After Jordan’s long-running partnership with Drake’s OVO, the rapper has taken his talents over to Nike, recently debuting his Nocta clothing and sneaker line. But Drake’s latest model might be his most anticipated, as well as his most controversial yet.
First surfacing online around the release of his 2021 album “Certified Lover Boy,” the model has continued to be pushed back, and there has been plenty of internet speculation over whether they would ever see the light of day. But it looks like not long after Drake and 21 Savage’s collab album, Drake’s third album since the shoe was first seen, the Air Force One x Nocta will finally hit retailers. Look out for the model on December the 2nd, and on WOOVIN shortly after.
Image: Sneaker News
The shoe looks at first glance like a standard triple white Air Force One, a model we already know and love, but on closer inspection, a few key details are changed. For a start, the midsole’s usual Air branding is swapped for the quote “Love You Forever” which seems in line with the theme of Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album. Moreover, the rubber soles’ small star-shaped studs have been replaced with mini hearts, once again referencing this theme of love. Otherwise, the upper is kept almost completely unchanged, bar, the inclusion of some silver aglets on one of the spare pairs of laces the shoes are expected to be shipped out with, and the Nocta logo embroidered onto the heel tab of the left pair. Lastly, the light blue insole features Drake’s Nocta branding and logo.
Image: Sneaker News
So why has the shoe been so controversial? For the same reason it’s so anticipated. It’s extremely similar to a traditional Air Force One. Whilst, on the one hand, we all love the Air Force One, many fans are complaining the collaboration is too close to the original, and by playing it safe, Drake and Nike have created a lacklustre model which they have little interest for. But if it ain’t broke, why fix it? That’s the view that other sneakerheads are taking, especially with a model like the all-white Air Force One that has such a unique history within rap music. It makes sense for a rapper to make their own white Air Force One, and there has been plenty of praise levelled at Drake for keeping his model so close to such an iconic shoe, only adding some subtle detailing for the more observant sneaker fans.
Image: Sneaker News
So, what do you think? Either way, check out WOOVIN for all your sneaker needs, whether that is to get the original Air Force One or Drake’s Nocta version.
