The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Escape” Returns 20 Years Later

A 2005 classic is back in 2025.

John Kim June 20, 2024

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The opinions and information provided on this site are original editorial content of Sneaker News.

The “Escape” color scheme from the early 2000s is trending as of late. First, we were reminded of the all-knowing Nigo rocking a pair of Air Force IIIs in the iconic colorway earlier this year. Now, we’re learning that Nike is bringing back this 2005 classic twenty years after its original drop.

Officially revealed as part of their 2024/2025 showcase on SNKRS Live, the Air Force 1 “Escape” made an unexpected appearance as part of next year’s seasonal showcase. True to the original specs, including the suede overlays and perforated toe-box, these unforgettable AF1s continue a string of classic re-issues as part of Nike’s Cult Classics series that just produced a retro of the Linen Air Force 1s.

Nike Air Force 1 Low Escape 2005 — Nike Air Force 1 Low “Escape”2005 Original

The Origin Of “Escape”

The “Escape” colorway dates back to 1988 as one of the original colorways of the Air Force III. While most of the colorways featured the over-sized “FORCE” logo on the tongue label, there were two version that featured an “ESCAPE” tag on the tongue. In addition to the brown pair seen below (via DeFY), a second black/grey/white also released back in 1988.

Throughout the early 2000s, the brown colorway was referenced through a number of different shoes, including the Air Force 1 Low, the Air Force II in 2003, the Air Max 90, and the Air Huarache.

Nike Air Force Iii Escape 2005 — Nike Air Force III “Escape”2005 Retro (Originally released in 1988)

Release Info

As of the publishing of this article, a release date for the Air Force 1 “Escape” has not yet been confirmed, although they are indeed expected inside the first three months of 2025.

Written by

John Kim, Editor-in-Chief

John Kim is the current Editor-in-Chief of Sneaker News, taking over the role in 2014 after joining the company in 2009. Born and raised in Queens, NY, John has published interviews with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Pusha T, Pharrell, and more. He is considered among the most trusted voices in the industry and is a fixture at important brand events across the globe.