You’ve seen them on the street. Those chunky, monochrome sneakers with way too many straps or a weird, quilted patchwork vibe. They’re unmistakable. When the Billie Eilish Air Force collaboration first leaked, the "sneakerhead" community didn't exactly roll out the red carpet. People called them "bricks." They joked that they looked like medical boots.
But honestly? That was the point. Billie Eilish has never been about making things easy to look at. She’s about making things that feel like her.
The Evolution of the Billie Eilish Air Force 1
The partnership didn’t just drop out of thin air. It started with a high-top that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi desert. The Air Force 1 High "Mushroom" hit the scene in April 2022, sporting five massive velcro straps across the laces. It was bold. It was polarizing. Most importantly, it was 100% vegan.
Billie didn't just slap her name on a classic. She tore it apart and put it back together using recycled materials.
Later that same year, we got the Air Force 1 Low. If the High was about structure, the Low was about chaos. It used a patchwork aesthetic, literally using leftover scraps from the production of the High. It was a "waste not, want not" philosophy turned into high-fashion footwear.
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Why the "Mushroom" and "Sequoia" Colors Matter
You won't find any neon pink or electric blue here. Billie’s palette is famously muted. The "Mushroom" colorway is a sandy, earthy beige that matches her love for oversized, tonal outfits. Then there’s "Sequoia"—a deep, forest green that feels moody and grounded.
These colors aren't just trendy. They are practical. They hide dirt better than a triple-white sneaker, and they blend into a wardrobe rather than screaming for attention. It's a weird paradox: a shoe with five straps that somehow feels "understated" because of its color.
Sustainability Isn’t Just a Marketing Buzzword
A lot of brands talk about being "eco-friendly" to sell more units. With Billie, it feels different because she’s been a vocal vegan since she was 12.
- The uppers use synthetic nubuck made from 80% recycled materials.
- The details—like the laces—are 100% recycled polyester.
- The insoles are made from cork and recycled foam.
- Even the outsole uses Nike Grind, which is essentially ground-up old shoes and manufacturing scraps.
When you hold a pair of the Billie Eilish Air Force 1 Low, you can actually feel the texture of the recycled textiles. It’s not as smooth as traditional leather, but that’s the trade-off for a shoe that doesn't rely on animal products or virgin plastics.
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The Resale Reality in 2026
If you’re looking to flip these for a massive profit, you might be disappointed. Unlike a Travis Scott collab, which can skyrocket to $1,000 overnight, the Billie Eilish Air Force collection has remained relatively accessible.
As of early 2026, many of these pairs are selling on the secondary market for close to—or even below—their original retail price. For example, the High "Sequoia" can often be found for around $110 to $130 on sites like eBay or GOAT. The "Mushroom" Lows tend to hold a bit more value, often hovering around $140.
This is actually great news for fans. It means you can actually wear the shoes instead of keeping them in a glass case. They weren't made for the "hype" market; they were made for people who like Billie's style.
What to Know Before You Buy
Sizing is the biggest hurdle. These are technically released in women's sizing, but they are "gender-neutral" in design. If you're a guy buying a pair, you usually need to go up 1.5 sizes.
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Comfort is... subjective. The Highs, with those five straps, can feel a bit restrictive if you have a wide foot. The Lows are much easier for daily wear. The "patchwork" versions have a bit of a break-in period because the recycled materials are stiffer than soft tumbled leather.
How to Style Them Without Looking Like a Medical Patient
The biggest mistake people make is wearing these with skinny jeans. It just doesn't work. The silhouette is too chunky.
- Go Baggy: Follow Billie’s lead. Think oversized cargo pants or wide-leg sweats.
- Tonal Vibes: Stick to the color palette. If you’re wearing the Mushroom AF1s, try creams, tans, and browns.
- Keep it Simple: Let the shoe be the "weird" part of the outfit. You don't need a crazy graphic tee if your shoes have five straps.
Practical Next Steps
If you're ready to grab a pair, don't pay "new release" prices. Check the secondary markets first. Since the hype has cooled off in 2026, you can often find "Like New" or "New in Box" pairs for a steal.
Before purchasing, verify the "Blohsh" logo on the lace dubrae and the tongue. Fakes of these exist, though they are less common than fake Jordans. Look for the recycled speckling in the midsole—that's the Nike Grind material, and it's hard for cheap factories to replicate perfectly.
Cleaning these requires a soft touch. Since they aren't real leather, don't use harsh chemicals. A damp cloth and some mild soap will do the trick for the synthetic nubuck. Avoid getting the cork insoles too wet, as they can retain moisture and start to smell over time.