The iconic NikeAir Max 1 is celebrating its 30th birthday and attention is being paid. This is no ‘HB’ posted on a Facebook wall with a vague promise to buy drinks next time, this is a full-on T-shirt cannon, mariachi band, so-glad-you-were-born b-day moment. As it should be, the first time I put on a pair I felt like no one could try me. What made the first 1987 Air Max 1 different and propelled it to a streetwear staple was the sole cushioning - first used in the 1979 Air Tailwind - being made visible. So many subcultures have made the Air Max their own, from 90s Serbian Diesel Boys to Gabbers, and that’s the mark of a great shoe. In anticipation of Nike's official Air Max Day on March 26, the brand is dedicating all of March to the anniversary the first Air Max with different retro re-issues and fresh Air interpretations dropping left and right. All of this festiveness culminates in the release of the long-awaited Air VaporMax on the 26th. So let’s get to stepping with a look ahead at what’s still to come this week and beyond.
NIKE AIR MAX 1 WHITE, BLUE & GREYMARCH 9 (09:00 CET) The archetype. Though several new editions of the Classic Air Max 1 OG have already been released, the next one up will be available in the original White, Blue and Grey colourway. This is the original Tinker Hatfield design, inspired by Centre Pompidou Paris, reworked with new tech. It’s even got the original toe shape, three-part tongue and 1987 shoe box. Pricing: €140
NIKE AIR MAX 1 ATMOS ELEPHANT (DATE TBA) This edition was co-created by Japanese sneaker retailer atmos, and voted back into production by fans during last year’s Air Max Day Vote Back campaign. It was originally released in 2006 as part of the Zoo Pack and features a jade Swoosh paired with elephant skin detailing. When this first came out, I was a buoyant teen but crying over lost time feels better with limited kicks to drop tears on next to. Pricing: TBA
NIKE AIR MAX 1 MASTER MARCH 11 (09:00 CET)If all of this hasn’t put you in an Air Max tailspin yet, Nike will also drop the AM1 Master, which is a patchwork of ten pieces of Air Max history. They also released a tribute video highlighting some of the best Air Max remixes and collabs, including the Patta x Parra Air Max 1 from 2010 (which will set you back about 2 grand when a pair pops up for sale). All of this archive excellence comes together in the Nike Air Max 1 Master. It’s even got the original AM1 red toe tops. Pricing: €160
AIR MAX 1 ULTRA 2.0 LE MARCH 16 (09:00 CET) The original Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 is one of the most innovative Air Max designs to date, making it one of the lightest pairs available now. It’s got mesh detailing and the tongue has “3.26” embroidered on it as an anniversary tribute to the original. Download the Nike+ SNKRS app to get your mitts on a pair. Pricing: TBA
NIKE VAPORMAX MARCH 26 (09:00 CET)What is dubbed to be the lightest Air ever, the Nike VaporMax is the zenith of Air technology, combining a Flyknit upper with the latest in sole cushioning developments. In the run-up to its release on March 26, The VaporMax’ runway debut was made during the Jour/Né Paris show at Paris Fashion Week. Two versions will be released, a Platinum and a University Red colourway, and for the latter you can get early access by getting active: if you complete a Sunday Run with the Nike+ Run Club app on March 12 or 19 (find out how here). Pricing: €210
WMNS AIR MAX ULTRA FLYKNIT MARCH 9 (09:00 CET) Other new upcoming Air Max releases, complimenting the big anniversary line-up, are the Air Max Ultra Flyknit series for women. This drop includes an Air Max 1, Air Max Thea and Air Max 90 edition featuring gold metallic accents, light foam soles and Flyknit uppers. Pricing ranges from €160 (AM1) to €180 (AM90 & Thea). There are also rumours of an Air Max 97 Mid designed by Riccardo Tisci coming out soon, but that hasn’t been confirmed as of now. There will be a Nike RT event on March 17, though.
Get previous Air Max anniversary releases and register for drop reminders here. Check back on upcoming releases here and get more Air Max here.
Images: Nike. Drop dates mentioned are for Europe, check nike.com for more info on your location.
