Since their introduction more than three decades ago, Nike’s Air Max sneakers have been sought-after by sneaker aficionados of all ages. Many popular new styles have come and gone, but a select few hold a special place in sneaker lore and continue to captivate even the most discerning shoe collector. Here’s a look at some of the best Nike Air Max sneakers of all time!
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The iconic Nike Air Max sneakers have a rich history that dates back to 1987 when the first Air Max shoe, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was released. This shoe featured a revolutionary visible Air cushioning technology in the heel of the shoe. Over the years, subsequent models such as the Air Max 90, 95 and 270 were released, which featured larger visible Air units, bold colour schemes and innovative lacing systems that made them stand out from other shoes on the market. The Nike Air Max line continues to be widely popular today among athletes, fashion enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike due to its timeless design and advanced technology.
15. Nike Air More Uptempo
A sneaker that needs no introduction, the Nike Air More Uptempo is a classic ’90s silhouette that is recognisable for its cool design, which includes a full-length Air Max unit and iconic side panel. It quickly became an icon in the sneaker world and was immortalized by NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. In fact, you’ll still find in on the shelves in 2023.
14. Nike Air Max LeBron 8
The Nike Air Max LeBron 8 is a luxurious basketball shoe designed with high-performance features, including a 360-degree Air Max unit, Nike Flywire technology and an all-natural leather upper. When it was released in 2010, this sneaker featured several stunning colourways – one of which was the iconic “South Beach” – garnering praise from sneakerheads in Miami and beyond.
13. OFF-WHITE X Air Max 90
The collaboration between OFF-WHITE and Nike has been going strong since the initial 2017 release of OFF-WHITE x Air Max 90 ‘The Ten’ as part of their five-pair debut ‘The Ten’ Collection. Since then, fans have seen releases such as the cult-favourite OFF-WHITE x Air Max 90 ‘Black’ and, more recently, the OFF-WHITE x Air Max 90 ‘Desert Ore’, which is known to be the end of ‘The Ten collaboration. However, it looks like those sneakers were just a taste of what was yet to come from these two brands.
12. Nike Air Max 97
The iconic Nike Air Max 97 was the first in its class to feature full-length Air cushioning. Its design is also noteworthy, as it has 3M highlights and sleek lines that give it a timeless appeal. This timeless sneaker set the foundation for more recent AM designs, such as the Air Max 24/7.
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11. Nike Air Max Penny I
The Nike Air Max Penny I sneakers were the debut of a highly sought-after signature line. Featuring advanced Air Max cushioning in the heel, they made an immediate impact and earned the respect of sneaker lovers everywhere, just like the man they were designed for.
10. Air Max 1 OG ‘Anniversary’ 2017
The Air Max 1 OG ‘Anniversary’ 2017 pays homage to the iconic design with a classic white, red and grey colourway. This iteration of the Air Max 1 features a combination of suede and mesh upper for breathability and comfort, complemented by a foam midsole outfitted with an eye-catching visible Air cushioning unit in the heel.
9. atmos x Nike Air Max 95 “Animal Pack”
The atmos x Nike Air Max 95 “Animal Pack” is an absolute showstopper! This version of the beloved shoe features a striking mix of faux tiger, leopard, zebra and pony panels for a wild and eye-catching look. Originally released in 2006, the 2018 rerelease updates the black parts to ivory for added distinction.
8. Air Max 97 ‘On Air: Shanghai Kaleidoscope’
As part of Nike’s ‘On Air’ initiative, Cash Ru from Shanghai managed to inspire the public with his design of the Air Max 97 ‘On Air: Shanghai Kaleidoscope’. This eye-catching shoe was inspired by the city’s horizon and can be recognized by its mixture of sky blue and white, representing clouds. Cash Ru was ultimately chosen as one of six winners from a group of 18 finalists selected across six cities – New York, London, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo.
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7. Air Max Lunar90 SP ‘Moon Landing’
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s momentous walk on the moon, Nike released the Air Max Lunar90 SP ‘Moon Landing’. Paying homage to one of mankind’s greatest achievements, these sneakers feature a pattern of lunar prints on their uppers and star and strip details at the heel for an extra patriotic touch. The shoes sold out immediately when they debuted in 2014, a testament to their enduring popularity!
6. Air Max 90 ‘Warhawk’
The Air Max 90 ‘Warhawk’ takes inspiration from the infamous World War II Pursuit (Fighter) Plane dubbed the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. This special edition sneaker is characterized by its unique design, which includes “teeth” along the upper and midsole, as well as a tiger shark print in honour of the Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers were a group of American pilots who volunteered to defend China from Japan prior to the US entering WWII.
5. Parra x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Amsterdam’
In 2005, Dutch artist Piet Parra collaborated with Nike on two limited sneaker releases. One of them was the Parra x Nike Air Max 1 ‘Amsterdam’. This special edition design excites even the most seasoned sneaker aficionados due to its unique look and distinct colour combination of Brownstone, Blue Reef and Dark Oak. What makes these shoes even more covetable is that there are only rumoured to be 200-300 pairs in existence – each prominently featuring the Amsterdam crest on the heel of the shoe.
4. Travis Scott x Air Max 1
For the Travis Scott x Air Max 1 Cactus Jack Brown collaboration, Nike took inspiration from the ACG Pocket Knife hiking shoe and combined it with Travis Scott’s signature style. The layered mesh upper is dressed in a tonal-brown hue with reversed Swoosh logos, and it features drawstring Gillie lacing for a trail runner look. Finally, a yellowed sole complete with cloudy Air unit completes the design.
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3. Parra x Air Max 1 ‘Albert Heijn’
Parra’s Para x Air Max 1 ‘Albert Heijn’ is a sneaker like no other. The special edition design was first planned to release in 2005, with an eye-catching mix of white, orange and blue honouring the Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn. However, when their branding changed shortly before their release date, Nike decided to scrap the shoe and only gave 24 pairs to Parra’s family and friends. This made them some of the rarest – and most expensive – Air Max 1s of all time! Although they remain out of reach for many, these shoes have been hailed as exceptionally beautiful show-stoppers – so be sure keep an eye out in case Parra ever decides to retro them!
2. Nike Air Max CW (Sensation)
The Nike Air Max CW (Sensation) was a popular shoe in the 1990s, often competing with other iconic sneakers of the same era. Unfortunately, it was removed from the market after C-Webb – the man for whom it was created – left Nike due to disagreements on how to market and sell the shoe. Despite its short shelf life, fans of the classic ’90s basketball design it exhibits continue to call for its return.
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1. Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 “Lakers”
The Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 “Lakers” blends the retro basketball silhouette with a colourway inspired by Los Angeles’ legendary NBA franchise. It features a white leather upper with details in yellow, purple and their signature gold accent. The midsole is equipped with Nike’s revolutionary Air cushioning system for all-day comfort, while the ghillie lacing system provides support and a secure fit. Turn heads in your own court while celebrating one of the greatest teams of all time.
Features:
– White leather upper
– Ghillie lacing system
– Revolutionary Nike Air cushioning technology
– Purple Swoosh detailing
– Yellow and gold accents
Benefits:
– Lightweight feel for maximum comfort
– Gives you a bold statement of team spirit and retro style
– Durable construction for long-lasting wearability.
All these Nike Air Max sneakers and more are available online at GOAT.
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