Of all of Nike’s Air Max range — from the latest Air Max 270 and Vapormax models, to late 90s throwbacks the Air Max 97 & 98 — the shoe that started it all, the Air Max 1, is still regarded by many as the best trainer of all time. Since its introduction in 1987, the Air Max 1 has grown in notoriety to become something of a connoisseur’s choice, with classic collaborative models from the likes of Patta and atmos commanding resale prices in the thousands. The shoe also holds a great deal of importance for Nike themselves, being a key part of their brand history. Back in the mid-1980s, while the brand had seen a great deal of success with earlier models, from the Cortez and Waffle-equipped running models to the global phenomena that were the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1, they were losing ground in terms of cultural cachet: Waffle soles just weren’t cool enough for the kids of the neon-drenched 80s.

Enter Tinker Hatfield. While Hatfield’s name is well-known today, often uttered in hushed tones at the reverence of a sneaker god, back in 1987 he wasn’t even part of Nike’s footwear division, instead employed as an architect to design retail and office spaces for the brand. Whether upper management saw Hatfield’s potential, or just because of staffing issues, he was eventually drafted into the footwear design team to inject a new perspective into the brand’s stagnating running lineup. With his architectural background, it should come as little surprise that Hatfield drew his major inspiration for the Air Max 1 from an unlikely place: the Centre Georges Pompidou building in Paris. Upending traditional design wisdom, the Centre Pompidou lays bare all of its inner workings — the air conditioning, water pipes and structural supports are all on the outside.

While a seemingly small detail, the Air Max 1’s visible Air bubble at the heel was revolutionary. While Air cushioning technology had been in use at Nike for a while, the goal had been to make the cushioning slimmer and more concealed. Like the Centre Pompidou that inspired it, the Air Max 1 had the audacity to put the technological aspects of its design front and centre, a bold design move that met with enormous internal resistance at Nike headquarters. Nevertheless, Hatfield persisted with his vision and, with the help of some friends in higher places, the design was pushed through, and was an immediate success.

Which brings us to today. As expected from a shoe from 1987, over the years the Air Max 1 has been the subject of numerous tweaks, changes and updates, much to the dismay of diehard fans, who weren’t enamoured with the new shape and materials. However, last year, in honour of the Air Max 1’s 30th anniversary, Nike listened to all the feedback from collectors and enthusiasts, and tasked its footwear design team to recreate the OG shape down to the most minute details. The result is very impressive, a throwback in the best possible sense, and the perfect template for a slate of all new summer-ready colourways.

Both pairs take the classic white and grey base of the original and add their own distinct twist. The first, dubbed the ‘Watermelon’ drenches the uppers in washed-out green and neon pink for some heady Miami Vice/South Beach vibes that are the very definition of ‘summer’. The other adopts the ever-popular ‘Michigan‘ colourway, with rich navy offset by bold yellow accents for a timeless collegiate look.

Both styles are some of the best that Nike have put out for this legendary sneaker in a long time, and are sure to freshen up your footwear rotation in time for the warmer months. They will be available online at 08.00 BST on the 3rd of May, with an in-store release to follow. Make sure not to sleep if you want to grab a pair for yourself.

 

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