Nike’s newest Air Force 1 shoes look a lot like … Gritty?
The footwear giant recently unveiled part of its upcoming “Horse of a Different Color” collection, which reimagines the popular sneakers in shaggy “campfire orange” pony hair, a material eerily similar to the coat of the beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot.
Read more Philly got a break from wildfire smoke Sunday, but will the fresh air last?
The collection is — allegedly — inspired by the Shakespearean idiom, which was also referenced in The Wizard of Oz, according to Hypebeast and Women’s Wear Daily. But internet sleuths were quick to point out the resemblance to Gritty, or the Lorax, or a ‘70s shag carpet, or red-headed singer Ed Sheeran.
“gritty force 1s” one user on X posted.
Nike Air Force 1 Low “Orange Pony Hair” 🧡🐴
📆 Fall 2026 pic.twitter.com/8X5gNeTbEp
— SneakerAlert (@SneakerAlertHD) July 18, 2026
Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Gritty served as an inspiration.A spokesperson for the Flyers could not immediately be reached.
Read more Trea Turner looks to cut down on chasing — and he’s starting to see the results
“I will become indebted to Klarna for the [opportunity] to wear these to Flyers games this year,” another X poster wrote, referring to the financial company’s “buy now, pay later” service.
Another said, “lol these would be great for the Gritty 5K.”
The sneakers are expected to retail for $140, according to Hypebeast. While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, the shoes are likely to drop this fall.
Read more A couple celebrated a gender reveal with a dazzling light show at Longwood Gardens
Maybe just in time for hockey season.