Chicago's Drew Henderson AF1 Inspired By His Community - @Nike

Chicago's Drew Henderson AF1 Inspired By His Community 

 Drew Henderson's barbershop, No Cuts No Glory, is representative of Chicago's de facto meeting places. Within the barbershop, sports, politics and more are debated. Preparations for celebrations are made. And, most important, bonds are forged across the community. 

Creative tweaks to the AF1 design have also been made specifically for barber shop use:

1. Rolled edges make it easier for hair to be removed (there’s no exposed seams to get stuck on)

2. Wax laces ensure that fallen hair doesn’t get trapped 

3. A specially designed ice-rubber sole features a black/white diamond pattern in an ode to classic barbershop flooring 

Henderson and his shop are also inspiration for the latest Chicago-specific Air Force 1, the AF-1 ALL FOR 1 – CHICAGO. The shoe incorporates a series of graphic and material elements that celebrate the barbershop, from a specially created tongue tag that transitions Chicago's skyline into the silhouette of a comb, to aglets based on traditional barber poles (but with an added Chicago-flag twist). On the heel, a pony-hair tab reminds of the daily hair cuts in the shop, while an inner graphic of two hands celebrates unity. 

"“It means so much to me to be involved with the production of a shoe that represents some of the most important things in my life: Chicago, the barbershop and the community. It is an honor to shine a spotlight on the city, industry and community that made me who I am and motivate me every day. I share this with all of them,” says Henderson.

The AF-1 ALL FOR 1 – CHICAGO releases December 7 on nike.com and at select retailers in Chicago.