Riding a wave of incoming vintage silhouettes, it only seemed right to select the Nike X Ambush Air Adjust Force for the next instalment of our Wear Test series. Other old-school silhouettes due to drop include the Reebok Shaqnosis, Reebok Question, Reebok Answer, Nike Air Penny 2 and more.
At its core – without the Fit Wrap strap – the silhouette stays true to the original sneaker from ’96 only shorter in height. Once you add its second layer we step further into the world of Yoon and a modern-day aesthetic with the dual strap and pop of fuchsia swoosh emblem.
I took this pair on for 30 days, testing their fit, comfortability, and performance. Granted this is a basketball sneaker at its origin with an air unit and secure Fit Wrap accessory to secure the foot, but this pair is primarily a lifestyle sneaker and stands heavy in the weight department. A retro silhouette of this level makes this wear test a very different experience from any of the others as it remains untouched by the hands of technology and innovation.
First impressions
Day one:
- Stays true to a retro silhouette in its weight and structure
- Solid fit and feel underfoot
- The Fit Wrap strap is very tight – I wear it in a loose position and my feet run narrow
- Midsole and outsole are a prominent part of the silhouette
Day eight:
- Enjoying being able to wear a genuine retro silhouette – adds another layer and option to my sneaker rotation
Day sixteen:
- Its chunky fit and firm underfoot feel are unchanged – no further breaking in of the air unit
- Appreciating the nubuck finish – makes the sneaker very wearable and can stand various elements
- Not scared to wear them out in wet weather
Day twenty-four:
- This pair is holding up incredibly well and outperforming every other wear test in this area
- The outsole is especially solid and resistant to daily wear
- Nubuck upper also performing well – especially in the black colourway
- The FitWrap strap is still snug to fit
Day thirty:
- Minimal wear or changes in performance after the initial 30 days – would expect to see more significant signs of wear after another 30-60 days
- The outsole is unscathed and has very minimal scuffs on the upper
- Removing the strap to take the aesthetic back to the 90s is a great feature
Final thoughts
- This sneaker has shined in its durability and wearability 9/10
- It’s retro DNA held it back from impressive day-to-day comfort 7/10
- Would strongly recommend trying a pair on before committing to your size fit 7/10
The Air Adjust Force makes a great option if you’re looking to add something different to your arsenal; and opting for the triple black cw will add a versatile pair to your rotation for this autumn and winter. This is a classic retro silhouette with a modern-day collaboration available in multiple colourways. Stay stealthy with the all-black or turn it up with the Burgundy Crush or University Blue pair.
Yoon has given a tasteful makeover to an old-school character. This is a great sneaker that holds out well as the day-to-day wearer, you just might find the fit a little snug and solid against your other pairs that utilise modern-day technology.
