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Cost of Living

The battle between black and white Air Force 1 sneakers means profit for Nike

Nike's popular Air Force 1 is one of the most popular sneakers on the market, with the white version of the shoe more difficult to find. Is the meme of black versus white Nike shoes driving sales?

We explain why one shade of the sneaker is "per-shoe-na" non grata

CBC Radio ·
Nike Air Force 1 sneakers - the white version - have an edge over their black counterparts, if some Canadian teenagers are to be believed. (Anis Heydari/CBC)

First introduced as a basketball shoe in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 is an icon that's been making a comeback in recent months.

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But why do so many teenagers insist - they need the white version of the shoe, not the black version?

The black version of the Air Force 1 as pictured on Nike's web site. (Nike.com)

Cost of Living executive producer Tracy Johnson decodes the secret world of youth and their sneakers, while also explaining how these shoes are helping boost Nike's stock price.

Click 'Listen' above to hear the segment, or download the Cost of Living podcast.

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