The  Air Force 1 may be a legend today, but in 1984 – just two years after launching – it was almost lost to history. Nike was readying to phase them out – a move that left Baltimore retailers perplexed. Stores had been selling hundreds of pairs! Harold 'Mr. Shoe' Rudo flew to Oregon, convincing Nike execs to produce special AF1s for Baltimore – the 'Colour of the Month' program. To Nike's surprise, not only did this work but word had travelled down Interstate-95, making the AF1s hot property in Philly and New York. An icon was born.

Before they were 'Uptowns' the Air Force 1 was Baltimore's shoe. It's likely without the actions of those stores, we wouldn't be celebrating this shoe now.