One of the most timeless designs in sneaker history.
The mid 1980's was a highlight time for Nike, as the brand was well on its way to become a billion dollar corporation, they also signed an upcoming NBA player, I think his name was Michael, or something, can't really remember.
However, with success comes some stiff competition, as it wouldn't take long for competition to creep up to Nike with different brands bringing out new daring colourways and models in comparison to Nike.
Action was needed before Nike's backs were against the wall. It wasn't until Tinker Hatfield, who was originally an architect brought in to help design the Nike Oregon campus. Out of Tinker's various legendary creations came the first ever Air Max sneaker
Whilst the Air max 1 was an innovative design in sneaker history, it wasn't the first to use it, the Nike Air Tailwind was the first shoe to feature the innovative technology, which was in the works by Frank Rudy, a former NASA employee.
The Nike Air Max 1 was the first shoe to feature an open air sole panel to expose the Air cushioned sole bubble.
This step was in a different direction than what Nike had envisioned as Nike was set on making the air bag technology smaller and more concealed, Hatfield thought that was wack, and thought outside of the box, by exposing the air panel and making it bigger in the heel.
Nike thought that this initial design would make the shoe structurally weak and the air bag to be punctured. If anything Nike was soo opposed to the Idea, Tinker could even recall that some exec's were set on getting him and his team fired.
You ain't doing nothing right if people aren't trying to get you fired from your job.
The Air max's design was influenced by the controversial Paris building, the George Pompidou building, in which its structural design was not very liked because of its non traditional design to put all of its structural and functional elements to be placed outside of the building.
The Air Max 1 was finally released on March 26th 1987 with the advert 'Nike Air Revolution' from then on it was set that the Air Max line would go down as one of the classical designs in sneaker history.
35 years later the Air Max 1 is still a classical rotation in every sneaker enthusiasts line up and without fail has maintained the spotlight in Nikes line up.
If anything 2021 highlighted the Air Max 1s timeless design as we've seen major collabs from Patta and anticipated collabs with artists such as Travis Scott.
Comment down below what's your favourite Air Max 1 colourway or collab, mines the OG red colourway, or the Wetherspoon collab, timeless!
Comments