Air Force 1 vs Stan Smith [A Guide To Find The Best]

When looking for classic sneakers, Air Force 1 and Stan Smith are two of the most iconic options on the market. With their sleek design and great comfort, both are now among the popular sneakers for casual wear.

Seeing such versatility of these decade-old sneakers, you may wonder which of the two will be best for you.

Well, to assist you with this, I’ve compared the similarities and key differences between Stan Smith and Air Force 1.

So, stay put till the end!

History of Nike Air Force 1 and Stan Smith

Comparing Air Force 1 with Stan Smith can be challenging if you don’t know about their modest beginning.

From being two different sports shoes, how they turn into today’s popular streetwear– let’s find out from their history.

Quick Overview of Stan Smith

Stan Smith was introduced by Adidas in 1963 as a tennis shoe. At that time, the shoe was named after french tennis player Robert Haillet.

However, with the endorsement of legendary tennis player Stan Smith in 1978, the brand decided to rename the shoes. And hence they got their iconic Adidas Stan Smith name.

Soon after their release, Stan Smith quickly became popular not only on the court but also as everyday wear. More than anything, the versatile design and tons of colorways of Stan Smith paved their way into today’s fashion.

Quick Overview of Air Force 1

Air Force 1, on the other hand, was first introduced by Nike in 1982– a few years after the debut of Stan Smith.

However, the iconic design of AF1 was done by Bruce Kilgore and was the first basketball shoe to use Nike Air technology.

Although in the mid-80s, the shoes went through a rough time, they certainly made a comeback with more and more appealing features. And now, AF1s are gaining more attention as one of the best sneakers to wear on a daily basis.

How Do Nike Air Force 1 vs Adidas Stan Smith Compare?

Being the best-selling products of two giant sneaker brands, AF1, and Stan Smith has a lot to offer. Considering their performance and quality, both may seem quite similar when compared. But also have some noticeable differences in price, design, and comfort.

Now, let’s find out what’s setting Air Force 1 and Stan Smith apart.

1. Design

The major difference between the AF1 and Stan Smith is in their design. Not to mention, both were designed for different purposes, one for playing basketball and the other for the tennis court.

Hence, they are bound to have differences in the overall design and features.

So, let’s check out the differences in the design of AF1 and Stan Smith.

• Stan Smith has a more minimalistic design with a low-top silhouette. Air Force 1, on the other hand, has a chunky and robust silhouette with a high-cut design.
• As AF1 was designed for the basketball court, even the low-top ones are a bit larger and taller than Stan Smiths.
• Air Force 1 features a leather upper and a perforated toe box for ventilation. Stan Smiths also offer a leather upper but synthetic ones. And for perforation, the Smiths come with three stripes on the side.
• On Stan Smith, the sole is thinner, making it more lightweight. Conversely, AF 1 has a thick rubber sole, which makes it durable and comfortable to wear.

2. Price

Both Stan Smith and Nike Air Force 1 are so expensive. But when it comes to comparing the timeless Stan Smith with the iconic AF1 regarding price, Stan Smith is undoubtedly the cheaper option.

That’s because the price range of Stan Smith is from $85 to a little over $120. But a pair of the iconic Air Force 1 may cost you $100 to over $190 in some cases.

I recently bought my pair of AF1 Low Ambush for 190 dollars. But trust me, the sleek look, comfort, and durability that the shoes come with, are definitely worth the money.

3. Versatility

In terms of versatility, both shoes are equally popular in fashion. The Air Force 1 is often worn as a statement piece. You can pair them with anything from jeans to dresses.

Another hands-on for the shoes, is their wide variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find a pair that matches your style.

With such versatility, You can even work out in your Air Force 1.

However, as an everyday wearable sneaker, the classic and minimal design of Stan Smith could be serious competition for the AF1s.

With such simplicity, Stan Smith pairs go well with casual and formal outfits. The shoe is also available in different colors, but the white and green colorway is the most popular.

4. Comfort

Comfort is the main priority when choosing a pair of sneakers. And if the AF1 and Stan Smith are put side-by-side, I would say the Air Force 1s are far comfier to wear every day.

With great Air cushioning and support, the Nike Air Force 1s are so comfortable to wear. Along with that, the shoe also has a padded collar and tongue, which provides extra comfort around the ankle.

With all these added features, Nike Air Force 1 is pretty good for walking as well.

Although Stan Smith offers a full-length boost sole, still, it can’t come even near to the Nike Air technology.

However, the shoe’s lightweight and simple design allows more flexibility and breathability. But with minimal padding, they may not be a good choice for long-time wear.

5. Sizing

When it comes to sizing, Stan Smith runs true to size. Air Force 1, on the contrary, runs a little bigger for narrow to average feet.

This is because, AF1 comes with a larger toe area, which can fit slightly long for most people. So you may need to size down with AF1s for a snug fit. But for Stan Smiths, you can get your preferred cozy fit by going with your regular sneaker size.

Overall, both shoes have their own unique features and styles, making them iconic in their own right. But to make a choice between the two, take a look at the pros and cons of these sneaker beasts.

Pros and Cons of Air Force 1 and Stan Smith

Both Adidas Stan Smith and AF1 are good as daily wear, but not entirely perfect. They have their own positive and negative aspects as well.

So, to know more about these two popular sneakers, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of AF1 and Stan Smith.

Air Force 1

Stan Smith

Which One Stands Out Between Air Force 1 and Adidas Stan Smith?

Considering the unique features offered by both classic sneakers, it’s quite difficult to pick one between Nike AF1 and Adidas Stan Smith. Which one you should buy actually depends on your personal preferences.

Likewise, if you prefer a minimalistic and lightweight shoe, the Stan Smith is the way to go. Also, they come at a more affordable price. So, Sam Smiths will be a better option when you are looking for a cheaper yet sustainable pair of sneakers.

Meanwhile, Air Force 1 offers tons of styles and colorways to choose from, meaning they are more likely to suit your style. And they will be the best option if you want an all-day wearable pair of sneakers.

So, if budget isn’t your problem, I’ll recommend you to go with AF1s to get a comfy yet stylish sneaker to rock your daily look.

Final Words

Air Force 1 is a comfy yet durable pair of sneakers that can easily boost up your everyday look. The same goes for the versatile and sustainable Stan Smiths.

However, I hope with all the finest details provided here about these legendary sneakers, will assist you to make a hassle-free choice.

For further queries, comment down below!