Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Los Angeles' (What The LA)
Nike • Air Force 1 • What The LA - Multi-Color/White/Black
Confidence Level
95% — Significant discrepancies in materials, Swoosh shape, and construction details compared to authentic pairs.
Overall Assessment
This pair is a low-quality replica of the 'What The LA' Air Force 1. The most immediate giveaway is the material quality; the authentic pair uses high-grade, short-hair suede and premium leathers, whereas this pair shows a long, fuzzy 'shag' on the red mudguard characteristic of budget reps. Additionally, the iridescent Swoosh shape is incorrect, specifically the tail, and the 'Los Angeles' embroidery is too thin and lacks the proper density.
Style Code
CT1117-600
Release Year
2019
Retail Price
$130 USD
Market Value
$400-$600 USD (New)
Materials Analysis
The suede panels on the toe (red) and midfoot (tan) are far too hairy and rough. The authentic pair features a refined, tight-grain suede. The white leather on the toe box looks synthetic and lacks the characteristic thickness of genuine AF1 leather. The purple suede near the heel is also of poor quality.
Stitching Analysis
Stitching is inconsistent across the upper. The double-stitching on the lace stays is uneven. Most notably, the 'Los Angeles' script embroidery on the lateral heel is thin and shows 'nesting' (loose threads connecting letters), which is not present on the dense, clean embroidery of retail pairs.
Sole Analysis
The midsole features a speckled paint effect that is too sparse and lacks the randomized density found on authentic pairs. The purple outsole color appears slightly off in shade, and the 'AIR' branding on the midsole is not as deeply or cleanly embossed as it should be.
Logo & Branding Analysis
The iridescent Swoosh is the wrong shape; the curve leading into the tail is too sharp, and the tail itself is too short. The small yellow mini-swoosh on the lateral mudguard is poorly defined and lacks the sharp embroidery points of an authentic Nike product.
Tag & Label Analysis
Inner size tags are not visible in the provided image. The lace dubrae ('AF-1' plate) appears to be made of a cheaper, more reflective alloy than the matte-brushed finish of the original.
Box Analysis
Box not visible in image.
Construction Quality
Overall build is poor. The toe box is overly bulky and squared off. The collar padding looks thin and the lining material appears to be a cheap mesh rather than the soft, premium textile used on the 'What The LA' release.
Shape & Silhouette
The silhouette is 'tall' and lacks the sleek taper from heel to toe characteristic of the Air Force 1. The heel counter appears too straight, missing the subtle ergonomic curve visible on authentic pairs.
Color Accuracy
While the general color blocking is correct, the shades are slightly muted. The red is too dark/burgundy-leaning due to the poor suede texture, and the tan mid-panel is more 'sandy' than the required wheat/tan shade.
Red Flags
Excessively 'hairy' suede on the red panel, incorrect iridescent Swoosh shape, thin embroidery on the heel, bulky toe box, and poor midsole speckling.
Positive Indicators
The general color blocking and placement of elements match the 'What The LA' design layout.
Key Details
This specific model is a tribute to Los Angeles sports teams, featuring a mismatching design between the left and right shoe. Due to its popularity and resale value, high-tier and low-tier replicas are very common.
Care Recommendations
As this is a replica with lower-grade materials, avoid water exposure as the cheap dyes in the fuzzy suede are likely to bleed significantly. Use a soft brass brush to try and flatten the overly long nap of the suede.