The Air Max series is one of the most popular series that represents NIKE sneakers, along with Jordan and Air Force.
Even if you don't know much about sneakers, you've probably heard the name.
Since its launch about 40 years ago, various models of the Air Max series have been released, but the models that became a huge hit when they were first released are still popular today.
In this article, we will introduce some of the most popular series in the Air Max series, as well as the most popular models from each series, with photos.
If you want to buy an Air Max but are having trouble deciding which model to get, be sure to use the contents of this article as a reference for making your selection.
What is NIKE Air Max?
The origins of the Air Max series
The first model of the Air Max series, the Air Max 1, was released in 1987.
Although the technology to inject air into the heel area to provide cushioning existed at the time, the Air Max 1 was the first to feature an airbag exposed from the outside, i.e. visible air .
Its unprecedented, innovative design and outstanding cushioning performance, achieved by a structure that properly releases airbag pressure to the outside, made the Air Max a huge hit, and it won overwhelming popularity in the sneaker world.
Based on the structure of the Air Max 1, which shocked the world, successor models have been born one after another to this day.
By the way, March 26th, the release date of the Air Max 1, is known as Air Max Day, and a special edition Air Max is released every year.
The successor model sparked a boom in high-tech sneakers
The successor model, the Air Max 90, was also a huge hit, based on the simple-looking silhouette of the Air Max 1, but with a moderately high-tech feel, including plastic parts that emphasize the visible air.
Furthermore, the Air Max 95, released in 1995, had a significantly different design from the conventional Air Max, and its bold design became so popular that it caused a social phenomenon.
In particular, it is no exaggeration to say that the Air Max 95 model is a symbol of the high-tech sneaker boom that occurred in the late 1990s.
As you can see from these facts, the Air Max series has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since its release and has sometimes even become a social phenomenon, making it a legendary model like no other in the sneaker world.
Popular models and features of Air Max from the past
The exact number of releases has not been made public, so the specific number is unknown, but there are at least 50 different models in the Air Max series, starting from the initial model.
Among the many Air Max models, the following four are particularly popular.
- Air Max 90
- Air Max 95
- Air Max 97
- Air Max Plus
All of these models were huge hits that became social phenomena when they were first released, and their popularity has not waned even now, decades later.
These four models in particular are popular lines and are often reissued, often with modern color patterns, and in collaborations with famous brands and artists.
Air Max 90: The evolution of the original model that symbolizes Nike's history
- Increased size airbag
- TPU parts around the airbag and heel logo
- Composite upper with mesh, leather and TPU parts
The design is based on the design of the early Air Max 1 model, and combines various parts to give it a high-tech feel.
A distinctive feature is the TPU parts used in various places.
It is positioned to cover the visible air, which is the face of Air Max, and just above it, the AIR MAX logo, shoelace holes, heel logo, and other fine details have been changed to TPU parts, creating an exquisite combination of the retro feel of the Air Max 1 and the high-tech feel of the TPU parts .
Despite its slim silhouette, the midsole has just the right amount of volume without feeling overdone, and the overall balance is well-balanced, making this a popular model among a wide range of people.
Air Max 95: The revolutionary sneaker that lit up the streets of the 90s
- Not only the heel but also the airbag on the toe side is exposed
- An innovative design based on the human skeleton and muscles
- The legendary sneaker that sparked the high-tech sneaker boom
The Air Max 95 has undergone significant changes from previous Air Max models, including an increased area of visible air and a new upper design.
This sneaker was a huge hit thanks to its high-tech look, including rib-like shoelace straps and a gradient upper.
At the time, the premium price of the 95s was skyrocketing, so much so that a term like "Air Max hunting" was even born, referring to people who were wearing them being robbed.
Of course, its popularity has not waned even today, and it is a model that is indispensable when talking about Air Max .
Air Max 97 | A futuristic, streamlined design
- Streamlined upper inspired by water ripples
- Fully exposed airbag from toe to heel
- Overall slim fit
The biggest feature of the 97 is that it is the first shoe in the series to feature "full-length visible air," which exposes the airbag from the toe to the heel.
Additionally, the streamlined upper inspired by ripples and the slim silhouette give the design a futuristic feel, which created a lot of buzz when it was first released.
Air Max Plus | A unique presence with an aggressive design
- Rubber parts placed throughout the upper
- Separate front and rear airbags like the 95
- Many models have unusual coloring
Commonly known as the "Mapla," this model was released exclusively at the American sports shop Foot Locker at the time.
It was later sold at other stores and became a popular model on par with the 95 and 97 .
The upper features rubber parts reminiscent of palm trees and vibrant coloring, making this a highly original model.
The airbag located in the sole is different from the visible air of other models, and is equipped with a mechanism called "Tuned Air" that combines resin cushioning material.
The heel features the original "Tn" logo, which stands for Tuned Air, giving the model a unique atmosphere that is different from other models.
Popular Air Max colors
Infrared
This color was used in the original Air Max 90 model, and is composed of gray as the base color with bright red and black.
This color is synonymous with the 90s and has been used on other models such as the Air Jordan 6 and Dunk, making it one of Nike's many famous colors.
Yellow Gradient
Commonly known as "Iegra," this color is synonymous with the Air Max 95.
The overseas version is called "Volt" and features bright fluorescent yellow in some areas, creating a design that stands out against its simple appearance.
The yellow gradient Air Max 95 has been reissued many times, but it is so popular that it sells out every time.
Black/White
The Air Max series is attractive for its wide range of color patterns, but all-white and all-black are also popular colors.
