A “grand” sense of nostalgia marks Nike’s roster in 2024, as the footwear maestro plans to bring back some serious eye-catchers. Alongside the expected return of well-loved classics like the “Eggplant” and “Metallic Copper” colourways from the Foamposite One series, an equally – if not more – exciting revival is brewing. The chatter around the sneaker world is all about the highly-coveted Nike Air Max 1 “Grand Piano”. If you never thought you’d see the legendary design get a retro release, prepare for a pleasant surprise in 2024.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Those with a keen memory for sneaker releases might recall the inception of the “Grand Piano” in 2009, made explicitly for Taiwan’s elite retailer, PHANTACi. If not, indulge me in a past-present trip for this exclusive pair.
Behind this exquisite sneaker were the brilliant minds of Ric and Jay Chou, co-founders of the brand. You might recognise the name Jay Chou. Besides being a businessman, he’s also a celebrated actor and musician. Funnily enough, Jay’s musical prowess served as a muse for the colour palette of this sneaker. Come to think of it, there’s a clip of him performing on a bright pink piano, and I can’t help but wonder if it could be the inspiration behind the colour scheme.
The crisp white uppers pair brilliantly with the glossy black patent leather to mirror a piano’s keys, and the subtle hint of bronze gold reflects the instrument’s intricate mechanics. It’s no exaggeration to say the design is a fitting tribute to the grandeur of a grand piano.
Adding to the allure, these kicks were launched in extremely limited quantities—an exclusive 400 pairs in Taipei, to be precise. Given their unique design and rare availability, it’s no surprise that these sneakers have become a desired collector’s item for sneaker enthusiasts. They’ve even fetched resale prices that could give a good run to your average monthly car loan repayment.
Now, the buzz is building around a possible revival of these cherished kicks, with a retro unveiling slated for 2024 as official images start cropping up on social media.
The Design of the Nike Air Max 1 “Grand Piano”
The official images indicate that the sneaker’s design remains true to the original 2009 model. It features the same black and white colour scheme on the upper, beautifully paired with a vibrant, velvet, hot pink lining.
The gold accents, adding a touch of luxury, can still be found on the heel and top eyestays, maintaining the eye-catching aesthetics of the OG model.
RELATED: Air Max 1 “Neutral Olive and Black” Is Available to Purchase
Also making a comeback, the bold “PIANO” lace dubraes – a striking feature synonymous with the first drop- coordinate in a hot pink and black theme.
The design is wrapped up beautifully with a crisp, white midsole and pink rubber outsole, the air bubble sighted neatly within the heel.
While the retro Air Max 1 “Grand Piano” is set to be a big hit amongst sneaker lovers this year, the inevitable question is whether all sneaker fans will appreciate Nike’s decision to bring back this iconic collaboration.
Should Nike Be Giving An Encore?
The return of the “Grand Piano” design is sure to anger some old sneakerheads. The rarity and exclusivity of these shoes have made them a prized possession on the resale market, so you best believe these kicks fetch a pretty penny. At present, the starting price for the original pair on StockX stands at a hefty $1,489 for a men’s size 10.
Now, this introduces a small amount of concern for those who have purchased the original design with hopes for a financial return. With Nike set to reissue the Grand Piano, it’s highly probable that the value of the original design may decrease substantially.
On the upside, this could be “THE MOMENT” for countless sneaker lovers who have been yearning to call the “Grand Piano” their own but have been set back by the steep resale prices.
Nike’s decision to re-launch this retro design could be a game changer, offering many the chance to partake in sneaker history without breaking the bank. We’re buzzing to know your thoughts on this re-release, so hit us up on our social media and let’s chat about this.
Nike Air Max 1 “Grand Piano” Release Details
At this moment in time, Nike has yet to release any details regarding the launch of the eagerly anticipated Air Max 1 Retro “Grand Piano”. Who knows, they may just hit us with a shock drop when we least expect it. That said, if you’ve got your heart set on getting hold of this exclusive design, make sure to keep an eye out for further updates. But in the meantime, you can follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more sneaker drops and reviews.
RELATED: Air Max 1 ’86 “Museum Masterpiece” Is Here
Are you copping the Nike Air Max 1 Retro “Grand Piano” in 2024?
Nike Air Max 1 “Grand Piano” |
|---|
 |
|---|
| SKU / Style Code: HJ3966-110 |
| Retail Price: TBA |
| Release Date: 2024 |
| Colours: White/Black-Metallic Gold-Pink Rise |
| Where to Buy: Nike |
Images: Twitter
