We’ve seen the stunning Dunk Low that Nike has lined up to commemorate Hangul Day, and now it’s time for the iconic Air Max 1 to join in on the celebration. The Tinker Hatfield design will join the famous Dunk Low silhouette as part of a collection that pays tribute to the Korean writing system.
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Hangul Day commemorates King Sejong the Great’s invention of the Korean language and is observed as a national holiday in South Korea on October 9. Over the years, Nike has chosen to celebrate this important cultural holiday by releasing special-edition sneaker packs that incorporate Hangul characters and design elements. Last year, sneakerheads were treated to a Nike Air Max “Hangul Day” set featuring a light-toned Air Max 1 and a darker Air Max 97. This year, the Air Max 1 returns decked out in gorgeous suede to match its Dunk Low counterpart.
While the Dunk Low “Hangul” uses muted off-white tones to dress its leather and suede upper, the Air Max 1 “Hangul” opts for a sail mesh base with warm brown tones across its suede overlays. The signature Nike Swoosh is seen in sail leather on the side panels, while a mini version is embroidered onto the mudguard’s lateral side in sail thread. The sneaker’s laces then come in a complementary beige colour, adding to the overall cohesive look of the shoe. However, the standout feature of this design is undoubtedly the Hangul characters found throughout the sneaker. These characters, which are part of the Korean alphabet, add an extra layer of meaning to the design, celebrating Korean culture and language.
The left heel features Nike spelt out phonetically in Korean script, while the right heel showcases Nike 1972 branding. Additional Hangul details are seen on the insole and hangtag included with each pair. The Hangul script adds a unique and cultural touch to the design, paying homage to this special Korean heritage and simultaneously highlighting Nike’s global reach.
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Finally, the midsole unit opts for a slightly creamy finish that delivers a vintage aesthetic to the Air Max 1. The outsole then incorporates both sail and black hues, which complement the shoe’s overall colour scheme. This combination of colours adds depth and versatility to the design, making it suitable for various outfits and occasions.
The Nike Air Max 1 ‘Hangul Day’ is expected to be released sometime in October, as the brand celebrates the annual Hangul Day in South Korea. However, an official release date has yet to be announced for this women’s exclusive sneaker. You can grab a pair of these stunning Air Max 1’s from Nike Sportswear stores, online, and Nike.com for a retail price of $160 USD once they are available. Until then, don’t forget to follow us for more sneaker drops and reviews as we continue to bring you exciting updates from the world of footwear.
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