From a Passion to a Collection

Nike Air Force 1

From a Passion to a Collection

It was 2011, and I had just earned my first paycheck from a photography gig. The excitement of getting paid for something I loved was surreal. So, what did I do with that hard-earned cash? I bought a pair of Nike Mercurial shoes. That single purchase marked the beginning of an obsession. Shoes weren’t just something I wore—they became a reflection of who I was. From that day forward, there was no looking back.

Growing up in a tier 3 city, the word “sneakerhead” wasn’t in my vocabulary. I was just a simple shoe lover. Collecting footwear wasn’t some grand urban trend for me; it was a way to stay connected to something I loved. Every time I earned a decent sum of money, I went back to my roots—buying shoes. With each pair, my collection grew, and so did my passion.

Fast forward to 2022. I decided it was time to treat myself to something special—a pair of Nike Air Force 1s in classic white. I spent Rs. 8,990 on those shoes, and they were worth every penny. That’s when things really took off. It became a tradition—every special occasion, I’d celebrate by buying a new pair of shoes, and Air Force 1s became my go-to choice. Today, I have four pairs, but the white ones? They hold a special place in my heart.

It wasn’t until my trip to Switzerland that I realized just how universal the Air Force 1s were. Every second person I saw wore them, and I understood why—they weren’t just stylish, they were insanely comfortable. I’ve worn my white Air Forces with everything—shorts, joggers, pants, and even suits. They just work. They became more than just shoes; they were a part of my identity.

To add my own flair, I even hand-painted one of my white pairs. Each stroke of paint was personal, a reflection of my creativity and passion. What started as a love for footwear has now become a lifelong journey. Every pair tells a story, and the Nike Air Force 1 has become one of the most important chapters in mine.

- Kshitij Jatale -