Few sneakers ever created are more iconic and historically significant than the Nike Air Max 1. Released in 1987, the Air Max 1 was the first sneaker to offer a look inside at the brand’s patented Air cushioning. The now-visible Air opened up a whole new world of technological innovation not just for Nike, but across the entire athletic shoe industry. From then on, consumers wanted to see the tech inside their sneakers. The Air Max 1 was designed by now-legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, the man behind many of the Swoosh’s most celebrated sneakers, as well as many of your favorite Air Jordan models. Although Nike’s Air Sole cushioning platform had been in use since the late 1970s, it wasn’t until ’87 that the world got a look inside the shoe at the technology, via a clear plastic window, or “bubble,” that displayed the columned Air chamber within.
The History of the Air Max 1
Hatfield’s brilliant clear window idea was inspired by the Pompidou Centre museum in Paris, which features a unique architectural design with large windows exposing the inside of the building and clear tube-like walkway chambers running along its façade. Taking the “exposed” concept to a sneaker, Hatfield created the original Air Max running shoe, now known as the Nike Air Max 1. Although created for running performance, the shoe quickly became a style icon for the casual crowd thanks to its bright original colorways in white with red or blue accents, and of course, the Air bubble.
Still an Air Max Mainstay
Fast forward to current times, and the Nike Air Max 1 holds a status as one of the most popular sneakers on Earth. The design has been released in countless new color combinations and materials throughout the years, as well as modernized reconstructions. It’s even been turned into a boot. The designed spawned the entire Air Max category for Nike, still in production today. It continues to push the boundaries of comfort with bigger and better Air Max bubbles on models like the Air VaporMax and Air Max 270. The silhouette also ranks high as one of the most collectable models for sneakerheads, from rare original pairs to coveted limited edition collaborations with artists and esteemed sneaker boutiques around the globe.
The world simply can’t get enough of the clean and versatile design of the Nike Air Max 1, and that fact certainly won’t be changing any time soon. Available in a wide range of men’s, women’s, and kids’ styles here at Foot Locker, find your pair of the timeless Nike Air Max 1 today.
