Nike Air Max 1 QS “Fourth of July”

The Nike Air Max 1 QS “Fourth of July” (CJ4283-100) was a planned Independence Day 2019 release, dressed in a clean white and platinum colorway and highlighted by the historic “Betsy Ross Flag” stitched onto the heel. The design quickly sparked controversy due to the flag’s associations with a period in U.S. history when slavery was still present. Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick—an outspoken figure in the fight against racial inequality and a prominent face in Nike campaigns—urged the brand to withdraw the release, deeming the flag inappropriate. Some far-right groups had also claimed the flag as a symbol, amplifying the concerns. Nike responded by pulling the sneaker from stores, stating: “Nike has chosen not to release this Air Max 1 shoe, as it features an old version of the American flag.”

Despite the official cancellation, a limited number of pairs had already been shipped to select retailers before the recall. These samples and early pairs quickly surfaced on the secondary market, with resale prices skyrocketing due to their rarity and controversy. Today, the Air Max 1 “Betsy Ross Flag” is considered one of the most infamous unreleased Nike sneakers, representing not only a piece of footwear history but also a powerful cultural debate that extended far beyond sneakers.