Nike Air Max 1

Air max 1 the iconic Nike model that changed the sneaker world

The Nike Air Max 1 as the name suggests is the first of several Nike Air Max models. It was released in 1987 and is also the first shoe model with a visible Max Air cushion. Considered one of the best shoes in history. They made their mark in it, thanks to their innovative design, and to this day we still celebrate lavishly their birthday called Air Max Day, during which we can see their special editions.

Responsible for the success of this model was Tinker Hatfield. He was initially hired by Nike to design the Nike campus buildings in Oregon. In 1985 he occasionally designed shoes until two years later he created the Air Max 1. The official release date was March 26, 1987.

The Air Max model debuted along with the Air Trainer 1, Air Sock, Air Revolution and Air Safari. In later years, other models joined the Air Max family, including the 90. 96, 180 and Air Max 97.

What inspired Hatfield to create the Air Max 1 was not related to other sneakers or even fashion. The inspiration came from a famous building in Paris, the Centre Georges Pompidou. This building was constructed so that all of its functional parts and its structure were outside for everyone to see.

It’s possible that if Hatfield hadn’t seen this building, the Air Max 1 model might have looked very different. Nike was concerned that the Air Max system would look unstable through the cut-out portion of the sole, and some wanted to fire Hatfield for his idea, but he didn’t let it go. The Air Max 1 shoes saw the light of day and their story is still with us today.

In 2017, Nike released the most advanced Air Max model, the Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0. They had an OG colorway. They were also some of the lightest Air Maxes ever made.

Famous Air Max 1 collaborations

Recently, we premiered the Air Max 1 collaborations with Cactus Jack Corporations from Travis Scott and the Concepts brand, which are available now.