Sneaker culture has a short memory. Trends die in weeks. But some things just stick, and honestly, the off white black air forces are the perfect example of a shoe that refused to fade into the background. Most people call them "The Ten," even though this specific black colorway was actually part of the follow-up "Ghosting" series that dropped in late 2018. It’s been years. Yet, if you walk into any high-end consignment shop in Soho or Tokyo, these are still the pair sitting behind the glass with a four-digit price tag.
Why? It’s not just because Virgil Abloh was a genius. It’s because these shoes represent the exact moment high fashion and street grit finally stopped pretending they weren't the same thing.
The Virgil Abloh Effect on the Classic Uptown
You’ve seen a pair of black Air Force 1s before. Usually, they have a certain... reputation. They’re the "tough" shoe, the one people joke about you wearing if you’re up to no good. Virgil took that cultural baggage and flipped it. By using a mix of technical ripstop, suede, and that signature Helvetica text, he turned a "menacing" shoe into a piece of industrial art.
The off white black air forces aren't just a color swap. When you look closely, the construction is actually pretty wild. The upper isn't leather. It’s a synthetic, translucent material that reveals the foam underneath. It’s deconstructed. It’s raw. It basically looks like a prototype that accidentally escaped the factory, which was exactly the point of the "The Ten" aesthetic.
I remember when the news first leaked on forums like Hypebeast. People were skeptical. "Why would I pay $170 for a plastic shoe?" they asked. Then the photos of the white swoosh against that deep matte black hit the internet. The contrast was aggressive. The orange tab on the swoosh provided that tiny pop of color that made the whole thing look like a piece of caution equipment. Suddenly, every collector in the world was entering raffles they knew they’d lose.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Materials
If you're looking to buy a pair today, you need to understand that these age differently than regular Nikes. Most sneakers look better as they get beat up. Leather softens. These? They're made of "Hyperfuse" and "Ghosting" materials.
Over time, the foam inside the tongue and around the collar starts to yellow. This is a massive point of contention in the sneaker world. Some people hate it because it ruins the "triple black" vibe. Others, the real purists, love it. They see the yellowing as a badge of authenticity—a sign that the shoe is an original 2018 pair and not a modern "super-clone."
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The suede on the heel and eyelets also tends to ash out. If you don't use a brass brush on them, they start looking grey and tired. It’s a high-maintenance shoe. You can’t just throw these in a mesh bag and toss them in the washing machine. Well, you could, but you’d be destroying a $1,000 investment.
The Resale Reality of Off White Black Air Forces
Let’s talk money. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s the heart of the hobby.
When these dropped, the retail price was $170. Today? Depending on the size, you’re looking at anywhere from $800 for a used pair to $1,500+ for "Deadstock" (brand new in the box). This isn't just inflation. It’s scarcity. Unlike the "Mocha" Jordan 1s or other hype shoes that Nike restocks occasionally, these will never be made again. Virgil is gone. The contract for "The Ten" is a closed chapter in history.
- Size Matters: In the world of off white black air forces, sizes 9 through 11 are the most expensive because they are the most common.
- The Zip Tie: If the red zip tie is missing, the value drops by at least $100. It sounds stupid. It's a piece of plastic. But in this market, that plastic is a certificate of completion.
- The Box: The "Inside Out" box is iconic. If the box is crushed, collectors will lowball you.
Is it a bubble? People have been saying that since 2019. But every time the market dips, these specific pairs seem to hold their ground better than the newer, flashier collaborations. They have "staying power."
How to Spot the Fakes (Because They Are Everywhere)
Honestly, the "reps" for this shoe have gotten scary good. If you're buying from a person on Instagram or a random marketplace, you’re basically playing Russian Roulette with your bank account.
One of the biggest giveaways is the "AIR" placement on the midsole. On authentic pairs, the font is crisp, matte, and positioned with mathematical precision. On fakes, the paint is often too glossy or the placement is slightly tilted. Another tell is the "Ghosting" material itself. On the real off white black air forces, the material is slightly smoky, not clear. You shouldn't be able to see your socks perfectly through them; it should look like looking through a foggy window.
Then there’s the "Medial Text." The text on the inner side of the shoe—the stuff about Beaverton, Oregon—is etched into the material. It’s not just printed on top. If you run your finger over it and it feels like a flat sticker, walk away.
The Cultural Weight of the Black Colorway
There is a reason the black pair is often preferred over the original "The Ten" white pair (which was technically the first release). The white pair turns a nasty shade of yellow-brown very quickly. It looks "dirty" fast. The black pair, however, keeps its silhouette. It’s stealthy. It works with a suit—which Virgil famously proved on the red carpet—and it works with oversized cargos.
It’s the ultimate "if you know, you know" sneaker. To a regular person, you’re wearing black Nikes. To anyone even slightly tuned into fashion, you’re wearing a historical artifact.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger on a pair, don't just go to the first site you see.
- Use a Verification Service: Only buy through platforms like eBay (with their Authenticity Guarantee), GOAT, or StockX. The extra $20 in shipping and fees is nothing compared to losing $1,000 on a fake.
- Check the Heel Suede: Ask for high-resolution photos of the "LOGO" and "NIKE" embossing on the back. It should be deep and clear. If it looks shallow, it’s a red flag.
- Plan for the Yellowing: If you buy a "brand new" pair today, it will have some yellowing. If it’s perfectly ice-white in the foam areas, it’s probably a fake or it’s been stored in a vacuum-sealed, UV-protected vault.
- Sizing Advice: These run slightly large. If you are between sizes, go half a size down. The materials don't stretch like leather does, so you want a snug fit from day one to avoid "heel slip" which can tear the inner lining.
The off white black air forces aren't just shoes; they’re the peak of a specific era of design. They represent the bridge between the DIY "custom" culture of the early 2000s and the luxury streetwear boom of the 2020s. Whether you're wearing them to death or keeping them in a display case, they remain one of the most significant releases Nike has ever put out.