The Nike Air Max line has evolved from a performance revolution into a lifestyle icon. For the past 30 years and counting, countless of models and colorways have made their way onto the Air Max lineage. Its ever-expanding catalog features everything a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here at Nice Kicks, we want to show just some of the possibilities that Nike By You has to offer for #AirMaxMondays. Given the current state of affairs due to the pandemic, it’s important to stay home. But you can still be creative.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Nike is showcasing the stories and creations from individuals from LA, NYC, Toronto, and Chicago as they design their own AM which will be featured on @NikeSportswear.
Take a deep dive into each of our own creations below. Be sure to check out Nike By You to turn your creativity into a reality.
Nike Air Max 1
The OG that really needs no introduction. The Nike Air Max 1 debuted in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of many. The exposed Air unit was revolutionary as Tinker Hatfield provided a window into the shoe’s technology. Since it’s release, the Nike Air Max 1 has become a streetwear staple thanks to its seamless design and undeniable comfort.
Behind the design: The model is the perfect canvas for any colorway. For the last 30 years and counting the Nike Air Max 1 has been the foundation for memorable iterations. I chose this colorway for my AM1 as an ode to the first time I visited Oregon and had the chance to check out the Nike Employee Store. The forest green and gum bottom pay tribute to the nature that makes Portland/Beaverton so breathtaking.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 1 here.
Nike Air Max 90
How do you follow up the Nike Air Max 1? Well, you take it a step further. The Nike Air Max 90 was Tinker’s perfect follow-up to the Air Max 1. What really allowed the pair to stand out was its license plate-inspired heel tab that turned the AM90 into a household name as the shoe could not be ignored.
Behind the design: One of the iconic Nike Air Max 90s, and my personal favorite, is the “Infrared” iteration. Since the Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared” is rumored to return for Holiday 2020, I thought it’d be great to match fire with ice. The game royal pops so well with the white upper and midsole. Black accents as well as the heel tab in black allow that blue to pop.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 90 here.
Nike Air Max 95
The Nike Air Max 95 took a turn for the better. Sergio Lozano drew inspiration from human anatomy to create the AM95. The shoe’s layered upper is meant to mirror the way that the human body is set up — skin, ribs, and tendons. If you’re a huge fan of OG colors, the Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” is coming back in celebration of the pair’s 25th anniversary.
Behind the design: I think it’s only right to create the Nike Air Max 95 in the same spirit that Lozano did. I decorated the Swoosh, tongue, and lace structure in team red as a way to represent the human anatomy that AM95 eloquently captured. I’m a huge fan of anything black and red because of the way it draws your attention. I always admired the gradient look on the upper, so the evolution of a cool grey to black goes well with a white midsole and black outsole.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 95 here.
Nike Air Max 97
The Nike Air Max 97 was a drastic change of pace from the Nike Air Max 95. The shoe’s slimmer look made the shoe a cultural favorite in a matter of no time. The shoe also stood out as it was the first time that the shoe’s entire Air unit was visible. Christian Tresser created a masterpiece as the shoe also featured reflective hints on the upper.
Behind the design: The Nike Air Max 97 is one of my all-time favorite silhouettes because its design is extremely versatile. The shoe can be worn at any time of the year. The heavy use of olive is a perfect color for any time of the year (especially since Phoenix only has two seasons — hot and hotter). It’s only right to give the Air unit that same hue as the upper since it’s so visible.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 97 here.
Nike Air Max 270 React ENG
The Nike Air Max 270 React ENG is one of the latest creations from the Swoosh with comfort that is second to none. The shoe features Nike’s ultra-cushioned React technology in the forefoot of the shoe as an Air Max 270 unit is placed in the back of the shoe. The shoe also has a wavy look thanks to the vamps on the upper. Its lace structure and back heel loop allow for easy access that makes the shoe a daily go-to.
Behind the design: The Nike Air Max 270 React ENG has such a psychedelic look that bright tones fit the shoe perfectly. I also wanted to do something of an ASTROWORLD colorway to contrast the upcoming Travis Scott x Nike Air Max 270 React ENG that is predominantly earthy tones. The icy outsole pairs well with the rest of the colorful upper. A white midsole, toe box, and certain aspects of the upper provide a good amount of calm that lets the wild aspects of the colorway really standout.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 270 React ENG here.
Nike Air Max 2090
The Nike Air Max 2090 is the epitome of honoring the past while looking toward the future. In celebration of the Nike Air Max 90 and its 30 year anniversary, Nike cooked up the Air Max 2090 that encompasses the most notable aspects of the 90 and took it to the future. The shoe features an adaptation of the heel tab and Air unit that’s bigger than before.
Behind the design: As alluded to earlier, the Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared” is hands down my favorite Air Max iteration. Its iconic status in the sneaker game has made the colorway, and the silhouette, a recognized figure in sneaker culture. The Nike Air Max 2090 is an ode to the AM90, and this colorway is an extension of just that. I recreated the “Infrared” on the Air Max 2090 as the past meets the future.
You can create your own Nike Air Max 2090 here.
