Lil Yachty Has a New Nike Air Force 1 Collaboration — and It’s Covered in Crocodile Skin

If Lil Yachty’s debut Nike Air Force 1 collaboration was too ordinary for some tastes, the most recent pair teased by the Concrete Boys founder should win over those who are seeking something more exotic.

The rapper took to his Instagram (and Finsta) accounts Saturday to showcase a new Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 in a dark green crocodile material. The textured green croc skin covers the entirety of the upper and is paired with a black rubber midsole. The heel tab is finished in a glossy patent leather, and Lil Yachty’s stick figure Concrete Boys logo is embroidered near the back. 

Nike has released similar-looking Air Force 1s in the past, both with genuine croc/alligator materials and also with faux-reptile embossed leathers. Perhaps most fondly remembered is 2007’s Italian-made Air Force 1 Low Lux “Crocodile” iteration in Baroque Brown which was released for the model’s 25th anniversary. That version came with a $2,000 price tag, which to this day has only been topped by the Dior x Air Jordan 1 High and Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 as Nike, Inc.’s most expensive sneaker releases at retail.

In addition to the released Lux style — which featured standard black leather on its toe box and quarter panel — Nike also made a promo pair in full brown alligator skin, of which only 25 pairs were said to be produced. A size 10.5 believed to be customized for Usher is currently for sale from Sotheby’s for $25,000. 

Later, in 2015, Nike would issue several Air Force 1 Lows with croc-embossed leather in colors including brown, black, olive, red and white. 

Lil Yachty has referenced 2000s-era Air Force 1s as inspiration for the debut “Us Force 1” colorway, and it’s likely that Y2K nostalgia also contributed to this new croc-adorned design. And while that much is evident, what isn’t clear is if this new pair will be released at retail. Readers can likely expect more updates in the coming months.