Collection: Air Max 87

The Nike Air Max 87—better known as the Air Max 1—is a true legend in the world of sneakers. Released in 1987, it was the first sneaker to feature Nike’s iconic visible Air cushioning, forever changing the landscape of footwear design. Here's everything you need to know about the Air Max 1, its revolutionary tech, design, and lasting influence:

1. History and Significance of the Air Max 1

• Release Date (1987):
  The Air Max 1 debuted in 1987 as the brainchild of Tinker Hatfield, Nike’s legendary designer. Hatfield’s vision was to create a sneaker that not only offered superior performance but also made the technology visible. At the time, Nike was known for its Air-cushioned shoes, but the Air Max 1 was the first to showcase that Air cushioning in the heel.

• Visible Air Cushioning:
  The Air Max 1 was revolutionary for introducing visible Air technology. Prior to this, Air cushioning was hidden inside the sole. The Air Max 1 featured a large transparent window in the midsole to expose the Air unit in the heel, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. This visible Air unit became a hallmark of the Air Max line and an iconic feature of sneaker culture.

• Tinker Hatfield’s Vision:
  Tinker Hatfield, the designer behind the Air Max 1, was inspired by the architecture of the Paris Opera House. The building’s exposed beams and structure inspired him to create a shoe that would expose its internal Air cushioning for the first time. His innovative thinking turned the Air Max 1 into one of the most influential sneakers in history.

• Cultural Impact:
  The Air Max 1 wasn’t just a game-changer in terms of design and technology; it also became a cultural icon. It laid the foundation for the entire Air Max franchise, which would continue to produce ground-breaking sneakers for decades. It helped establish Nike’s dominance in the sneaker world and remains one of the most beloved shoes of all time.

2. Design and Features of the Air Max 1

The Air Max 1 was designed with both performance and aesthetic appeal in mind. Here are some of its key features:

• Visible Air Unit:
  The most obvious feature of the Air Max 1 is the visible Air unit in the heel, which gives the shoe its distinctive look. This clear window allows you to see the cushioned Air in the midsole, a design feature that’s now iconic across all Air Max sneakers.

• Classic Silhouette:
  The Air Max 1 has a sleek, low-cut silhouette that makes it versatile for various occasions, whether you’re hitting the streets, the gym, or just out and about. It has a rounded toe and a streamlined shape that doesn’t look bulky, yet still manages to pack plenty of cushioning and support.

• Leather, Suede, and Mesh Upper:
  The upper of the Air Max 1 is constructed with a mix of premium leather, suede, and breathable mesh. The mix of materials gives the shoe a premium feel while maintaining comfort and breathability. The mesh adds flexibility and ventilation, while the leather and suede give the shoe a more structured, durable feel.

• Distinctive Branding:
  The Nike Swoosh is featured prominently on the lateral side, while the Air Max logo can be found on the tongue, heel, and midsole. These simple branding elements keep the design clean but instantly recognizable.

• Colorways:
  The Air Max 1 has been released in numerous iconic colorways, but its first release featured a red, white, and gray color scheme. Over the years, the Air Max 1 has been reimagined in countless combinations of bold colors, material mixes, and even collaborative releases with designers and artists. Colorways like the “Anniversary Red”, “OG”, and “Safari” have become some of the most coveted.