How Does The Nike Air Ship Fit? Review & Size Guide
Unbeknownst to many, the Air Jordan 1 wasn’t actually an all-original shoe that was designed from scratch. In fact, before Peter Moore’s AJ1 came along in 1985, Bruce Kilgore’s Nike Air Ship acted as the blueprint for Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe, arriving one year before.
His Airness is often photographed rocking the “Chicago” or the “Bred” throughout his rookie years. However, he actually wore the Air Ship in a white and red colour palette during his preseason and early games. Borrowing elements and details from Kilgore’s Air Force 1, next year marks the 40th anniversary of the Nike Air Ship.
To celebrate this massive milestone, the Beaverton sportswear company will be giving the old school model a huge push. If you want to add this legendary basketball shoe to your daily rotation, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll be covering everything from the design, the fit, and so much more. So, keep it locked here to find out everything that there is to know.
How does the Nike Air Ship fit?
In the four decades that the Air Ship has been around, its design has remained pretty much exactly the same. Most colourways boast a predominantly white palette to keep in line with the NBA’s original rules back in the ’80s. While these restrictions have since been lifted, Nike has kept the crisp scheme for that retro look and feel that we all know and love.
In general, the Nike Air Ship fits true to size (TTS). If you’re still unsure, the midsole is almost identical to the one found on the Air Force 1, so go with your usual AF1 sizing and you should be good to go. That said, the toebox is a little on the narrower size. So, if you have particularly wide feet, feel free to go half a size up. The leather tends to become more supple over time though, so we’d still recommend a TTS fit if possible.
Is the Nike Air Ship a comfortable shoe?
How comfortable a sneaker is really depends on personal opinion, but generally speaking, the Air Ship is a very comfortable shoe. As mentioned before, this hardcourt model was directly inspired by the Air Force 1 which debuted two years before. And we all know how comfortable that trainer is.
This, paired with perforations for ventilation, and you’re left with an extremely comfortable sneaker that you can wear all day.
Is the Nike Air Ship good for basketball?
Considering the fact that the Air Ship was the silhouette that went on to inspire the mythical Air Jordan 1, and you should know right away that it’s amazing for basketball. The ankle, collar, and tongue are ever so slightly taller than the ones from the AJ1, offering unrivalled support and stability with every step.
The midsole underfoot is also crafted from the American sportswear company’s lauded Air technology. This results in truly unbelievable comfort and cushioning, whether you’re shooting hoops on the hardcourt or just rocking these as your everyday pair.
Where can I buy the Nike Air Ship?
Unlike the Air Jordan 1, the Air Ship is generally very widely available. You don’t need to join raffles or camp outside stores to cop a pair. Below are the best stores to cop a pair of the Nike Air Ship:
The Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a basketball shoe that’s destined for greatness, the Nike Air Ship has been designed with you in mind. Inspired by the Air Force 1 and going on to influence the Air Jordan 1, Bruce Kilgore’s Nike Air Ship is quite literally the best of both worlds. Perfect for both basketball and everyday wear, go true to size for the best fit possible. More colourways and collaborations are set to be announced very soon, so make sure you keep it locked at Captain Creps for your best chance to secure your size!
