Bruce Kilgore

• An influence for Bruce Kilgore when he was designing the air force one was the original nike hiking boot.
• Kilgore was influenced by the lower back and high front of the hiking boot and introduced that into the design of the air force one trainer.
• Kilgore was also influenced by how light the hiking boot was and used a similar technology in the sole of the trainer.
• Another influence that Kilgore had was the notre dame in Paris.
• Kilgore was influenced by the blueprints of the cathedral and used it as inspiration for the treads on the rubber sole.
• Function?

  • Air force ones were made for different kinds of sport especially running. The shoe provides extra cushioning for the foot, especially the sole. As well as a supported performance because of the thick sturdy structure of the shoe because of the synthetic leather.
• Fitness for purpose?

  • Air force ones are fit for purpose because they have a toe box at the front of each shoe with holes pierced through the top allowing air to come in and heat to come out so that there is always some form of ventilation to keep the person’s feet cool.
• Materials and / or techniques? (first point)

  • Air force ones tend to be made out of thick synthetic leather that is able protect a person’s feet from wet weather to a certain extent. 
• Materials and / or techniques? (second point)

  • Despite the fact that air force ones are well made out of thick leather some would argue it is too thick. Some people find that the shoe isn’t the easiest to walk in because of it’s sturdy structure and could takes days maybe weeks even months to break into.
• Target market? (first point)

  • Air force ones appeal to athletes, specifically basketball players, because of their sturdy design, rigid leather material and durability on the court. 
• Target market? (second point)

  • Air Force One’s appeal to those interested in popular culture due to their celebrity endorsements, especially american rap musicians. 
• Visual impact? (first point)

  • The large tick otherwise known as the “nike swoosh” is instantly recognisable. 
• Visual impact? (second point)

  • The entire shoe is made of sturdy synthetic leather apart from the engraved silver hardware (which is an different material) placed on the laces. 
• Style? (first point)

  • The air force one has a very simplistic design that has many elements of street style such as an oversized tongue and spaced out  rather chunky laces. 
• Style? (second point)

  • The Air Force One’s keeps to a very limited colour palette only using two dominant colours. The white and grey don’t have any additional decoration or embellishment which makes the style classic.