Its upper was composed of nylon and synthetic felt, with a leather version being released in 1988. It was marketed for running, which would continue to be the case for new Air Max designs until 2018's Air Max 270. Released in 1987 as simply the Air Max, the Air Max 1 was the first shoe ever to employ Max Air technology. Even used shoes were in demand, and fakes also became a problem. The extremely inflated prices of the shoes led to a rash of muggings in the normally-peaceful country wherein Air Max wearers were attacked and their shoes were stolen. In the mid-1990s the line, particularly the Air Max 95, experienced such a surge of popularity in Japan that it led to a phenomenon known as 'Air Max hunting'. In some areas of LGBT sub-culture in Europe, certain Air Max models are coveted among foot, sneaker and sportswear fetishists. The line of sneakers is popular amongst many subcultures, for example hip hop and gabber. The size, design, and number of air units varies within the product line the 'retro' Air Max 1 simply includes one small unit under the heel, while in the contemporary Air VaporMax, effectively the entire midsole is composed of air units with no conventional foam present. The effectiveness of the technology for this purpose is disputed nevertheless, the shoes enjoy consistent popularity, especially among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors. Referred to as 'Air units' or 'airbags,' their stated purpose is to provide superior cushioning to traditional foam while also reducing weight. As the name indicates, all Air Max shoes feature one or more translucent pouches of pressurized gas embedded in the midsole and visible from the outside of the shoe. In 1979, he patented a design using polyurethane sacs filled with pressurized inert gas, and Nike has been using some version of this design ever since.

Frank Rudy, an aeronautical engineer, first brought the idea of an air-cushioned sole to Nike in 1977. No firm Nike SNKRS launch details have been disclosed by the brand, but the pair is expected to launch for $150 USD before 2023 ends.įor more sneaker news, check out the latest Air Jordan releases.Air Max IV/BW in its original 'Persian Violet' colorway The reworked midsole favors a “White” finish, but the big Air Max bubble seemingly joins in on the light blue fun.Įnjoy an early look at the pair ahead. Swooshes on the sides deviate in a darker “Indigo Haze” that also takes over the mudguards underneath.

Textile visible at the toe box and collar opt for an off white hue that’s confused by a muted blue across the tongue, mid-foot, and middle heel. The latest?: A pair covered in “Football Grey,” “Dark Obsidian,” “Light Armory Blue,” and “Medium Soft Pink” tones.Īt quick glance, the unreleased Air Max 1 resembles Tinker Hatfield’s inaugural creations, but closer inspection reveals some differences. The Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Big Bubble is here to stay.Īfter releasing in the model’s original “University Red” color scheme, the well-cushioned design has emerged in new styles. This article was published on Maand updated on April 14, 2023

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