10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Nike Air Max 1
The Nike Air Max 1 is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest Nike sneakers ever made. Designed by the man, the myth, and the legend that is Tinker Hatfield, it was introduced in the late ’80s and single-handedly transformed trainer culture for good. In fact, even though the iconic silhouette has been around for almost four decades, it still looks exactly like it did back in the day – a testament to just how truly timeless it is.
However, even if you are one of the biggest sneakerheads in the entire universe, there’s probably still stuff about it that you have no idea of. So, in this article by Captain Creps, we’ll be going through five things about the Nike Air Max 1 that you probably didn’t know. Let’s get to it!
1. It’s in the name
The Air Max 1 made its grand debut back in 1987, and believe it or not, it was the first model ever to make use of Nike’s critically-acclaimed Air Max technology. While many customers were scared that the exposed bubble would pop easily, they later realised that this it was actually made from a durable plastic and delivered nothing but unrivalled comfort and cushioning with every step. Air Max was so popular that it inspired coveted sneakers such as the Air Max 95, the Air Max 97, the Air VaporMax, and many more.
2. Space-age tech
You’d never guess, but the Air Max tech has its roots in space exploration. Developed by NASA engineer Marion Frank Rudy, this cushioning system uses pressurised gas in a durable plastic bag, bringing a touch of space-age innovation to your feet. Rudy’s innovative idea was inspired by the need to create a shock-absorbing solution for astronauts. This revolutionary technology not only provided unparalleled comfort but also paved the way for future advancements in sneaker cushioning systems, making the Air Max 1 a groundbreaking model in the history of athletic footwear.
3. Breaking boundaries
Tinker Hatfield encountered considerable resistance and doubt from within Nike when he proposed the visible Air unit. Despite these challenges, his vision prevailed, resulting in the creation of one of the most iconic trainers in history. Hatfield’s background as an architect influenced his design approach, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics. His innovative mindset extended beyond the Air Max 1, as he continued to push boundaries with other legendary models, cementing his legacy in the sneaker industry. Imagine a world without the AM1 – thankfully, Hatfield didn’t give up!
4. The hype machine
Nike didn’t rely solely on design to elevate the Air Max 1. The brand invested heavily in marketing, forming strategic partnerships with sports legends like Michael Jordan and John McEnroe. These efforts were instrumental in propelling the silhouette into the cultural spotlight, seamlessly blending athletic performance with street style. The American sportswear company’s strategic use of endorsements and visually striking advertisements, such as the first-ever use of The Beatles’ “Revolution” in a commercial, helped solidify the AM1’s place in sneaker history and popular culture.
5. From Paris with love
Before Tinker Hatfield became the innovative footwear designer that he’s known as today, he actually worked for Nike as an architect. For the Air Max 1, he nodded to his background by paying homage to The Centre Pompidou in Paris. Famous for its “inside out” design, this deconstructed aesthetic was what he had in mind when making Air Max tech an actual, physical thing that you could see and touch. Hatfield would take this theme one step further in 2018 by dropping a colourway that directly borrows the French building’s palette.
6. Double trouble
One of the main reasons why the “Bred 2.0” from 2023 was so hyped was because of the mini Swoosh. Embroidered across the lateral toe, pairs with this simple detail have become extremely sought-after over the years, and while they’re not as common as they used to be, it’s interesting to note that the first Air Max 1 to ever get this treatment was back in 1997. Pretty cool, huh?
7. Feel the atmos(phere)
Ever since it was introduced in 1987, the Air Max 1 has been blessed with hundreds (if not thousands) of collabs. But legendary Japanese retailer atmos was actually the first brand to work on its own version of the classic runner. Revealed back in 2002, it combined it with elements of the Air Safari, and it’s widely-considered to be one of the greatest colourways in the history of the universe.
8. The comeback kid
While the Air Max 1 wasn’t the first Nike shoe to get retroed (that title actually belongs to the Air Force 1), it was actually shelved for a brief period before it was brought back in 1992. Not only did this reissue update the materials to make them significantly more durable, there were other changes too, including subtle tweaks to the midsole, outsole, and Swoosh.
9. Happy Air Max Day
March 26th isn’t just a date; it’s Air Max Day. This annual celebration honours the debut of the Air Max 1 with exclusive releases and global events, celebrating the legacy of this legendary sneaker. Since its inception in 2014, Air Max Day has become a significant event for shoe enthusiasts worldwide. Nike releases limited edition models and collaborates with various artists and designers to create unique iterations of the Air Max line, ensuring the day remains a highlight on the sneaker calendar.
10. Dutch courage
In the Netherlands, the Air Max 1 enjoys a unique status. The gabber culture of the ’90s adopted it as a staple, and it has since become a beloved icon in Dutch sneaker culture, seamlessly integrating into hip-hop and mainstream fashion. This subcultural movement embraced the Air Max 1 for its bold design and comfort, making it a symbol of rebellion and individuality. Over the years, the Air Max 1’s influence has spread beyond gabber culture, cementing its place in the broader fashion scene in the Netherlands and beyond.
