Top 10 Air Force 1 Colorways 2013 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Nike Air Force 1 Low Year of the Snake

This ranks first because it paired the AF1's stock silhouette with a fully embossed metallic-gold snakeskin upper for Nike's 2013 Lunar New Year pack, making it the most visually distinct AF1 colorway of the year. The gold leather ran across toe, quarter, and heel with tonal laces and a matching outsole, retailing near $115. Production was capped as a seasonal release, which kept resale demand well above the original tag.

This pair is for collectors who want a talking-point shoe rather than an everyday sneaker, since the metallic finish scuffs more visibly than standard leather. It trades daily wearability for statement value. Compared to the Downtown Hi Woven below it, it is louder, rarer, and less practical for regular rotation.

2. Nike Air Force 1 Downtown Hi Woven

This ranks second because it introduced a genuinely new AF1 construction in 2013, replacing the classic leather panels with a tightly woven ripstop-style upper on the newly launched Downtown Hi last. The woven texture reduced visual bulk while keeping the same Air-Sole cushioning, and it retailed around $120. It represented Nike's first real materials experiment on the silhouette that year rather than just a new paint job.

It suits buyers who want the AF1 shape but a lighter, more modern textile feel underfoot. The tradeoff is durability, since the woven fibers snag and fray faster than tumbled leather. Next to the Year of the Snake above it, it is more subtle and more wearable, but less collectible.

3. Nike Air Force 1 Duckboot

This ranks third because it was 2013's most functional AF1 update, fusing the classic upper with a rubberized duck-boot shell, exposed lug outsole, and a lace cage for winter wear. The waterproof lower and gum rubber toe cap let the shoe handle slush and rain that would ruin a standard leather AF1, at a retail price around $130. It solved a real seasonal problem rather than just changing colorways.

It's built for buyers in cold, wet climates who still want AF1 branding, not for anyone chasing a clean summer look. The added rubber and lug sole make it noticeably heavier than a standard low. Compared to the Downtown Hi Woven above it, it prioritizes function over silhouette purity.

4. Nike Air Force 1 High Gore-Tex

This ranks fourth because it added a genuine GORE-TEX membrane beneath the leather upper, giving the high-top real weatherproofing rather than cosmetic winter styling, at a retail price around $140. The taped seams and sealed tongue construction kept moisture out during 2013 releases, a functional upgrade the standard AF1 High never had. It's a technical variant, not a lifestyle-first colorway.

It's for buyers who want one shoe that handles rain without carrying a boot's bulk, not for anyone chasing a lightweight feel. The membrane adds stiffness and a break-in period compared to a standard leather high-top. Next to the Duckboot above it, it's less rugged but cleaner-looking for daily city wear.

5. Nike Air Force 1 Low 3M Reflective

This ranks fifth because its paneling used 3M Scotchlite reflective material across the swoosh and heel, so the shoe flared bright under flash or headlights while reading as a normal black or grey low in daylight. Retail sat near $100, only a modest premium over the standard AF1 Low. It's a genuine functional-safety feature dressed as a style detail, which was a rarer combination in 2013 releases.

It suits buyers who walk or bike at night and want visibility without a safety-vest look. The reflective panels scratch and dull faster than painted leather, and the effect disappears entirely in daylight. Compared to the Gore-Tex High above it, it's lighter and cheaper but offers no weatherproofing.

6. Nike Air Force 1 Low Cracked Leather

This ranks sixth because it used a distressed, crackled leather treatment across the toe box and quarter panel to fake decades of wear on a brand-new shoe, a texture-forward take that stood out among the mostly clean 2013 AF1 releases. Retail ran about $100. The finish gave each pair slightly varied cracking, so no two looked identical off the shelf.

It's for buyers who want a worn-in, vintage look without actually breaking in a shoe over months. The treated leather is more delicate than smooth leather and can crack further or peel with heavy flexing. Next to the 3M Reflective above it, it's quieter in daylight but has no low-light utility.

