5 Reasons The NEW Nike Air Force 1 'Mushroom' (2025) Is The Most Whimsical AF1 Yet

The sneaker world is buzzing with anticipation for one of the most unique and nature-inspired releases in recent memory: the new Women’s Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Mushroom’ (Style Code: IB8874-111). Slated for a release in the first half of 2025, this isn't a simple color swap; it’s a total design overhaul that transports the iconic silhouette into a whimsical, fantasy-inspired forest, featuring premium, earthy materials like cork and hemp.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the details emerging about this release confirm that Nike is continuing its exploration of natural and sustainable design elements, but with a playful twist. This new ‘Mushroom’ iteration moves away from the stark, monochromatic look of previous versions, embracing a medley of soft pastels and earthy tones perfect for the warmer months ahead.

The Complete Profile: Nike Air Force 1 Low 'Mushroom' (IB8874-111)

The ‘Mushroom’ moniker has appeared on several Nike models, most notably the highly sustainable collaborations with Billie Eilish. However, the 2025 release marks a completely new direction, focusing on a lighter, more fanciful aesthetic. Here is the essential breakdown of the upcoming shoe:

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• Official Name: Nike Air Force 1 Low WMNS ‘Mushroom’
• Style Code: IB8874-111
• Primary Colorway: Sail / Pink Foam / Elemental Pink / Pearl Pink
• Release Date (Expected): May 1, 2025
• Retail Price (Estimated): $125 - $135 USD
• Design Inspiration: A "fantasy world of magical mushrooms," blending earthy tones with whimsical, playful details.
• Key Features: Hemp-lace rope laces, cork material on the insoles and tongue tab, a uniquely stylized NIKE logo, and a woven/textured Swoosh.
• Target Market: Women’s Exclusive (WMNS) Sizing.

1. The Unprecedented Use of Cork and Hemp

What truly sets the 2025 ‘Mushroom’ AF1 apart is its dedication to incorporating natural, textural materials that elevate the design beyond standard leather or suede. The shoe’s focus on hemp-lace rope laces offers a rugged, yet organic contrast to the upper, immediately signaling a connection to nature.

Even more notable is the cork material that lines both the insoles and the tongue-tab. Cork, a renewable and sustainable material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, is not only eco-friendly but also provides a unique, comfortable feel underfoot. This attention to detail on the interior and tongue-tab transforms the shoe from a simple sneaker into a piece of wearable art, emphasizing the natural materials theme.

2. A Whimsical Pastel Color Palette

While the name suggests a deep, earthy brown, the IB8874-111 colorway is surprisingly light and airy. It features a soft, elegant blend of Sail, Pink Foam, and Elemental Pink. This medley of pastel colors perfectly captures the "fantasy world" inspiration, evoking the soft, subtle hues found in a magical forest.

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The primary Mushroom color, a soft and sophisticated earthy tone, provides the base, ensuring the shoe remains versatile and easy to wear. The subtle pink accents, likely appearing on the suede overlays or branding elements, create a harmonious contrast that is ideal for the spring and summer seasons. This departure from the typical all-brown ‘Mushroom’ look makes the 2025 release a fresh, unique entry into the Air Force 1 lineup.

3. The Iconic Silhouette Meets Textural Innovation

The Air Force 1 (AF1) is one of the most recognizable and timeless silhouettes in sneaker history, first debuting in 1982. The 'Mushroom' edition respects this legacy while introducing key textural innovations. One of the most talked-about details is the woven or textured Swoosh. This subtle change adds a tactile dimension to the mid-panel, further aligning the shoe with its nature-inspired aesthetic.

The overall construction utilizes a mix of premium materials, likely including suede and canvas, all coming together in a layered design that highlights the tonal differences between the soft Sail and Pink Foam shades. The unique, stylized NIKE branding on the tongue-tab—made from cork—is another premium touch that collectors and fans of unique sneaker design will appreciate.

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4. Topical Authority: The Legacy of Nike's 'Mushroom' and Sustainable Sneakers

To fully understand the significance of the 2025 release, it’s important to look back at the precedent set by previous Nike Mushroom shoes. The most notable example is the 2022 Billie Eilish x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Mushroom’ (DQ4137-200).

This collaboration was a pillar of the sustainable sneakers movement, utilizing a synthetic nubuck material made from post-consumer recycled content and featuring a midsole made with Nike Grind, a material composed of recycled manufacturing scrap. While the 2025 version focuses more on natural, textural materials like hemp and cork rather than entirely recycled content, it continues Nike’s broader Move to Zero initiative by exploring alternative, eco-friendly components. This dual focus on both whimsy and natural materials solidifies the ‘Mushroom’ line as a key player in the future of thoughtful sneaker culture.

5. Why This Women's Exclusive Will Be a Must-Have

The IB8874-111 is positioned as a Women’s Exclusive (WMNS) release, which often means unique sizing and a design specifically tailored to a fashion-forward audience. The combination of its soft, earthy, and pastel colorway with the premium, natural textures ensures it will be highly sought after.

For sneaker enthusiasts, the presence of hemp-lace rope laces and cork insoles provides a fresh take on the classic Air Force 1 design, making it a standout piece in any collection. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a sophisticated, yet playful shoe that effortlessly transitions from spring to summer. Mark your calendars for May 2025, because this whimsical AF1 is poised to be one of the year’s most coveted drops.