in their original boxes to avoid crushing the textured surfaces. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of any pair to prevent creasing.

Sources

• https://www.nike.com/
• https://stockx.com/
• https://www.goat.com/
• https://www.complex.com/sneakers
• https://sneakernews.com/
• https://www.hypebeast.com/
• https://www.highsnobiety.com/

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