Did Nike Steal The Air Force 1 Low "Jason Mask" Design From A Custom Sneaker Creator?

Nike has released a number of amazing Halloween releases in the past, pairs so good that they continue to haunt the dreams of those who missed out. We’re talking releases like the infamous “Freddy Krueger” SB Dunks, the Air Force 1 “Skeleton,” and the SB Dunk Low “Mummy,” to mention a few. But this Nike Air Force 1 Low “Jason Mask” certainly does not fall into that same category.

A Closer Look At The Sneaker

This Jason Voorhees-inspired AF1 is unquestionably on the bland and uninteresting side of the Halloween shoe spectrum. Although I fully acknowledge that the all-white AF1 is a classic, that alone should be more incentive for Nike to step outside the box and create something truly unique for a Halloween release—especially when you’re referencing a horror movie legend like the mask-wearing, machete-wielding serial killer from the Friday the 13th franchise.

Just changing up the ventilation holes on the toe box and calling it a “Jason Mask” is simply lazy work. They could have at least added some red paint splatter to give it a more menacing look, or even a metallic Swoosh as a nod to his weapon of choice.

If it’s any consolation at all, the leather on this pair looks good and it comes packaged with tissue box paper that features a body of water as a possible connection to Camp Crystal Lake, where Jason has terrorised many a victim.

Even so, it’s obvious that this was a squandered chance at creating something truly memorable, especially when we compare it against the 2007 Nike SB Dunk High “Jason Voorhees,” which featured black quarter panels, deep red suede overlays, and white accents inspired by the character’s hockey mask. It’s a pair that’s still remembered as one of the best horror movie-themed sneakers to release, and its four-figure price tag on resale platforms reflects that.

But to make matters worse, custom sneaker artist Nick Reynolds (@shoebaker_at l) might have insinuated that Nike designers have stolen his ideas for the AF1 “Jason Mask.” And, we have to admit, there are similarities. It seems like this Halloween release is attracting all the wrong attention.

Release Details

For those who like the simplicity of this design or perhaps want to perform some DIY magic on them, the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Jason Mask” will drop on October 24, 2024. The sneaker will be available through Nike.com and select retailers at a retail price of $150 USD.

But if you’re looking for other sneaker options for Halloween, be sure to check out Reebok’s Universal Monsters Collection or this excellent “Pennywise” Nike Dunk Low custom sneaker (seriously, it’s hauntingly good). In the meantime, don’t forget to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more sneaker drops and reviews.

Do you think Nike flopped with the “Jason Mask” Air Force 1 Low design, or do you like the subtle nod to the horror legend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!