Nike’s Wheat Air Force 1 Sneaker Channels 2016 Nostalgia

Don't call it a comeback. Nike's "Wheat" Air Force 1 sneaker has been here for years. 25 years, to be exact.

The Wheat Air Force 1 sneaker made its debut in 2001, and the Swoosh is celebrating the sneaker's 25th birthday with a fresh-baked reissue of the flax-toned shoe.

When these AF1s first hit the scene, they were quite the hot commodity, but there was something about the 2016 run that really encapsulated the spirit of the time. Look in the history books of 2016, and you'll find Wheat Air Force 1s nestled right in between velvet choker necklaces and ultra-skinny ripped jeans.

Now, ten years later, the Wheat Air Force 1 is back in fashion.

The trend cycle is sneaky in that way. Seems like just yesterday we were spamming Snapchat stories with dog ear filters and pixelated flower crowns. Now the Wheat Air Force 1 sneaker is back and breadier than ever.

That's not to be confused with Nike's actual "Bred" sneaker offerings. That's a whole different GOAT.

This time, the Wheat Air Force 1 sneaker wears a hairy suede upper that's richer in depth and texture, pulling away from the rugged workboot disposition possessed by the 2016 version of the sneaker. Elsewhere, this upgraded "Wheat" sneaker sports leather piping along the edges, giving the shoe a bit more visual structure.

2016 wasn't just a great time for music. Sneakers were having their way as well.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.