The Ultimate Friendly Guide to Air Force 1 Batches on CNFans
So, You Want Fresh Whites Without the Price Tag?
Let’s be real for a second. There is arguably no sneaker more essential to a wardrobe than the classic White Air Force 1 Low. It works with jeans, it works with sweatpants, it works with shorts—it just works. but here is the thing: buying a fresh pair every time they get a scuff can hurt your wallet. That is exactly why you are looking at the CNFans Spreadsheet right now, isn't it?
But then you open the sheet, and hold on... what is "XP Batch"? What does "Sadesa Leather" mean? Why is one pair $15 and another $35? Don't panic! I’ve been down this rabbit hole, and I’m going to walk you through it like we’re grabbing coffee. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which version to add to your haul.
The "Batch" Concept: A Quick Crash Course
If you represent new to the world of reps and CNFans, the word "batch" gets thrown around a lot. Think of a batch as a specific production run from a specific factory. Different factories prioritize different things. Some want to make the cheapest shoe possible (quantity over quality), while others try to replicate the exact materials of the retail version.
When it comes to Air Force 1s, it usually comes down to three main categories on the spreadsheet: The "Beaters" (Budget), The "Mid-Tier" (great value), and The "Sadesa" (Retail quality). Let's break them down.
1. The Budget Batch (often WTG or Random Sellers)
You will often see links labeled "WTG" (Wood Table Guy) or just generic budget options priced around $12-$18.
Pros:
- Insanely Cheap: You can literally buy three pairs for the price of one retail pair.
- Good for Beaters: If you need shoes to mourn the lawn in or wear to a concert where they will get stepped on, this is it.
- The "Plastic" Feel: The leather often feels synthetic and stiff. Instead of creasing naturally, it might crack.
- Sole Quality: The soles can be squishy. You know that solid "thud" a real AF1 makes? These might squeak or fold too easily.
- Shape Issues: sometimes the toebox looks a bit bulky or "boxy."
- Aging: Cheap leather cracks and turns gray. Sadesa leather gets that nice, creamy vintage look as it wears in.
- Texture: It’s soft to the touch, not plasticky.
- Accuracy: This is as close to retail as you are going to get. Unless you work at a Nike factory, you probably can't tell the difference.
- Retail Advice: Usually, you size down 0.5 for AF1s.
- CNFans Batch Advice: This holds true for the higher-tier batches (XP and Sadesa). If you are a size 10 US, grab a 9.5.
- Budget Warning: Sometimes budget batches can be inconsistent. If you are buying the super cheap version, check the QC (Quality Control) photos from other users to see if they measure the insole. When in doubt, stick to True To Size (TTS) for budget pairs just to be safe.
Cons:
2. The XP / G Batch (The Sweet Spot)
This is usually the fan favorite on the CNFans Spreadsheet. Pricing usually hovers between $25 and $30. For most people, this is the absolute winner.
Why is it popular? Because it fixes the major flaws of the budget batches without breaking the bank. The shape is usually much sleeker and accurate to the original. The comfort is significantly improved because they use better air units in the sole.
If you just want a pair that looks great on feet and you don't care about the microscopic details of the leather grain, XP Batch is usually the way to go.
3. The Sadesa Leather Batch (The Crown Jewel)
Okay, here is where we get a little nerdy, but stick with me. "Sadesa" isn't a factory name; it's the name of the tannery that supplies leather to Nike for their OG Air Force 1s.
Some sellers specifically source this same leather for their batches. When you see "Sadesa" listed on a CNFans spreadsheet, it means the shoe is made with the high-quality material that ages beautifully.
Why choose Sadesa?
These usually cost around $35-$45. Is it worth the extra $10 over the XP batch? If you plan on wearing them every day for a year, absolutely.
Sizing Advice
Before you click "add to cart," we need to talk about sizing. Air Force 1s are notorious for running big.
How to Spot quality in QC Photos
Once your agent sends you the photos (QC), look at the heels. You want the "Nike Air" embroidery to be straight and centered. On bad batches, the "Air" text might look like it’s sliding off the shoe or the letters are touching each other.
Check the "Swoosh" placement. It should swoop cleanly back to the heel tab. If it looks hooked or too high, you might want to exchange it.
Final Verdict: Which one should you pick?
If you are scrolling through the CNFans Spreadsheet right now, here is my friendly advice:
If you have the budget, go for the Sadesa / Top tier version. The difference in leather quality means the shoe will last twice as long, making it cheaper in the long run.
If you just want a quick refresh for the summer and don't care about longevity, the XP Batch is fantastic value. Avoid the bottom-of-the-barrel $10 batches unless you really just need something to destroy at a festival. Your feet deserve better than cardboard leather!
Happy hunting on the spreadsheet, and enjoy those crispy whites!