Because it is simple, it will easily match any outfit, and the colors allow you to enjoy the design of each model.
[18 types in total] Popular Air Max models by series
We have introduced four of the most popular Air Max models of all time, and finally we would like to introduce the popular models from each series with images.
While some collaboration models and the like have a high premium price, many reproductions of original colors are relatively affordable, so be sure to check them out.
Popular Air Max 90 models
Air Max 90 OG "Infrared"
Infrared is the signature color of the Air Max 90.
Because it is a popular color, it has been reissued many times and can be purchased at a relatively affordable price even through secondary distribution.
Although simple, the vibrant red color makes these shoes a great accent piece for any outfit.
OFF-WHITE × NIKE Air Max 90
This is a collaboration with the popular high-end brand OFF-WHITE.
The overall design is unique, with the tongue sponge cut off and the Swoosh sewn on with distinctive stitching. This Air Max 90 is full of OFF-WHITE style.
Air Max 90 Recraft "Triple White"
All white model.
Thanks to the simple yet stylish design of the Air Max 90, this is a versatile pair of shoes that can be easily matched with any outfit and will make a statement on your feet.
Nike Air Max 90 Recraft "Iron Grey"
This model features a sophisticated charcoal grey color.
It has a different appeal from black, and the overall dark tone color pattern gives it a model with a different atmosphere from others.
UNDEFEATED × NIKE AIR MAX 90
This is a collaboration model with UNDEFEATED, a Los Angeles select shop.
It has been released with a white base and a black base, each of which comes in four patterns: red, green, blue, and yellow.
The shoelace debras and heel logo feature the UNDEFEATED logo.
Popular Air Max 95 models
Air Max 95 OG "Yellow Gradation"
This is a representative model of the Air Max 95.
The base color scheme is black, with the fluorescent yellow used as an accent color placed in an exquisite balance, giving your feet just the right amount of assertiveness.
Because it is a popular color, it has been reproduced several times in the past, and the most recent models are traded at relatively affordable prices.
Air Max 95 Essential "Black"
This is a simple model made up of only black and white.
The upper is all black, but the voluminous midsole is white, so the shoe doesn't look too heavy and can be easily matched with any outfit.
Air Max 95 "White Pure Platinum"
This model is made entirely of white from the upper to the sole.
Although it is simple, the volume of the 95 and the presence of the visible air in the midsole make it easy to match with a variety of outfits and also make a statement on your feet.
COMME des GARÇONS × Nike Air Max 95
This is a collaboration model with Comme des Garcons, Japan's first fashion brand created by designer Yasurei Kawaku.
The shoe features a composite upper with cut-outs of nubuck and canvas, and is available in monotone colors. A pair of shoes that is full of Comme des Garcons style.
It is available in three color patterns: Triple White, Triple Black, and White/Black.
Popular Air Max 97 models
Sean Wotherspoon × Nike Air Max 1/97 SW "Collector's Dream"
This is a collaboration model designed by SEAN WOTHERSPOON, who runs a vintage shop in Los Angeles.
It is a hybrid of the Air Max 97 and the original Air Max 1, and features a design that combines two different models, with the upper being the 97 and the midsole being the Air Max 1.
The upper is also made of corduroy material, which, combined with the pop color pattern, creates a stylish design.
Currently, they are traded at a price of over 100,000 yen, making them a very premium pair.
Off-White × Nike Air Max 97 "Gray"
It is a popular high-end brand This is the Air Max 97 in collaboration with OFF-WHITE.
The upper is a grey similar to the 97’s signature colour, Silver Bullet, and the swoosh on the side is a rainbow-like colour, giving the design a more futuristic feel.
For heels The unique "AIR" print of OFF-WHITE is applied, giving it an original feel of 97. This model is packed with OFF-WHITE elements.
Air Max 97 "Black/White"
A simple black and white model.
With its simple appearance and the slim silhouette characteristic of the 97, this model can be easily matched with a variety of outfits.
Air Max 97 "Silver Bullet"
This is the first colorway to represent the Air Max 97.
The metallic silver, reminiscent of the mountain bike owned by the designer, and the reflective piping give the color pattern a futuristic feel.
Undefeated × Nike Air Max 97 OG
This is a collaboration model with UNDEFEATED, a Los Angeles select shop.
Piping on the upper The UNDEFEATED logo is printed on the front.
Like the Air Max 90 collaboration, it will be released in multiple colors, including two black patterns, white, and olive.
Popular Air Max Plus models
Air Max Plus "Triple White"
This model is made up of all white parts.
Although it is a single color, the three-dimensional effect of the various parts gives it a distinct Air Max Plus feel.
Among the many flashy colors available for the Air Max Plus, choosing a simple color is also stylish.
Air Max Plus "Triple Black"
Air Max Plus OG "Voltage Purple"
Voltage Purple is one of the OG colors.
The entire upper is made up of a dark purple, with subtle orange on the side Swoosh and Tuned Air, making this a model that is full of Air Max Plus style.
Supreme x Nike Air Max Plus
This is a collaboration model with the popular street brand Supreme.
The shoe tongue logo is the Supreme box logo, making this a must-have pair for fans.
In addition to the white shown in the image, it will be available in three colors that are typical of the Air Max Plus: black/pink and green/orange.
summary
The Air Max series has over 50 models.
Four of the most popular Air Max models of all time remain popular even decades after their release.
The models introduced here are only a small part of the series.
What's more, there are a fair number of other Air Max series available, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Please use this article as a reference to find the Air Max that suits your taste.
