26.03.2023
The History of the Nike Air Max
Today is Air Max Day. On this very day, 36 years ago, Nike Released the Air Max They were designed by the iconic Tinker Hatfield to be a performance running shoe. Air Maxes were the first Nike Air shoes to feature a transparent bubble in the midsole, showing off the Air Unit. Air Max Day, celebrated annually on March 26th since 2014, has been a day for sneakerheads to celebrate by wearing their favourite Air Max models. Nike has also used this day as an opportunity to release special projects on retro Air Max silhouettes, but also to release new silhouettes such as the VaporMax in 2017.
Nike will release the Air Max 1 '86 Big Bubble in Sport Red for Air Max Day this year. This model aims to reintroduce the original Air Max 1 silhouette with a larger window, bringing it closer to the OG design. This is a highly anticipated release amongst Air Max enthusiasts hoping to get their hands on the closest thing to an original pair.
In 2018, Nike held a competition where six people across the world, who had submitted their Air Max designs on Nike iD, were chosen to have their designs voted on by the public. The winner’s concept would be released on Air Max Day.
Sean Wotherspoon's Air Max 1/97s were chosen as the winner, and is now one of the most coveted Air Maxes of the last decade. These shoes featured a colourful corduroy Air Max 97 upper and an Air Max 1 midsole and outsole. This collaboration also featured other custom apparel such as socks and hats.
To this day, the Air Max 90 remains the highest selling Air Max of all time, however there are still many other popular silhouettes, such as; The Air Max 1, Air Max 95, Air Max 97, Air Max Plus, Air VaporMax, Air Max 270 and dozens more.
In recent years, there have been numerous notable Collaborative Air Maxes, such as the Skepta Air Max 97s, Off-White Air Max 90s, 97s and Vapormaxes, Undefeated Air Max 97s and the recent Patta Air Max 1s to name a few.
We asked some of our staff, what the Air Max Silhouettes means to them.
Ben, a Manager at our Yorkdale location, is seen wearing the Nike Air Max 1 Travis Scott Cactus Jack Baroque Brown.
What is your favourite pair of Air Max that you own?
“The Atmos Air Max 1 Elephant. I have always been a fan of the cement print, but what I loved most was the Tiffany coloured swoosh. When they were released in 2007 and I couldn’t justify paying a premium price for a pair of shoes like that. When they re-released in 2017 I knew I couldn't miss out this time, so I saved up every dollar I had.”
Nick, our District Manager in Toronto, is seen wearing the Nike Air Max 2013 Stüssy Black.
What is your all time grail pair of Air Max?
“The Patta x Nike Air Max 1 Chlorophyll, seeing Sean Wotherspoon rock these daily a few years ago really made me fall in love with them.”
Thorin, an employee at our Sherway Gardens location, is seen wearing the Nike Air Max 1 Patta Waves Noise Aqua.
Why are you a fan of Air Maxes?
“Air Maxes are the perfect everyday shoe. No matter what you're wearing, you can slip on a pair of Air Maxes and be comfortable and clean.”
Shaun, a Key Holder at our Sherway Gardens location, is seen wearing the Nike Air Max 95 Comme des Garçons Black Grey.
What is it about the Air Max 95 that you love so much?
“It was the first shoe that my dad and I bonded over. He was the one who really got me into shoes and his favourite model was the 95, so ever since I was a kid I’ve loved them as well.”
View our curated collection of all the Air Maxes we currently have in stock at Plus.