Nike's "Air Max" is the type of unique shoe that's walked through several generations and cultures since its birth in the late 80s. Since its release, the Nike Air Max has experienced its own endless evolution, been involved in multiple collaborations, and served as a symbol of fashion and personality for people worldwide. I have no doubt that the sneaker's life and success result from the innovation and inspiration behind its initial creation.
In the 70s, former NASA engineer Frank Rudy approached Nike with the idea of using plastic gas-filled air bubbles as a new cushion for their shoes. Nike began using the air cushions with early sneakers such as the Nike Tailwind in the late 70s.
1985 rolled around, and Nike placed their trust in designer Tinker Hatfield to boost the company's sneaker reputation. Inspired by the "Centre Georges Pompidou" (a controversial art building in France that placed its interior structure on the outside; slide_), Hatfiled desired to expose the inner material of Nike's cushion. After much judgment from Nike for his idea, Hatfield ignored the critics and brought his vision to life; in 1987, the Air Max 1 was released and changed the sneaker world forever.
The Air Max technology went on to be used in hundreds of different Nike sneakers and continues to be purchased/collected by people around the world. The essence of the Air Max has only grown since the shoe began collaborations with renowned brands such as Off-White, Atmos, Skepta, and many more.
Even with the sneaker market growing insanely and shoes being released at crazy rates, I don't think any sneaker release will ever match the creativity and boldness of the Air Max.
