The Nike Air Alpha Force 88 White University Red Restocks December 2023

Delving into the history of Michael Jordan, you may be surprised to find that even after landing a signature sneaker deal with Nike, the Bulls superstar would still rock inline models developed by The Swoosh (even if it was a rare occurrence). Looking at the 1987-88 season, MJ was entering his first full season since his injury the year prior, and his outlook on his Nike deal was grim as he had no affinity for the Air Jordan 2. Thankfully, that all changed once the Tinker Hatfield/MJ partnership began through the design of the Air Jordan 3; however, there was a moment in January 1988 when #23 took the court against the New York Knicks in a pair of Nike Air Alpha Forces. The model was never a massive success like his signature line or silhouettes like the AF1, but Nike wants to bring it back in OG form come 2023 with the Nike AAF88.

The model brings one back to 1988, taking on tech specs and design identical to the oft-forgotten silhouette. Like the Air Revolution, the AAF88 features a lockdown strap, though it comes on the vamp for this model. The toebox and collar come in white perforated leather. At the same time, we see various leather panels with tonal stitching details accented by colorful hits on the eyelets and corduroy collar and via the Swoosh branding on the midfoot. An Air Alpha Force branded logo with a basketball graphic adorning the center sits atop the white tongue. Piping around panels on the model's rear and the sockliner complete the upper. At the same time, a familiar-looking tri-tone midsole features an encapsulated Air unit in the heel and a rubber outsole in the same combo of colors.

With this model's return, we're expected to see many GR colorways and a few SP releases to ring in its revival. The OG White University Red and a new Light Bone colorway are set to release, while three SP colorways will hit the scene: White Venom Green, White Fire Red, and White Black. Billie Eilish will be collaborating with all three of these colorways.

The Nike AAF88 will return in a variety of colorways throughout the summer and fall of this year. Available in men's sizing, the pair will retail for $130 or $140 depending on the colorway. Pairs will be available through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest news, releases, raffles, and more in the sneaker world as we head into 2023.

Images via Nike