A brilliant idea in its simplicity: reveal the cushioning air pocket previously hidden in the sole.
Today, it’s hard to imagine streetwear without the distinctive Air Max sneakers, but the innovative design by Tinker Hatfield, inspired by the avant-garde architecture of Paris’s Centre Pompidou, almost never saw the light of day. Fortunately, this touch of madness is now an integral part of the Oregon brand’s identity. Thanks to this, we can eagerly await the next innovation in the iconic technology and design that go hand in hand. Today, we would like to highlight some of the most famous models with visible cushioning that have, unsurprisingly, become urban icons.
What makes the Max Air technology iconic? It’s an enhancement of the Air system found in legendary sneakers from the ’80s, such as the Air Jordan 1 and Air Force 1. The gas cushioning—air compressed inside the sole and protected by a flexible and durable membrane—proved to be a soft, lightweight, and perfectly practical solution. Just ask Michael Jordan; he’ll surely confirm this.
In 1987, Nike’s head of “innovation kitchen,” Tinker Hatfield, decided to expose the previously unseen cushioning system… and nearly got fired. The idea of a “hollow sneaker” wasn’t popular with everyone. However, the concept of a transparent window in the sole, creating a unique lightness, turned out to be incredibly catchy. After prototypes like the Air Max 1 and Air Max Light, it was time for a true hit: the Nike Air Max 90.
The Nike Air Max 90, after years of giving way to newer models, made a spectacular comeback in 2000. Today, its position is unlikely to be threatened. What sets the first iconic Air Max sneakers apart? The air pocket, which in later models would occupy an increasingly larger area, appears here through a relatively small window.
Combined with the compact, sleek design of the sneakers, this type of sole certainly appeals to fans of the street style characteristic of the early ’90s. For minimalists, there’s the option of an all-black or all-white version. Do you prefer today’s trendy neutral and earthy tones? Choose beige or olive. If you like to surprise with your look, go for sharp color contrasts like orange and black. The ’90s? Rediscover them with the Air Max 90.
