In February 2023, Nike took the wraps off of the Nike Gamma Force. A love letter to basketball shoes of the ’80s such as the Air Force 1 and the Air Jordan 1, if you didn’t know any better, you’d easily assume that this silhouette was plucked straight out of the archives.
Known for its old school aesthetic and vintage vibe, the Gamma Force has become an essential part of every collection. If you, like many sneakerheads out there, have been thinking of adding a pair to your rotation but you don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll will be covering everything from its overall design, the sizing and fit, and so much more. So keep reading to find out everything that you need to know!
Outfitted in a predominantly leather construction, the Gamma Force is elevated with mesh and suede detailing for a heritage-inspired look. A Swoosh glides across the lateral and medial sidewalls, while perforations surround the toebox for better airflow – which is essentially especially when you’re shooting hoops on the hardwood.
With a design that’s so similar to Bruce Kilgore’s Air Force 1, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that, just like the AF1, these fit true to size (TTS). Like most bball shoes of the ’80s era, these feel quite roomy. This means that if you have particularly wide feet you’ll feel right at home here. With that said, we’d recommend that you try these on in-person first to get the best fit possible.
When it comes to basketball sneakers, comfort is king. If you’re a fan of other throwback models such as the Dunk, then you’re going to love the Gamma Force. While these are built like a traditional bball trainer, the dimensions have been beefed up slightly. From the tongue to the sockliner, the American sportswear company has added extra padding throughout for additional cushioning that will last you all day, everyday.
While the midsole isn’t infused with Nike’s critically-acclaimed Air technology, the rubber unit is more than responsive enough to dominate your rivals on the court. The Gamma Force also comes with a newly-designed heel counter around the back for even more support. So, is it comfy? Hell, yes.
Even though the Gamma Force is the new kid on the block, we can honestly tell you that it’s one of the best basketball shoes that you’ll ever own. From its versatile low-cut design, to its chunky proportions, all the way to the thick rubber midsole underfoot, every single aspect and detail has been specifically engineered with the hardwood in mind.
Since its debut in 2023, the Gamma Force has been blessed with a plethora of clean colourways, including some that have been made specifically for women. According to our sources, we’ll also be getting a vast selection of big name collaborations very soon, so stay tuned.
Even though Gamme Force is becoming more and more hyped by the minute, it’s generally widely available. This means you won’t need to join raffles or camp outside stores just to cop a pair:
The Nike Gamma Force is set to be the next big thing in the basketball sneaker world. Clearly influenced by ’80s classics, it boasts a premium leather construction with mesh and suede detailing throughout. Fitting true to size, it sits on top of a chunky rubber midsole that’s as comfortable as it gets. So, if you’re thinking of adding the Gamme Force to your collection, there’s never been a better time than the present!
