Why This Half-Sneaker, Half-Rain Boot Deserves Space in Your Closet
Nike’s Special Field Air Force 1s are the wet-weather gear we’ve been waiting for.
Nike Special Field Air Force 1.
Photographer: Hannah Whitaker for Bloomberg Businessweek
Since Nike brought it out ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Air Force 1 in 2016, the Special Field Air Force 1 has earned a cult following as attractive, lightweight, wet-weather footwear. The women’s sneaker-rain-boot hybrid draws on the legacy of the AF1— a perennial favorite among streetwear enthusiasts and one of the best-selling shoes of all time—while borrowing military details from the brand’s more technical collections. A high collar in ballistic mesh nylon keeps feet dry while adding some Mad Max flair.
• For more outdoorsy types, L.L.Bean duck boots ($135) have the classic appeal of the brand’s Maine heritage, but their rugged outsoles are too hefty for everyday wear.