Nike Air Force 1 RealTree Review: Fresh Take on a Classic

Every few months I open up the Nike app to see what their designers have been up to. And I’m especially curious when Nike experiments with the Air Force 1. This month, I wasn’t disappointed because they dropped two versions of the Air Force 1 RealTree and I knew I had to grab a pair. I’ve been wearing Air Forces for only a decade, but they’ve been my trusty go-to’s in every season. The RealTree camo with an unexpected hit of purple pulled me in immediately and, after wearing them a bit, my early impression is simple: they fit great and stand out in the best way. And honestly, I haven’t liked a pair of AF1s this much since I picked up a pair of Hike Nike ACG Air Force 1s about five years ago. Here’s my review.

First Impressions

When I opened the box, the RealTree pattern looked even richer than it did online because I could actually see the texture in detail. There’s more depth to it and the print, with its branches and leaves, was earthy without being too busy. The purple tones threaded through the design were a great design choice; a hint of color adding dimension and setting this pair apart from the standard camo sneakers you’ve probably seen a thousand times. I should mention here that there are three versions of this sneaker, with the next closest leaning more towards black.

Materials & Build

This model swaps out the classic leather for a durable textile upper which completely changes the shoe’s look and feel. I’ve had leather AF1s and I’ve had suede AF1s, but these were my first ones with a textile finish. The material has a textured and rugged quality that plays nicely with the RealTree print. It feels sturdy but still flexible, which I actually prefer over the stiffness of fresh leather AF1s.

The rubber outsole is the one you know and love. The cushioning is the same as well. Nike doesn’t stray very far when it comes to new variations of Air Forces. They’re familiar, but with a twist.

I’ll also say that the dark color hides dirt and smudges pretty well, so they’re great for commutes in the city. Keep in mind, though, that you might not want to expose them too much to rain and snow.

Design & Style

The RealTree print fits the silhouette surprisingly well. It looked good online, but even better in person. It adds visual movement that you just don’t get with single-color or accented AF1s. The earthy palette works for fall and winter outfits. I wore them for the first time in mid-December.

The rope-style laces lean into the outdoor aesthetic without going full “trail shoe.” And because the Swoosh blends subtly into the print, the whole shoe feels cohesive instead of chaotic. What I love most is that the style lands somewhere between streetwear and outdoor gear. It’s not trying too hard to be either. It just works.

And you already know that you’re more likely to wear them in the city than hiking or hunting.

This pair is ideal if you love the silhouette of Air Forces but want something unique, appreciate an earthy looking shoe, or like to keep all your clothes black and want your shoes to pop. The purple and print do a lot of heavy lifting.

Comfort & Fit

In terms of comfort, these are exactly what you’d expect from an AF1: plush cushioning, supportive sole, and roomy toe box. I always find AF1s to be true to size, though I found these just slightly narrower. I wouldn’t recommend sizing up; just something to be aware of. The textile upper also breaks in quickly; much faster than leather pairs, which makes them comfortable right out of the box. But if you’re anxious about creasing, start your breathing exercises before you walk out the door.

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Final Thoughts

One takeaway from this Nike Air Force 1 RealTree review is that this pair nails something rare: it feels genuinely new while still being undeniably an Air Force 1. The pattern, the texture, the subtle hits of purple all come together in a way that feels intentional and stylish without trying too hard.

So if you’re looking for a pair that sits at the intersection of outdoorsy and everyday streetwear, this one deserves a spot in your rotation. For me, it’s easily the most exciting AF1 I’ve picked up in years.

You can find them on Nike’s website for $125 retail.

Details

Season: Fall 2025

Colorway: Multi-Color/Gum Yellow/Multi-Color

Style: IH1221-900