New York City has inspired its fair share of iconic sneakers. Who remembers the 2005 Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Pigeon’? Designed by Jeff Staple, these legendary gray-and-orange Dunks were a nod to one of NYC’s most recognizable flying critters. Now Nike is turning its attention away from the skies and towards the sewers, to a creature that is just as closely associated with the Big Apple. Say hello to the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black Rat’.
Fur Real?
Animal lovers, don’t be alarmed: no rats were harmed in the making of these AF1s. The furry detailing covering the Swoosh, heel, and collar is made entirely from shaggy faux fur. It’s what gives these sneakers their unmistakably ratty finish.
Underneath, the black tumbled leather keeps the classic AF1 construction intact, while a cheeky little rat eye peeks out from the heel.
Then there’s that pale pink translucent outsole. It’s the same color as the shoe’s tongue and pays homage to the rat paws that traverse the subway system beneath New York City.
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Vermin Verdict
Since the official photos of the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black Rat’ were released on 28 August 2026, opinions on social media have been mixed.
@bahr_none commented on House of Heat’s recent post, saying “ABSOLUTELY FIRE EVERYONE‑‼️”
@permanentwave didn’t think as much, commenting, “Okay they tryna plummet the stock on purpose, I see the plot.”
Hey, we get it. Rats can be polarising creatures. If you’re firmly in the ‘vermin are cool’ camp (we are looking at you, Ratatouille fans), you’ll be pleased to hear that these furry AF1s will be scurrying onto shelves as soon as Fall 2026.
An exact retail price is yet to be confirmed, but SneakerNews suggests a slight premium over the standard $125 AF1 price tag. The best way to actually score a pair of these wacky sneakers is probably to turn on release alerts through the Nike app.
This Isn’t a One-Off
While it might seem like an odd pair, the ‘Black Rat’ is actually part of a larger rodent collection: the NYC-flavored Air Force 1s Nike has rolled out since the Knicks’ historic playoff run in June. It’s the second rat release after the July-released ‘Subway Rat’.
Where to Buy the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black Rat’
The ‘Black Rat’ is expected to be available through Nike and select Nike Sportswear retailers. Specific retail partners have not been officially confirmed as of publication. That means you should probably treat any retailer list you see elsewhere as provisional and wait for Nike or the retailers themselves to confirm.
Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black Rat’ — Release Details
| Detail | Info |
| Name | Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black Rat’ |
| Colorway | Black leather with faux fur detailing (Swoosh, heel, collar); pink translucent outsole |
| Style Code | TBA |
| Release Date | Fall 2026 (exact date unconfirmed) |
| Price | ~$125, slight premium expected over standard AF1 pricing |
| Where to Buy | Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers (specific retail partners not yet officially confirmed) |
So, will you be joining the Rat Pack? Or are these AF1s a little too close to the real thing for comfort?
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