7. Nike Air Force 1 High USA

This ranks seventh because it used a red, white, and blue colorblock with a star-spangled insole for the July 4th holiday window, a straightforward patriotic release rather than a construction change. It retailed around $110 in the standard high-top build. The colorway sold mainly on timing and novelty rather than any material upgrade over a stock AF1 High.

It's for buyers who want a seasonal, conversation-starting pair rather than a year-round staple, since the bold tricolor palette limits outfit matching. It offers no functional edge over the standard High it's built on. Compared to the Cracked Leather Low above it, it leans on color rather than texture to stand out.

8. Nike Air Force 1 Low Wheat

This ranks eighth because the tonal wheat-tan nubuck and suede combination made it one of the more versatile everyday colorways reissued in 2013, pairing easily with denim and workwear at a retail price around $90. It relies on the AF1's proven low-top shape rather than any new material or seasonal gimmick, which keeps it lower on a ranking built around distinctiveness.

It's for buyers who want a durable, neutral sneaker for daily wear over a display piece. Suede panels show scuffing and require more upkeep than smooth leather. Next to the USA High above it, it's far more wearable day-to-day but forgettable as a standout colorway.

9. Nike Air Force 1 Low Flax

This ranks ninth for the same reason as the Wheat colorway above it: a tonal tan nubuck build aimed at everyday wear rather than novelty, retailing near $90 in 2013. The Flax and Wheat releases used nearly identical construction and color families, differing mainly in shade depth, which makes Flax redundant next to Wheat rather than a distinct addition to a top-10 list.

It's for buyers who already like the Wheat but want a slightly lighter tan, not for anyone seeking variety across a collection. Like Wheat, the suede scuffs easily and needs regular cleaning. It offers no advantage over the Wheat above it beyond marginal shade preference.

10. Nike Air Force 1 Low Triple White

This ranks tenth, last on the list, because it is the AF1's plainest possible build: all-white leather upper, white midsole, white outsole, with zero seasonal or material innovation, at the lowest retail price on this list around $90. It ranks here purely on being the best value entry point to the silhouette in 2013, not on distinctiveness or design.

It's for first-time AF1 buyers who want the base shoe before chasing colorways, and for anyone who wants a blank canvas that matches anything. The all-white leather shows scuffs and yellowing faster than any colored pair on this list. Compared to the Flax above it, it's cheaper and more versatile but has no standout feature at all.

How we ranked these

Rankings weighted four factors: cultural impact at release (tied to Nike Air Force 1's 30th-anniversary push spanning 2012-2013), materials and construction quality (premium leather versus standard hide), retailer distribution scope (general release versus limited quick-strike), and lasting resale demand documented on secondary markets. Colorways tied to collaborations or anniversary storytelling scored higher than straightforward seasonal color-blocking releases from the same year.

Deliberately excluded: exact 2013 retail pricing (largely stable at $90-$110 for standard releases, so not differentiating), regional exclusives never sold nationally, and later re-release years of the same colorway, which would conflate 2013 originals with reissues. Condition grading (deadstock vs. worn) was ignored since it varies per individual pair rather than per colorway design.

What to look for

What matters most is distinguishing an original 2013 production run from a later retro of the same colorway — check box date codes and tongue tags, since Nike reissued several popular Air Force 1 looks in subsequent years with minor material swaps. Leather quality also varies: anniversary and premium-tier releases used thicker, higher-grade hides than standard general releases from the same year.

The most common buyer mistake is chasing a colorway's name recognition without verifying authenticity markers or comparing it against retail images, since counterfeits cluster around the most hyped 2013 drops. A secondary mistake is ignoring sizing consistency — Air Force 1 fit shifted slightly across factories, so buyers relying purely on tagged size without trying a pair risk an inaccurate fit.

Related questions

What made 2013 a notable year for Air Force 1 colorways?

2013 fell just after the Air Force 1's 30th anniversary in 2012, so Nike carried anniversary-driven momentum into the following year with premium materials packs, retro colorways, and collaboration-adjacent releases that built on renewed cultural attention the silhouette had received.

Were any 2013 Air Force 1 colorways tied to collaborations?

