The Nike Air Force 1 Patent Leather Psychic Blue is an LV8 (“Elevate”) take on the Air Force 1, meaning a more premium spin on an otherwise classic colorway, with the standout elements here being the bold patent leather upper and oversized rope laces that push the look into more exaggerated territory.
I’ve covered Air Force 1s before, but briefly: the Nike Air Force 1 debuted in 1982, designed by Bruce Kilgore as the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air cushioning. What started on the court quickly became a cornerstone of hip-hop and street culture, cementing the AF1 as one of the most iconic sneakers of all time.
I hadn’t picked up a pair of Forces in a while, and I usually avoid patent leather on a shoe like this, since it can be finicky and crease-heavy, but I wanted to step outside my comfort zone with materials I don’t normally wear. These were also purchased with a gift card from my wife after she picked this pair out of a few options, which made the decision easier. The shiny Psychic Blue really pops in patent form, and grabbing them for around $103 shipped definitely helped seal the deal.
These come in the standard black Air Force 1 box and are laced up with oversized rope laces that add to the elevated, almost cartoonish AF1 aesthetic.
Materials
The upper is fully constructed from patent leather, which delivers a bold, glossy look but comes with the usual tradeoffs in upkeep and creasing. While patent isn’t the most forgiving material over time, the shoe feels solidly built and the quality is right in line with what you’d expect from a premium AF1 at this price point.
Fit & Comfort
Like most Air Force 1s, these run big at true to size. The patent leather makes the shoe a bit stiffer out of the box, so step-in comfort and break-in aren’t as forgiving as standard leather pairs, but this resolves relatively quickly upon wear. Underfoot, it’s still very much the classic AF1 experience: supportive, slightly clunky, and comfortable enough for a few hours of casual wear at a time.
If these are sold out at different stores online, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: Psychic Blue / White
Style Code: HV9405-400
Retail Price: $125
Year of Release: 2025