Nike Air DVST8 Mid (1995)

Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway in box.

QUICK FACTS

Colorway: black/white/true-red

Original Release: 1995

Retro: n/a

Release Type: general release 

Weight: 15.8 ounces 

Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway.

BACKGROUND

The oft forgotten Air DVST8 (devastate…get it?) released in 1995. A classic team bank model, the DVST8 released in just about every colorway imaginable and came in low, mid and high top variations. The relatively modest price point and variety of colorways made it one of the most common sneakers of its time, both on and off the court.  

[convertkit form=3021609]

Originally known as the Air Warrior, the unique design and even more unique name has given the DVST8 a small but devoted following among die-hard sneaker enthusiasts. 

Nike Air DVST8, medial view.

The DVST8 had a downside however, as it’s bulky structure made it cumbersome on court. The Variable-Width Lacing System made it difficult to fasten the laces tight enough to feel fully supported, and the herringbone pattern on the outsole wasn’t as pronounced as it was on other models, making it difficult to get good traction. 

Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway, rear view.

Nevertheless, the DVST8 was the shoe of choice for many NBA and NCAA players during the ‘95-‘96 season. The DVST8 was also lighter than it appeared, weighing 15.8 ounces, making it a reasonable choice for players at all five positions. 

Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway, bottom view.

Despite its popularity during the mid 90s, the DVST8 has been largely forgotten today aside from the aforementioned die-hard sneaker fans. Not surprisingly, the DVST8 has never been retroed

Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway, right lateral view.

DESIGN FEATURES

  • Full grain leather and Durabuck upper
  • Variable-Width Lacing System 
  • Contoured sculpted polyurethane midsole with flex grooves
  • Large volume visible heel Air Sole unit 
  • Solid rubber outsole with herringbone pattern

PRICE

  • 1995 OG: $80 (about $146 in 2022)
Nike Air DVST8 in the black, white, true red colorway, left lateral view.

TAKEDOWN: Nike Air Dunk Force A.S.

Nike Air Dunk Force A.S.
Nike Air Dunk Force A.S.

Other Names: Nike Airliner

Original Release: 1996

Retro: N/A

Price: $60

Design Features: 

  • full grain leather upper
  • quarter and tip full grain leather reinforcements
  • full length EVA midsole
  • encapsulated low-pressure heel Air Sole unit
  • herringbone pattern outsole

Kicksigma