Yes, several 2013 releases involved collaborative or limited partnerships rather than standard Nike Sportswear colorways, which typically commanded higher resale premiums and quicker sellouts at retail compared to general-release color-blocking versions from the same catalog year.

How can you tell an original 2013 pair from a later retro?

Check the box date code printed on the label, inspect tongue and insole tags for production-year markings, and compare stitching or material texture against verified retail photos from 2013, since later retros often use slightly different leather or sole rubber compounds.

Do 2013 Air Force 1 colorways still hold resale value?

Some limited and collaboration-tied colorways from 2013 retain modest resale premiums over original retail price, while standard general-release colorways from that year typically trade near or below original retail on secondary markets today.

What's the difference between 'Best Overall' and 'Best Value' in this ranking?

Best Overall weighs cultural impact, materials, and lasting demand together, favoring standout or limited colorways, while Best Value prioritizes colorways that deliver strong design and quality relative to their typically lower and more accessible price point.

Which Air Force 1 material tier was used in 2013 premium releases?

Premium 2013 releases commonly used full-grain leather uppers, sometimes paired with suede overlays or metallic accents, while standard general-release colorways used the more common smooth leather construction found across most yearly Air Force 1 output.

Are 2013 Air Force 1 colorways easy to find today?

General-release colorways from 2013 are relatively easy to find on resale platforms in worn or deadstock condition, while limited or collaboration colorways from that year are scarcer and require more careful authentication before purchase.

FAQ

What is the Air Force 1 Low vs High difference in 2013 releases?

The Low, Mid, and High silhouettes were all produced in 2013, with colorway availability varying by height — some limited colorways only released in Low form, while certain premium packs offered High or Mid versions for a different aesthetic and ankle coverage.

Did Nike release Air Force 1s for the 2013 All-Star Weekend?

Nike Sportswear historically produced All-Star-themed footwear packs around February each year, and 2013's All-Star Weekend in Houston coincided with special colorway releases across multiple silhouettes, including entries in the Air Force 1 line that year.

What colors defined mainstream 2013 Air Force 1 releases?

2013 general releases leaned on classic white-on-white and black-on-black colorways alongside seasonal accent colors, while limited runs experimented with metallics, gum soles, and premium leather textures that stood apart from the standard retail lineup.

How much did Air Force 1s cost at retail in 2013?

Standard Air Force 1 Low colorways retailed around $90, Mid versions around $95-100, and High versions near $110-120 in 2013, with premium or limited materials packs sometimes priced slightly higher than the standard tier.

Is buying a used 2013 Air Force 1 colorway a good idea?

Used pairs can be a good value if materials and soles show minimal degradation, but buyers should inspect midsole yellowing, sole separation, and creasing closely, since a decade-plus of age affects foam cushioning and leather flexibility even on lightly worn pairs.

What should I check before buying a 'rare' 2013 colorway online?

Verify the seller provides box date codes, close-up material shots, and matches known retail images for that colorway, and be wary of listings using stock photos only, since these are common red flags for counterfeit or misrepresented Air Force 1 pairs.

Did any 2013 Air Force 1 colorways use premium suede?

Yes, several 2013 premium-tier releases incorporated suede overlays or full suede uppers as part of Nike's broader push to differentiate limited colorways from the standard smooth-leather general release Air Force 1 catalog that year.

Where can I verify authentic 2013 Air Force 1 release information?

Sneaker release archives and dedicated sneaker news outlets maintain historical release calendars with retail dates, colorway names, and style codes, which are the most reliable way to cross-reference a pair's authenticity against its claimed 2013 release.

Are 2013 Air Force 1 colorways considered collectible today?

Limited and collaboration-tied 2013 colorways are considered collectible within sneaker communities, while standard general-release colorways from that year are more commonly treated as wearable classics rather than investment pieces on resale markets.

Sources

• https://sneakernews.com
• https://www.solecollector.com
• https://stockx.com/nike-air-force-1
• https://www.nicekicks.com
• https://hypebeast.com/tags/nike-air-force-1
• https://www.complex.com/sneakers
• https://www.highsnobiety.com/tag/nike-air-force-1/
• https://www.nike.com/t/air-force-1-low-shoes

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