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How to buy Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany?

How to buy Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany?

The Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany is one of the most coveted sneakers for sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. Originally released in 2005, the Tiffany colorway features the classic Air Force 1 silhouette in premium leather with aqua blue overlays, white leather base, silver Swoosh logos, and an icy translucent outsole. Due to its limited release, the original Air Force 1 Tiffany has become incredibly rare and expensive on the resale market. However, Nike brought back a retro version of the Tiffany in 2018 with slight updates, making it easier for sneaker lovers to get their hands on this iconic shoe. Here is a guide on how to buy the Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany.

Background on the Air Force 1 Tiffany

The original Nike Air Force 1 launched in 1982 as a basketball shoe and was the first ever basketball sneaker to feature Nike’s revolutionary Air technology in the sole. It was initially available in the white/gray and white/blue color schemes. The sneaker rose to prominence in the 80s hip hop scene and became an iconic streetwear staple. In 2005, Nike released a special Tiffany & Co. inspired “Tiffany” colorway of the Air Force 1 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Air Force 1’s debut.

The Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany featured a tumbled leather upper in aqua tones with silver Swooshes and detailing as a nod to Tiffany & Co.’s signature robin egg blue boxes and branding. Only a limited run of 4,000 pairs were made, exclusively available at Nike stores in Honolulu and New York. The shoe retailed for $150 but sported a luxurious look and limited supply that made it highly desirable for collectors. On the resale market, the original 2005 Air Force 1 Tiffany now sells for $2,000 to over $3,000 for a brand new pair in the special anniversary packaging.

The 2018 Retro and Updates

In 2018, Nike brought back the Air Force 1 in the Tiffany colorway to celebrate the model’s 35th anniversary. Some updates were made while keeping the core DNA intact:

2005 OG Version 2018 Retro Version
Tumbled leather upper Smooth leather upper
Thick padded canvas collar Thinner padded collar
Large silver dubrae logos on lace tips Tiffany & Co. style on lace tips
3M reflective piping on upper No 3M reflective details
Full-length encapsulated Air unit Full-length exposed Air unit
Solid icy translucent outsole Translucent pink-tinted outsole

Nike made more pairs available in 2018, releasing exclusively via SNKRS and at select Nike Sportswear retailers worldwide. But supply was still limited, causing the 2018 retro to resell for around $650-$800 in new condition.

Where to Buy the Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany

Since the original 2005 release is astronomically expensive and difficult to buy, we’ll focus on tips for purchasing the more accessible 2018 retro version:

StockX & GOAT

We recommend checking resale marketplaces like StockX and GOAT first. Both sites offer brand new, authentic pairs priced competitively based on current market value. On StockX, prices currently range from $650 to $735 for a men’s US size 9. GOAT’s asking prices fall between $675 and $760. These sites handle authentication, payments, and shipping.

Stadium Goods

Another reputable resale marketplace, Stadium Goods also has new Tiffany Forces available. Expect prices comparable to StockX and GOAT. Stadium Goods has a large inventory network and provides services like real-time inspection, online payments, and prompt delivery.

eBay

You can find new and used Tiffany Forces on eBay from various sellers. Be sure to vet the seller’s feedback and authentication credentials. Ask for proof of purchase and look for obvious signs of fakes. Prices vary more widely based on condition, box/accessories, and seller rating.

Local Resellers

Check reputable local sneaker resellers in your area. An advantage is you can inspect the shoes in hand before purchasing. Negotiate for the best price based on overall condition and market rates. Meet sellers in a safe public place for transactions.

Nike SNKRS Restocks

There’s a small chance Nike may do surprise restocks of the Tiffany on SNKRS, like they’ve done with other classics. Enable notifications and check the app routinely. Have your payment info set up and be ready to buy immediately before they sell out.

Social Media Groups

Join local sneakerhead Facebook Groups or follow shoe resellers on Twitter/Instagram. People often announce Tiffany restocks or availability in these communities.

Legit Checking and Authentication

Since the Tiffany AF1 is so limited and coveted, you must take measures to avoid buying fakes:

– Review high resolution photos on resale sites before purchasing

– Ask sellers for receipts, box tags, extra laces, hang tags to match factory specs

– Inspect embroidery, stitching, proportions, logos closely under good lighting

– Compare tongue tag sizes, label fonts, insoles to retail reference pics

– Check for glossy icy finish on translucent outsole (no yellowing)

– Feel density of foam material in Air Unit (fakes often use harder materials)

– Scan QR code inside size tag with Legit App

– Take shoes to local consignment shop for second opinions

Only buy from reputable sellers with lots of positive feedback scores. If anything seems off, trust your instincts and avoid the risk of paying for fakes. Authenticating services like Sneaker Con’s Laced Up program can verify legitimacy before you buy or wear them.

Alternatives to the Tiffany AF1

If you strike out finding the Tiffany Forces for a reasonable price, some alternatives to consider:

Nike Air Max 97 Atlantic Blue – Similar sleek aqua and silver colorway on the iconic wavy Air Max 97 silhouette.

Nike Dunk SB Low Tiffany – The rare Dunk SB features a comparable Tiffany-esque color scheme.

Nike Air Max 90 Aqua Noise – Aqua accents on premium suede and leather with translucent outsole.

Nike Air Force 1 Low Aqua – Crisp white leather upper with blue accents and icy outsole. Lacks silver details of the Tiffany but easier to find.

Nike Daybreak Aqua – Retro running sneaker with suede, mesh, leather aqua tones.

While not exact Tiffany substitutes, these models capture a similar aesthetic and color palette if you take an L on the Forces. The hunt itself also adds to the thrill and prestige of finally securing a pair.

Conclusion

The Nike Air Force 1 Tiffany is the holy grail for many sneaker collectors thanks to its status as a rare, iconic collaborative release. While expensive and hard to find, going through reputable resale sites and markets gives you the best chance at owning a pair. Take the time to properly authenticate before purchasing, and don’t hesitate to pay resale price for the real deal. Alternatively, other Aqua colored Nikes can provide a budget-friendly fix if the Tiffany remains elusive. Just getting to rock the Tiffany blue on feet lets you tap into the aura of this legendary sneaker.